6 


^L-'O 


Srom  t^e  i^i^xMi^  of 

(ptofe66or  T3?tfPtam  J^^^^  (Kreen 

QSequeat^eb  6)^  ^im  to 
f  ^e  £i6rari5  of 

(J)rtnceton  C^eofogicaf  ^eminatj 

.FZ6  7 


0U.  it  an^^to^-/^ 


THE 


POETICAL  BOOKS 


OF   THE 


HOLYSCEIPTURES. 


WITH 

A  CRITICAL  AND  EXPLANATORY  COMMENTARY. 


/ 

BY  THE  REV.  A.  E.  FAUSSET,  A.M., 

KECTOR,  ST.  CUTHBERT'S,  YORK,  i.XGLAND, 
ANT- 
REV.  B.  "1    ;sMITH.  D.D., 

PEOFESSOR  OF  ORIENTAL   LlIiiRATURE  AND  BIBLICAL  INSTEUCTIOIT 
I^   UNION  THEOLOQICAI,  SEMINARY. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
JAMES    S.    CLAXTON, 

SUCCESSOR   TO   WM,    S.    &   ALFRED   MARTIEN, 

1214  Chestnut  Street. 

1867. 


5bl  oi  %,bhxtbhiwm. 


A.^EvrroN.  .Miss  Adelaide  JSewtoa, 

Bo Bochart. 

Benq ...BenKel. 

Bub.  ..~ Burrowes. 

Cocc Cocce  lis. 

De.  W De  Wette. 

Pur Dnrham. 

EiCH tichorn. 

Ges Gesenius. 

Grot.  Giotius.Annott.  In  Act.  Apost. 

HoL Holden. 

Hengst Hengstenberg. 

Linn Linnaeus. 

Mich Michaelis. 

Maur Maurer  of  Heiligstedt. 

M.  Stuart.. .Moody  Stuart. 

Nor Noyes. 

Parkh Parkhurst. 

Raavl Ra'vlinson. 

Ros RoserimuJler. 

ScH ••  .Sf:hutcens. 

South.  .....3outhey. 


Tat-m Talmud 

Umbr V  mbreii 

O.  T Old  Testament. 

N.  T New  Testann?-it. 

N.  S.  E.  W.  ..ISorth,  South.  iSast.  West 

Cf.  (confer,,  meaning  Compar" 

Lit Literally. 

FtG Figurativeif 

Sing Singular. 

Plur Plural. 

Ex.  OR For  example's  sake. 

Tk A  NSL Translate,  T'ranslation. 

NoM Nominative 

Gr Greek. 

E.  V Eightsh  Version. 

T.XX The  vSeptugint  Greek  Version 

of  the  0.  T.,  written  at  Alex- 
andria for  ll<iaejiistic  Jews, 

Arab Aranic  Ver>iin. 

Syb The  Syriac  Version. 

iVuLO VuL'ate,  Latin  Version  of 

)  Jerome. 


INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  POETICAL  BOOKS. 


According  to  a  division  of  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures,  now  very  generally 
received,  Job,  Psalms,  Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes,  and  the  Song  of  Solomon  are 
termed  Poetical  Books.  Large  portions  of  the  Prophecies  also  present  specimens 
of  poetic  composition,  but.  these  books  alone,  are  almost,  and  some  exclusively, 
composed  in  that  style.  By  the  Jews  they  were  reckoned  in  that  division  of  the 
Old  Testament  Scriptures,  to  which  the  title  Hagiographa,  or  Holy  Writings,  was 
apphed,  because  they  were  thought  to  have  been  inspired  by  direct  communica- 
tions of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  not  through  the  medium  of  dreams  and  visions. 

I.  1.  In  reading  the  Bible  in  the  English  version,  we  discover  that  there  is  an 
obvious  difference  in  the  tone  we  insensibly  adopt  in  reading  the  books  of  Genesis 
and  Samuel,  for  instance,  and  that  we  use  in  reading  Job  and  P&alms.  We  also 
observe  a  marked  peculiarity  in  the  structure  of  most  of  the  sentences  in  these 
latter  books,  and  also  in  Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes,  and  the  Song  of  Solomon,  so  that 
one  part  of  a  sentence  corresponds,  by  repetition,  comparison,  or  contrast,  with 
the  other.  These  and  some  other  peculiarities,  to  be  more  fully  stated  below,  con- 
stitute what  is  called  the  poetic  style  of  the  Old  Testament.  This  differs  in  many 
respects  from  that  of  Western  and  modern  writings.  Some,  whose  assoeiation.s 
with  the  word  Poetry  suggest  compositions  of  equal  lines,  sometimes  terminating 
in  like  sounds,  called  Rhyme,  are  disposed  to  question  the  poetic  character  of  writ- 
ings devoid  of  such  marks.  But  it  is  quite  obvious  that  as  there  maybe  poetry  with- 
out Rhyme,  so  there  may  be  poetry  without  Rhythm  or  Metre.  The  compositions 
ascribed  to  Ossian  are  conceded  to  be  highly  poetic,  though  devoid  of  both  Rhyme 
and  Rhythm.  A  translation  of  the  most  celebrated  ancient  and  modern  poets 
generally  destroys  these  artificial  distinctions,  but  there  will  remain  a  poetic  sen- 
timent or  style  of  thought.  This  constitutes  ultimately  the  marked  distinction 
between  prose  and  poetry  in  all  languages,  a  distinction  which  arises  from  an 
essential  difference  in  the  mental  conceptions  of  the  writers.  The  mind  of  the 
poet  is  excited.  His  conceptions  are  greatly  influenced  by  the  imagination  and 
the  passions,  which  are  often  kindled  into  enthusiasm.  The  associations  are  rapid, 
so  rapid  as  often  to  obscure  connecting  links.  The  objects  of  his  attention  are 
often  highly  exaggerated  in  his  apprehension.  Every  faculty  of  the  soul  becomes, 
more  or  less,  affected  by  the  imagination.  His  language  reflects  his  mental  condi- 
tion. It  abounds  in  metaphors,  comparisons,  and  strong  contrasts.  It  is  abrupt, 
concise,  and  filled  with  expressions  of  surprise,  exultation,  joy,  grief  or  despair, 
of  a  highly  coloured  character.  The  mind  of  the  purely  prose  writer,  on  the 
other  hand,  is  ordinarily  calm  and  tranquil,  and  his  language,  as  a  vehicle  for  ex- 
pressing regular  and  progressive  trains  of  thought,  exhibits,  in  the  choice  of  words 
and  the  structure  of  sentences,  nothing  unusual  or  extraordinary. 

In  all  nations  we  find  that  poetry  has  preceded  prose.  It  is  more  the  lan- 
guage of  nature.  The  poet  was  also  a  prophet,  and  in  most  languages  the  same  title 
was  employed  to  designate  both.    He  was  the  instructor  of  tlie  people.    He  ij> 

(iii) 


INTRODUCTION  TO  THE 


cited  them  to  deeds  of  valour,  and  celebrated  those  deeds  in  their  festive  gather- 
ings. It  was  also  his  office  to  pourtray  great  and  virtuous  deeds,  to  embellish  and 
commend  the  precepts  of  religion,  and  celebrate  the  beneficence,  vrisdom,  and 
power  of  Deity.  These  general  characteristics  of  poetry  and  poets  belong  in 
common  to  the  poetry  of  thought,  in  whatever  language  or  age  its  monuments 
exist.  But  in  respect  to  the  poetic  sentiment  developed  by  the  ancient  Hebrews, 
and  especially  as  illustrated  in  these  books,  there  are  peculiarities,  the  delineation 
of  which  may  serve  to  enhance  our  appreciation  of  these  parts  of  revelation,  and, 
at  the  same  time,  aid  in  the  eflfbrt  to  understand  them. 

2.  Whether  the  more  natural  province  of  poetry  and  poets  is  men's""moral  in- 
struction or  not,  there  is  good  reason  for  believing  that  poetic  forms  of  composi- 
tion are  well  adapted  to  such  purposes,  as  they  were  selected  by  God  as  the  medium 
by  which  some  of  the  most  solemn  and  important  truths  of  divine  revelation  have 
been  made  known  to  man.  Indeed,  in  view  of  what  has  been  already  said,  we  may 
see  the  reasons  for  this  fact.  By  its  vivid  and  impressive  delineations,  poetry  is  well 
adapted  to  excite  the  strongest  emotions,  and  produce  the  most  lively  and  permanent 
conceptions.  We  have  been  so  accustomed  to  regard  the  Greek  and  Roman  poets  as 
models  of  ancient,  and  the  great  English,  Italian,  and  German  poets,  as  models  of 
modern  poetry,  that  since  their  most  celebrated  works  are  pictures  of  the  imagination, 
we  have  insensibly  adopted  the  opinion  that  there  is  a  necessary  connection  between 
fiction  and  poetry;  that  it  is  only  when  the  "poet's  eye"  is  "in  a  fine  phrenzy  roll- 
ing," and  "imagination  bodies  forth  the  forms  of  things  unknown,"  that  we  can 
expect  the  "  poet's  pen"  to  charm  and  instruct  the  soul  by  words  of  beauty,  sub- 
limity, and  pathos.  But  though  most  of  the  Hebrew  poets  are  more  ancient  than 
those  of  Greece  and  Rome,  and  so  lived  nearer  the  ages  of  that  fabulous  antiquity, 
esteemed  so  favourable  to  poetry,  they  did  not  deal  in  fiction.  Their  inspiration 
was  no  work  of  phrensy,  and  yet  their  compositions  evince  a  true  poetic  fervor. 
The  elevated  conceptions,  gorgeous  imagery,  tenderness  and  sweetness  of  expres- 
sion, bold  metaphor,  vivid  comparisons  and  contrasts,  exclamations,  interroga- 
tions, and  apostrophes  which  distinguish  the  book  of  Job,  the  Psalms,  Isaiah, 
and  Habakkuk,  and  many  other  parts  of  the  Old  Testament,  are  unequalled  by 
the  compositions  of  any  uninspired  men.  The  splendid  conceptions  which  imagi- 
nation furnished  Homer,  Virgil,  and  Shakspeare  are  exceeded  by  the  grand  ideas 
which  the  Spirit  of  God  imparted  to  the  Hebrew  poets  from  the  facts  of  creation, 
providence,  and  redemption.  The  themes  thus  supplied,  taught  in  the  words 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  teaches,  were  in  themselves  of  the  most  sublime  character, 
and  calculated  to  excite  those  very  feelings,  the  existence  of  which  gives  rise  to 
the  loftiest  poetic  style.  God,  in  his  infinite  and  incomprehensible  nature,  attri- 
butes, and  perfections,  the  displays  of  his  creative  power  and  the  "might  of  his 
terrible  acts,"  in  his  "most  holy,  wise,  and  powerful"  government;  the  creation,  in 
all  the  vastness,  variety,  grandeur,  harmony,  beauty,  and  usefulness  of  its  parts ; 
the  ordering  of  the  processes  of  nature,  in  the  storms,  floods,  volcanoes,  and 
earthquakes,  as  well  as  in  the  usual,  though  not  less  magnificent,  courses  of  the 
sun,  moon,  and  stars,  and  the  changes  of  the  seasons;  the  special  providence 
of  God  to  his  chosen  people,  his  miraculous  interventions  for  their  deliverance, 
his  judgments  on  their  enemies,  the  brilliant  future  depicted  for  them,  and  more 
especially  the  coming  glories  and  prevalence  of  the  mediatorial  kingdom,  with  the 
foreshadowing  of  the  majestic  reigu  pf  his  illustrious  incarnate  Son  as  head  over 
(iv) 


POETICAL  BOOKS. 


all  principality  and  power  and  eternal  King  in  Zion,  are  examples  of  the  topics  on 
which,  long  before  the  period  of  the  most  celebrated  classic  literature,  the  Hebrew 
poets  were  employed  to  instruct  mankind. 

3.  Growing  out  of  the  origin  and  nature  of  Hebrew  poetry,  and  the  character  and 
relation  of  the  writers,  are  some  distinguishing  peculiarities. 

(1.)  It  is  eminently  national.  The  country,  clime,  peculiar  institutions,  with  all 
their  rites  and  ceremonies,  and  the  singular  national  history  of  the  people  are  so 
Tividly  reflected  in  these  poems,  that  they  can  belong  to  no  other  people. 

(2.)  It  is  peculiarly  original.  Even  Homer's  great  poems  may  have  had  their 
predecessors  in  the  unrecorded  legends  and  songs  of  an  earlier  day.  But  the 
song  of  triumph  over  Pharaoh's  destruction  could  have  had  no  model.  The  i)re- 
dictions  of  Jacob,  Gen.  xlix.,  had  no  type  in  any  precedent  history.  David's 
lament  for  Saul  and  Jonathan  could  find  no  example  in  other  than  a  people's  his- 
tory, who  had  received  the  lessons  of  inspiration,  and  the  rapt  songs  in  which 
David  mourns  the  past,  or  triumphs  in  the  future  history  of  the  church,  found  no 
precedents  in  the  records  of  a  world  which  know  but  one  Zion.  On  the  Hebrew 
muse,  it  has  been  well  said, "  the  rose  of  Sharon  blushed  with  its  first  loveliness,  and 
the  dews  of  Hermon  were  first  disturbed  by  her  unsandled  feet." 

(3.)  Hebrew  poetry  is  the  spontaneous  effusion  of  the  heart.  There  is  neither 
"  constraint,  eflTort,  nor  affectation."  With  this  is  united  a  winning  simplicity.  The 
artificial  methods  of  critics  and  rhetoricians  did  not  incite  or  guide,  curb  or  con- 
fine the  poet.  "He  lisped  in  numbers  for  the  numbers  came."  There  is  no  effort 
to  supply  the  deficiencies  of  fancy  by  the  labours  of  culture.  Patriarchs,  legisla- 
tors, kings,  prophets,  priests,  herdsmen,  warriors,  and  ploughmen  were  the  bards 
of  this  wonderful  age. 

(4.)  Lastly,  Hebrew  poetry  possesses  an  undying  power.  Though  Hebrew,  it  is 
universal.  Its  pure  religious  element,  divine  truth,  fulness  and  energy  have  given 
it  perpetual  existence.  These  books,  after  the  lapse  of  so  many  ages,  "the  rise 
and  fall  of  so  many  modes  of  thought  and  forms  of  social  life,"  are  read  by  in- 
creasing hundreds.  Even  through  the  medium  of  translations,  they  are  re- 
garded with  profound  admiration.  The  passions  which  they  pourtray  still  exist 
in  men's  souls,  and  whether  the  mourning  and  sighs  of  the  penitent  or  the  trium- 
phant praises  of  hearts  joyful  in  God,  these  writings  are  found  to  be  more  ex- 
pressive of  religious  sentiment  than  any  other  compositions.  They  still  exercise 
a  moulding  influence  over  men  greater  than  any  other  rehgious  teachings  within 
the  range  of  human  literature,  excepting  only  the  words  of  Him,  "  who  spake  as 
never  man  spake." 

II.  1.  It  is  evident  that  no  artificial  structure  is  essential  to  true  poetry.  The  ex- 
ternal form  of  a  poem  in  one  language  is  necessarily  laid  aside  in  a  literal  transla- 
tion. Illustrations  of  this  remark  are  afforded  by  attempts  to  translate  the  Greek 
and  Latin  poets  into  our  own  tongue.  Those  versions  of  the  Psalms  of  David 
which  are  most  literal  have  least  of  the  external  form  of  poetry,  as  the  versions  of 
Sternhold  and  Hopkins  and  of  Rouse  fully  testify.  Hence,  if  we  find  in  the  poetical 
books  of  the  Bible  an  entire  want  of  artificial  structure,  our  foregoing  remarks  are 
not  at  all  affected.  Still,  it  is  true,  that  though  not  presented  in  the  poetic  forms 
of  other  languages,  there  is  an  obvious  peculiarity  of  structure  which  distinguishea 
some  portions  of  Scripture  from  others,  and,  as  already  observed,  this  is  so  per- 
ceptible, even  through  the  medium  of  a  translation,  that  we  insensibly  fall  into 


INTHODUCTION  TO  THE 


a  different  tone  of  voice  in  reading  such  portions.  Let  any  one,  for  instance,  read 
the  first  verse  of  the  first  chapter  of  Isaiah  and  then  proceed  to  read  the  second. 
It  will  be  discovered  that  without  any  design  the  voice  assumes  a  tone  in  reading 
the  latter  unlike  that  used  in  reading  the  former.  Compare  thus  Job  xlii.  1-6  with 
what  follows  from  verse  7th  through  the  chapter.  So  also  read  Deut.  xxxi. 
30,  and  follow  by  reading  chap,  xxxii.  1,  and  following.  This  difference  in  ex- 
ternal form  corresponds  very  strongly  with  the  difference  in  the  style  of  thought. 
The  passionate  feeling  gives  rise  to  passionate  expression.  The  excited  and  vivid 
conception  and  animated  style  of  sentiment  produces  a  corresponding  mode  of 
speech. 

2.  A  distinguishing  peculiarity  of  poetry  is  sententiousness.  This,  however,  is 
combined  with  another  feature  which  may  be  called  repetition.  The  ardour  of  mind 
in  the  writer,  leads  him  to  express  himself  in  a  brief  form  of  speech,  and  the 
desire  to  impress  what  he  says,  induces  a  repetition  of  the  idea  in  very  similar 
language.  Thus  Isaiah  says,  "  Israel  does  not  know,"  by  which  he  very  briefly 
states  the  unwillingness  of  the  people  to  receive  or  retain  instruction ;  then  he 
adds,  repeating  the  same  idea,'  '-my  people  doth  not  consider."    So  in  the  Psalms, 

'  What  is  man  that  Thou  art  mindful  of  him,  or  the  son  of  man  that  Thou  visitest 
him?"  In  this  verse  the  idea  of  the  first  part  is  repeated  in  the  second.  We  may 
observe  this  same  tendency  in  poets  of  other  languages.  Thus  Pope  in  his 
"  Messiah," 

"'Tis  he  the  obstructed  paths  of  sound  shall  clear, 
And  bid  new  music  charm  the  unfolding  ear." 

So  Shakespeare  in  King  John, 

"Our  discontented  countries  do  revolt, 
Our  people  quarrel  with  obedience." 
So  also  Milton,  Paradise  Lost,  b.  1, 1.  591-4, 

"  His  form  hath  not  yet  lost 
All  her  original  brightness ;  nor  appeared 
Less  than  archangel  ruined,  and  tn'  excess 
Of  glory  obscured." 
Similar  examples  could  be  easily  adduced  in  great  numbers,  illustrating  the 
tendency  of  poetic  sentiment  to  such  modes  of  expression. 

3.  To  this  prominent  characteristic  of  poetry,  as  it  appears  in  the  Scriptures,  has 
been  given  the  title  of  Parallelism.  It  presents  examples  of  various  forms,  and  in 
their  classification  some  difference  exists  among  critics.  We  may,  however,  offer 
what  follows  as  a  fair  representation  of  the  views  which  are  now  generally  received. 

There  are  three  forms  of  Parallelism,  the  Synonymous,  the  Antithetic,  and  tlie 
Synthetic. 

(1.)  The  Synonymous  Parallelism.— In.  this  the  two  members  express  substantially 
the  same  thought.  Sometimes  this  involves  the  use,  in  part,  of  the  same  terms, 
and  sometimes  of  different  terms  throughout.  It  occasionally  presents  a  very 
accurately  adjusted  arrangement  of  members,  in  which  each  word  in  one  member 
has  a  correspondent  term  in  the  other.  This  has,  by  some,  been  called  the  original 
parallelism.  Thus,  "The  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  firmament 
showeth  his  handywork."  Ps.  xix.  1.  See  a  series  of  such  in  this  Psalm,  verses 
7-11.  To  those  forms  in  which  the  same  words  occur,  in  part,  in  both  members,  the 
term  identical  has  been  applied.    Ps.  cxviii.  8-9, 

"It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord  than  to  put  confidence  in  man. 

It  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord  than  to  put  confidence  in  princes." 
(vi)  .         '- 


POETICAL  BOOKS. 


Other  examples  of  parallelism  occur  in  Gen.  iv.  23,  Job  xviii.  13,  Ps.  Ixviii.  32,  Ps- 
xxxvi.  6,  Ps.  xl.  9,  Ps.  xlviii.  1,  Ps.  xxxi.  10,  Ps.  xl.  16. 

(2.)  The  Antithetic  Parallelism,. — Here  the  two  members  express  an  opposition 
or  contrast  of  sentiment  and  also  of  terms,  or  only  in  sentiment.    Prov.  x.  1, 

"A  wise  son  maketh  a  glad  father; 
But  a  foolish  son  is  the  heaviness  of  his  mother." 
In  this,  as  in  the  foregoing  species,  one  of  the  members  may  be  extended  so  as 
to  form  a  complex  idea,  as  in  Ps.  xv.  4.    So  also  there  is  sometimes  a  double  set 
of  contrasts,  as  in  Is.  liv.  10. 

(3.)  The  Synthetic  Paralldism  is  indicated  by  a  resemblance  in' the  form  of  con- 
struction and  progression  of  the  thoughts.  This  is  subject  to  a  similar  variety  to 
that  presented  in  the  other  species.  In  its  simpler  form  we  have  an  example  in 
Ps.  xci.  7, 

"  Though  a  thousand  fall  at  thy  side, 
And  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand, 
It  shall  not  come  nigh  thee." 

In  which  there  is  a  great  similarity  to  one  kind  of  Synonymous  Parallelism,  in  that 
the  last  member  is  extended.  But  this  extension,  it  will  be  observed,  introduces  a 
new  thought,  which  pertains  equally  to  both  the  previous  members.  There  may 
be  an  equality  in  terms,  as  in  Ps.  xix.  8, 

"The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul, 
The  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple." 

And  by  reference  to  the  Psalm  it  will  be  seen  how  this  parallel  is  continued 
through  several  verses.  So  also  in  many  other  cases,  as  in  Ps.  1. 1  and  3;  Ixv.  10; 
Ixviii.  31,  &c. 

On  the  fundamental  idea  of  Parallelism,  as  a  distinguishing  feature  in  the  ex- 
ternal form  of  Hebrew  poetry,  we  thus  see  at  least  three  leading  varieties  in  that 
form,  and  these  again  subject  to  several  modifications.  Different  modes  of  classi- 
fication have  been  suggested  by  different  critics,  but  the  considerations  which  are 
adduced  in  the  favour  of  any  one.  by  its  advocates,  are  not  of  a  very  important  charae" 
ter,  and  the  sketch  now  given  may  be  regarded  as  sufficiently  accurate  and  com- 
prehensive. Modifications,  however,  of  tlie  general  principles  now  explained, 
might  be  cited,  in  which,  while  the  traces  of  parallelism  are  distinctly  found,  an 
adherence  to  the  specified  forms  which  most  usually  occur  does  not  exist. 

4.  A  careful  perusal  of  the  poetical  books  and  other  portions  of  the  Old  Testament, 
written  in  poetry,  will  afford  full  illustrations  of  the  views  which  have  now  been 
given,  even  to  the  ICnglish  reader.  It  will  appear  very  clearly  that  "the  primitive 
and  fundamental  characteristics  of  poetry  in  general,  viz.,  a  constant  brevity  of  ex- 
pression, and  a  reinforcing  of  the  sentiment  by  means  of  repetition,  comparison, 
and  contrast,  have  ever  remained  the  principal  and  almost  the  sole  distinguishing 
features  of  the  poetry  of  the  ancient  Hebrews."  It  is  true,  there  are  a  few  passages, 
in  which,  at  the  close  of  two  connecting  clauses,  there  are  syllables  of  like  sound, 
and  the  clauses  having  the  purest  form  of  parallelism,  each  consisting  of  a  like 
number  of  syllables,  such  passages  have  been  cited  as  instances  of  rhyme.  Butnot 
only  are  these  very  few,  and  then  occurring  incidentally,  as  it  were,  but  the  so-called 
rhymes  are  formed,  in  most  instances,  by  the  recurrence  of  the  same  pronoun 
forms,  added  to  nouns  or  verbs.  We  may  safely  say,  there  was  no  rhyme  iu 
Hebrew  poetry.     Even  the  appearance  of  rhythm  or  metre  must  be  regarded 

(vii) 


INTRODUCTION  TO  THE 


rather  as  an  incidental  accompaniment  of  parallelism  than  a  designed  form  of 
writing. 

5.  On  the  other  hand,  the  poetry  of  Western  nations  may  have  had,  in  their 
origin,  a  character  analogous  to  the  Hebrew.  But  these  languages  were  more  cul- 
tivated. Writers,  not  content  with  the  harmony  of  sentiment  and  a  corresponding 
fitness  in  sound,  produced  by  the  arrangement  already  described,  undertook  to 
establish,  as  an  attribute  of  poetry,  a  farther  degree  of  harmony,  by  not  only  re- 
quiring a  certain  number  of  syllables  in  each  line,  but  also  a  regular  and  sometimes 
complicated  arrangement  of  such  syllables.  To  this  was  subsequently  added  the 
ornament  of  rhyme.  Whether  these  artificial  methods  of  expression  have  added  any- 
thing more  than  a  pleasing  impression  through  the  ear,  may  well  be  questioned. 
The  English  reader  may  so  far  find  the  means  of  forming  an  opinion  as  the  perusal 
of  some  of  the  most  distinguished  English  poets  will  allow,  by  comparing  the  best 
productions  in  blank  verse  and  rhyme  either  of  the  same  author  or  of  different 
authors.  It  is  believed  that  the  result  of  such  a  comparison  will  not  greatly  favour 
the  opinion  that  rhyme  has  improved  poetry.  There  is  often  required  some  sac- 
rifice of  sense  and  sound;  and  so,  even  in  blank  verse,  there  may  be  a  requisition 
on  the  writer  for  similar  subordination  of -tiie  higher  elements  of  poetry  to  the 
demands  of  verses  of  equal  syllabication,  and  a  prescribed  recurrence  of  syllables 
of  like  quantity. 

6.  To  the  English  reader,  what  has  now  been  offered  on  the  subject  of  the 
external  form  of  Hebrew  poetry,  is  as  much  as  seems  important  or  can  be  made 
intelligible.  A  question  at  once  arises,  relating  to  the  practical  advantage  accruing 
to  the  students  of  divine  truth,  from  its  presentation  to  the  mind  in  the  garb 
of  poetry.  Everything  has  been  made  by  God  beautiful  in  its  time.  God  has  gar- 
nished the  heavens  and  the  earth  with  the  elegant  as  well  as  useful  monuments 
of  his  power  and  skill.  It  would,  therefore,  be  not  only  no  reflection  on  his  wisdom, 
but  only  analogous  to  his  providential  orderings,  that  he  should  clothe  the  thoughts 
of  Eternal  Truth  in  the  forms  of  an  attractive  beauty.  Could  we  theuvdiscover  no 
other  advantage  arising  from  the  poetical  compositions  of  the  Scriptures,  this 
might  seem  sufficient  reason  for  their  existence. 

But  we  know  by  our  own  observation  and  experience  that  the  memory  both 
acquires  and  retains  sentiments  expressed  in  poetic  form  with  greater  ease  than 
it  does  those  expressed  in  prose.  And  when  we  find,  as  in  the  Book  of  Psalms, 
that  most  of  these  compositions  are  really  Liturgical  and  adapted  to  the  purposes 
of  divine  worship,  and  have  been  so  used  ever  since  their  existence,  and  consider 
that  there  is  an  apparent  adaptation  of  poetic  forms  to  the  expression  of  devotional 
sentiments.  We  discover  another  most  admirable  mark  of  divine  wisdom. 

Farther,  to  the  interpreter  of  scripture,  the  particular  feature  of  Hebrew  poetry 
which  has  been  discussed  is  not  without  its  value.  When  a  sentiment  has  been 
expressed  in  two  or  three  forms,  each  substantially  of  the  same  meaning,  obscure 
words  or  clauses  in  one  are  often  elucidated  by  the  clearer  corresponding  terms 
of  the  other.  Even  in  the  absence  of  exact  correspondence  of  terms,  the  meaning, 
which  may  clearly  attach  to  one  member,  will  aid  in  apprehending  the  otherwise 
obscure  idea  of  the  other.  Thus  we  are  often  guided  to  the  settlement  of  the 
proper  significations  of  words  and  idioms,  for  which  an  extensive  usage  may  be 
lacking.  So  the  member  of  an  antithetic  parallelism  which  is  in  contrast  with 
another,  becomes  a  guide  of  similar  utility.  It  is  only  in  the  constant  practice  of 
(?iii) 


POETICAL  BOOKS. 


the  art  of  interpretation  that  the  student  will  fully  appreciate  and  enjoy  the  bene- 
fits here  set  forth. 

Again,  as  the  mind  thus  learns  more  clearly  to  perceive,  and  fully  appreciate 
the  truths  addressed  to  the  understanding  in  a  mode  at  once  pleasing  and  im- 
proving to  the  taste,  it  is  not  unfrequently  a  consequence  that  a  greater,  love  for 
the  Scriptures,  and  more  zeal  in  the  effort  to  become  wise  in  the  words  and  teach- 
ings of  the  Spirit,  will  arise. 

III.  A  very  interesting  topic  of  inquiry  is  the  doctrinal  character  of  the  Poetical 
Books.  The  word,  doctrinal,  is  used  in  its  widest  sense  as  synonymous  with  teach- 
ing. It  may  be  observed,  in  the  outset,  that  we  would  not  properly  look  to  these  or 
indeed  to  any  of  the  Old  Testament  writings  for  as  full  expositions  of  the  dis- 
tinguishing truths  of  revealed  religion  as  to  the  New  Testament  writers.  For 
during  the  greater  part  of  the  time  occupied  with  the  formation  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment, the  Jews  enjoyed  the  instructions  of  Prophets  or  living  inspired  teachers, 
and  had  thus  access  to  supernatural  sources  of  instruction.  For  our  benefit  there 
was  needed  no  more  explicit  discoveries  of  the  truths  of  Christianity  than  would 
serve  to  show  that  Old  and  New  Testaments  declare  the  same  great  system,  and  to 
supply  the  material  whene  the  advocates  and  defenders  of  Divine  Revelation 
might  derive  their  arguments.  In  the  New  Testament  life  and  immortality  are 
brought  fully  to  light.  Now,  not  to  dwell  on  the  special  teachings  of  each  of  these 
books  in  order,  which  more  properly  belongs  to  the  special  Introductions  to  them, 
it  may  be  profitable  to  point  out,  how,  as  a  whole,  they  unfolded  for  the  ancient 
church,  as  fully  as  was  then  needed,  the  essential  teachings  of  that  Christian  faith 
which  Christ  and  his  apostles  have  more  fully  set  before  their  own,  and  all  suc- 
ceeding ages.  It  will  be  remembered  that  four  of  these  books — Psalms,  Proverbs, 
Ecelesiastes,  and  the  Song  of  Solomon— were  the  productions  of  two  consecutive 
generations,  thus  belonging  to  the  same  age;  and  that,  most  probably,  the  book  of 
Job,  of  far  more  ancient  origin,  had  been  broilght  to  light  by  Moses  not  more  than 
a  few  centuries  previously.  Thus  before  the  decline  of  the  nation  in  piety,  before 
responses  had  ceased  to  emanate  from  between  the  cherubim,  and  before  the 
spirit-of  prophecy  had  taken  its  flight  from  a  corrupt  and  hardened  church,  God 
provided  a  collection  of  writings,  by  which  the  faith  of  his  true  people  might  be 
fed  with  sound  doctrine,  on  the  great  themes  of  his  moral  government,  and 
especially  the  scheme  of  redemption  through  his  Son.  This  will  appear  from  such 
considerations  as  follow,  in  which  these  books  are  regarded  as  a  whole,  presenting 
as  such,  in  distinction  from  the  Historical,  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  Prophetical 
on  the  other,  those  religious  views  which  more  peculiarly  teach  what  "man  is  to 
believe  concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God  requires  of  man."  It  may  be  proper 
further  to  say  that  while,  as  will  be  seen,  the  Song  of  Songs,  as  part  of  the  collec- 
tion, has  a  most  important  place,  in  respect  of  the  one  great  truth  it  unfolds,  it 
cannot  properly,  as  it  is  an  allegory  for  the  illustration  and  enforcement  of  that 
truth,  be  quoted  as  contributing  to  the  general  system  presented  in  other  books. 

1.  The  being  and  attributes  of  God  are  most  fully  set  forth,  especially  in  Job  and 
the  Psalms.  In  no  portion  of  the  Scriptures  is  the  religion  of  a  pure  Theism  more 
clearly  unfolded.  The  religious  systems  of  the  Eastern  nations,  other  than  Jews, 
very  generally  favoured  the  idea,  afterwards  so  distinctive  of  the  Manicheans,  that 
the  universe  was  governed  by  a  good  and  an  evil  principle;  and  we  know  how  Greek 
and  Roman  Mythology  peopled  Hell,  as  well  as  Heaven,  with  Deities,  the  one  class 

(ix) 


INTRODUCTION  TO  THE 


to  be  deprecated  as  much  as  the  other  were  to  be  supplicated.  God  is  revealed 
especially  in  the  Book  of  Job  as  one:  and  this  is  the  more  remarkable,  in  that  the 
great  theme  of  discussion,  by  Job  and  his  friends,  was  that  very  feature  of  Divine 
providence,  the  mingled  good  and  evil  of  the  present  state,  which, misapprehended, 
furnished  the  argument  for  the  Dualism  of  heathen  religions.  This  one  God  is  de- 
scribed as  infinite  in  his  attributes  of  omnipresence,  omniscience,  omnipotence, 
wisdom,  justice,  holiness,  mercy,  and  truth.  He  is  eternal,  the  supreme  ruler  of 
the  world,  the  hearer  of  prayer,  and  the  gracious  dispenser  of  good,  or  the  indig- 
nant vindicator  of  his  government,  and  the  avenger  of  his  broken  laws,  or  of  his 
oppressed  people. 

2.  He  is  set  forth  as  the  creator,  and  the  sole  creator  of  the  world.  He  founded 
it  on  the  seas,  and  established  it  on  the  floods.  It  was  no  woi'k  of  chance,  or  of 
created  beings;  nor  was  it  eternal.  The  heavens  declare  his  glory,  and  the  firma- 
ment showeth  his  handywork. 

3.  The /ac^  that  God  governs  all  men,  both  good  and  evil,  is  everywhere  clearly 
taught,  and  the  Book  of  Job,  more  specially,  is  occupied  with  an  illustration  of  the 
wisdom  and  justice  with  which  this  government  is  administered,  as  against  the  crude 
theories  of  them,  who  saw  in  affliction  no  other  than  an  evidence  of  Divine  hatred, 
and  in  prosperity,  only  an  evidence  of  Divine  love.  Through  the  Psalms  and 
Eeclesiastes,  as  well  as  by  occasional  notices  in  Proverbs,  this,  to  unaided  man — 
to  the  natural  man — most  inexplicable  and  perplexing  topic,  God's  government  of 
the  wicked  as  well  as  the  good,  is  most  frequently  presented,  as  well  in  the  forms 
of  a  simple  didactic  teaching,  as  in  the  melting  strains  of  devotion,  both  in  the 
language  and  sentiment  of  prayer  and  praise. 

4.  The  existence  of  good  angels,  and  their  service  to  the  heirs  of  salvation,  and 
of  bad,  and  their  agency  in  the  production  of  evil,  are  most  explicitly  announced, 
and  illustrations  of  the  benevolence  of  the  one,  and  the  malevolence  of  the  other 
are  afforded,  as  if  in  advance  of  the  poor  theories  of  groping  heathen  or  semi- 
Christian  philsophers. 

5.  "  Of  man's  first  disobedience,"  and  its  mournful  and  memorable  results,  in  the 
condemnation,  as  well  as  the  spiritual  death  of  the  world,  we  may  not  have  the 
clear  and  explicit  teaching  presented  in  the  forms  of  a  logical  discussion  such  as 
Paul  gives  us,  but  the  whole  tenor  of  these  writings  implies  the  belief  of  these 
great  and  awful  truths.  In  no  book,  inspired  or  uninspired,  are  there  more 
clearly  exhibited  the  power  and  workings  of  sin,  or  more  fully  opened  up  the 
depravity  and  deceitfulness  of  the  heart  of  man  than  in  many  memorable  passages 
of  David's  inspired  declarations  of  the  character  and  conduct  of  his  enemies,  and 
his  equally  inspired  declarations  of  his  personal  convictions  and  his  personal  peni- 
tence. The  Divine  mercy  to  the  truly  humbled  and  contrite  soul,  along  with  the 
spiritual  import  of  a  divinely  appointed  ritual,  is  more  than  a  mere  inference,  but 
comes  to  us  in  as  explicit  and  encouraging  declarations  as  ever  fell  from  apostolic 
lips.  ^ 

6.  The  great  truth  of  New  Testament  revelation,  though  not  expounded  in  the 
forms  of  dogmatic  statement,  is  fully  presented  in  the  doctrine  of  a  Divine  mercy 
to  those  who  confess  and  forsake  their  sins,  and  approach  God  for  his  mercy 
through  those  mediums  of  access,  which  typified  a  nobler  Victim,  a  costlier  Sacri- 
fice, and  a  more  worthy  and  exalted  Priest  and  Intercessor. 

7.  In  no  portions  of  Scripture  is  more  light  shed  on  the  duties  of  daily  life, 


POETICAL  BOOKS. 


even  of  the  humblest;  on  the  conduct  proper  in  every  age  and  especially  in  youth  ; 
on  the  intercourse  of  man,  in  business  as  well  as  the  various  relations  of  domestic, 
social,  and  civil  life,  than  in  these  books,  especially  in  Proverbs  and  Ecclesiastes, 
though  not  exclusively;  for  in  Job  and  Psalms  also,  we  are  constantly  reminded 
that  the  religion  of  the  Bible  is  not  a  system  of  mysticism  for  anchorites  and 
monks,  but  of  faith  and  practice  for  men  of  like  passions,  temptations,  trials,  and 
duties  as  ourselves.  Even  the  minor  morals,  which  have  respect  to  men's  outward 
behaviour,  gentleness,  kindness,  politeness,  cleanliness,  industry,  diligence,  pa- 
tience, and  perseverance  are  enforced  by  the  precepts  of  a  Divine  teaching,  and 
under  the  sanctions  of  a  Divine  authority. 

8.  It  has  been  questioned  very  strongly,  whether  the  doctrines  of  a  future  life, 
and  especially  of  a  resurrection,  are  taught  in  these  books.  Time  and  space  allow 
no  discussion  of  the  subject.  But  the  celebrated  passage  in  Job  xix.  25-27,  we 
think,  admits  of  no  sound  interpretation  other  than  that  which  teaches  the 
doctrine  of  a  resurrection,  and  Psalms  xvi.  9-11,  in  foretelling,  as  inspired  apostles 
have  declared,  the  Resurrection  of  Christ,  was  doubtless  recorded  in  language 
capable  of  application,  by  those  he  represented,  to  their  own  future,  for  their  com- 
fort and  peace  in  view  of  the  common  lot,  which  they  knew  they  must  experience. 
Of  a  future  state  of  rewards  and  punishments,  not  only  must  the  readers  of  these 
books  become  convinced  they  teach,  by  many  portions  through  their  general 
tenor,  but  the  whole  view  they  give  of  men's  relations  to  God,  their  subjection  to 
his  government,  in  that  their  destiny,  whether  for  good  or  evil,  must  be  contem- 
plated as  reaching  beyond  time,,  and  especially  the  sublime  foreshadowing  of  a 
general  judgment  in  Ps.  1.,  and  the  allusions  of  Ps.  xlix.  and  xvii.,  xv.,  all  together 
seem  sufficient  to  establish  in  our  minds  the  belief,  that  theaneient  church  was  not 
left  in  ignorance  of  these  awful  and  glorious  truths. 

These  books,  in  their  attractive  dress,  more  than  any  other  poetic  writings  pre- 
serving that  attraction  in  its  native  beauty  and  simplicity,  even  in  a  translation,  are 
now  presented  to  the  reader  with  a  brief  explanation,  which,  it  is  hoped,  will  cast 
light  on  many  obscure  and  doubtful  passages,  enforce  the  lessons  of  divine  wisdom 
on  the  minds  of  those  who  peruse  it,  and  thus  encourage  and  promote  the  success- 
ful study  of  this,  as  well  as  other  portions  of  the  inspired  volume.  Brevity  and 
fulness  combined  have  been  sought,  that,  for  those  whose  time  and  occupations 
allow  them  but  little  leisure  for  sacred  studies,  the  means  of  understanding  God's 
word  may  be  afforded.  To  the  authors  and  publishers  of  this  Commentary  no 
higher  reward  can  be  found,  no  purer  pleasure  afforded,  than  will  be  obtained  in 
the  knowledge  that  the  blessing  of  the  author  of  the  Bible  may  have  rested  on 
their  labours.    To  him  be  glory  and  dominion  evermore. 

(xi) 


THE  BOOK  OF  JOB. 

INTRODUCTION. 

inTi  A  REAli  PBRSON'.— It  has  been  supposed  by  some  that  the  BooTt  of  Johisan  allegory.feot 
ftrpYlnBrraUve  on  account  of  the  artificial  character  of  many  of  its  staiements.  Thus  the  sacre.i 
niirnhera  three  and  seven,  often  occur.  He  had  tetcn  thousaud  slieep.  seven  sons,  both  before  and  after 
hiVtrialo'-  his  three  friends  Bit  down  with  him  seven  days  and  seven  nights  ;  both  before  and  after  his 
trials  he"^^ad  three  daujjhtere.  So  also  the  number  and  form  of  the  speeches  of  the  several  speakers 
Beem  to  beartiticial     The  name  of  Job,  too,  is  derived  from  an  Arabic  word  signifying  repe^itance. 

Rut  Ez  14  14  (cf  V  16  20,), speaks  of  "  Job"in  conjunction  with  "  Noah  and  Daniel."  real  persons. 
8t  James  (5  11 )  also  refers  to  Job  as  an  example  of  '  patience,"  which  he  wonld  not  have  been  likely 
to  do  had  Job  been  only  a  fictitious  person.  Also  the  names  of  persons  and  places  are  specified  wirh 
A  particularity  not  to  be  looked  for  in  an  allegory.  As  to  the  exact  doubling  of  his  possessions  after  his 
restoration  lip  doubt  the  round  number  is  given  for  the  exact  number,  as  the  latter  approached  near 
the  former  •  tnis  is  often  done  in  undoubtedly  historical  books.  As  to  the  studied  number  and  form 
of  the  speeches  it  seems  likely  that  the  arguments  were  substantially  those  whicli  appear  in  the  Book. 
but  that  the  stddUd  and  poetic  form  were  given  by  Job  himself  guided  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  lived 
140  years  after  his  trials,  and  nothing  would  be  more  natural,  than  that  he  should,  at  his  leisure, 
mould  into  a  perfect  form  the  arguments  used  in  the  momentous  debate,  for  the  instruction  of  the 
Church  in  all  ages.  Probably,  too,  the  debate  itself  occupied  several  sittings  ;  and  the  number  of 
BDeeohes  assigned  to  each  was  arranged  by  preconcerted  agreement,  aud  each  was  allowed  the  interval 
of  a  day  or  more  to  prepare  carefully  his  speech  and  replies :  this  will  account  for  the  speakers 
bringing  forward  their  arguments  in  regular  series,  no  one  speaking  out  of  his  turn.  As  to  the 
name  Job— repenJance- (supjosing  the  derivation  correct)  it  was  common  in  old  times  to  give  a  name 
from  circumstances  which  OQturred  at  an  advanced  period  of  life,  and  tbisisnoargumentagainBt  the 

"w  H  ERE^J^B  LIVED.— Fz,  accfttding  to  [(7e».l  means  a  light  sandy  soil,  and  was  in  the  N.  of 
Arabia  Ueserta,  between  Palestine  and  the  Euphrates,  called  by  Ptolemy  {Geog.  19)  Awitai  or 
Aisitai  In  Gen.  10. 23;  29.  21:  36.  28;  and  1  Chr.  1. 17,  42,  it  is  the  name  of  a  man :  in  Jer.  25.  SO; 
Lam  4  21;  and  Job  1.  1,  it  is  a  country.  Uz,  in  Gen.  22.  21.  is  said  to  be  the  son  of  Kahor,  brother  of 
Abraham,  a  different  person  from  the  one  mentioued  (Gen.  10. 23,),  a  grandson  of  Shem.  The  proba* 
bility  is  that  the  country  took  its  name  from  the  latter  of  the  two  ;  for  this  one  was  the  eon  of 
Aram  from  whom  the  Arameans  take  their  name,  and  these  dwelt  in  Mesopotamia,  between  the 
rivers  Euphrates  and  Tigris.  Cf.  as  to  the  dwelling  of  the  sons  of  Shem  in  Gen.  lO.  30,  "amount  of 
the  East "  answering  to  "  men  of  the  Ease'  (Job,  1.  3.).  Raxol.,  in  his  deciphering  of  the  Assyrian  in- 
scriptions, states  that  "  Cz  is  the  prevailing  name  of  the  country  at  the  mouth  of  the  Euphrates." 
It  is  probable  that  Eliphaz  the  Temanite  and  the  Sabeans  dwelt  in  that  quarter ;  and  we  know  that 
the  Chaldeans  resided  there,  and  not  near  Idumea,  which  some  identify  with  L'z.  The  tornado 
from  "  the  wilderness"  (ch.  1.  19,)  agrees  with  the  view  of  it  being  Arabia  Deserta.  Job  (ch.  1,  3.)  is 
called  "  the  greatest  of  the  men  of  the  East ;"  but  Idumea  was  not  E.,  but  S.  of  Palestine:  therefore 
in  Scripture  language,  tbe  phrase  cannot  apply  to  that  country;  but  probably  refers  to  the  N.  of 
Arabia  Deserta,  between  Palestine,  Idumea.  and  tbe  Euphrates.  So  the  Arabs  still  show  io  the 
Houran,  a  place  called  Uz,  as  the  residence  of  Job.  v     ^  ..^     . 

THE  A(iE  WHEN  JOB  LIVED.— ^Mjefiiw*  6x69  it  two  ages  before  Moses:  *.«.,  about  the  time 
of  Isaac:  eighteen  hundred  years  before  Christ,  aud  six  hundred  after  the  deluge.  Agreeing  with 
this  are  the  following  considerations :— 1.  Job's  length  of  life  is  patriarchal,  200  years.  2.  He  alludes 
only  to  the  earliest  form  of  idolatry,  viz.,  the  worship  of  the  sun,  moon,  and  heavenly  hosts  (called 
Saha,  whence  arises  the  title  Lord  of  Sabaoth,  as  opposed  to  wSabeanism,)  {ch.  3i.  26-28.).  3.  The  number 
of  oxen  and  rams  sacrificed,  seven,  as  in  the  case  of  Balaam.  God  would  not  have  sanctioned  this 
«/fer  the  giving  of  the  Mosaic  law,  though  He  might  graciously  accommodate  Himself  to  existing 
customs  before  the  law.  4.  The  language  of  Job  is  Hebrew,  interspersed  occasionally  with  Syriae 
and  Arabic  expressions,  implying  a  time  when  all  the  Shemitic  tribes  spoke  one  common  tongue  and 
had  not  branched  into  diflFerent  dialects,  Hebrew,  Syriae,  and  Arabic.  5.  He  speaks  of  the  most 
ancient  kind  of  writing,  viz.,  sculpture.  Riches  also  are  reckoned  by  cattle.  The  Hebrew  word, 
translated  a  piece  of  money,  ought  rather  to  be  rendered  o  lamb.  6.  There  is  no  allusion  to  the  exodus 
from  Egypt  and  to  the  miracles  that  accompanied  it;  nor  to  the  destruction  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah 
(Patrick,  however,  thinks  there  is,);  though  there  is  to  the  flood  (ch.  22. 15,);  and  these  events,  happening 
in  Job's  vicinity,  would  liave  been  striking  illustrations  of  the  argument  for  God's  interposition  in 
destroying  the  wicked  and  vindicating  the  righteous,  had  Job  and  his  friends  known  of  them.  Nor 
is  there  any  undoubted  reference  to  the  Jewish  law,  ritual,  and  priesthood.  7.  The  religion  of  Job 
is  that  which  prevailed  among  the  patriarchs  previous  to  the  law;  sacrifices  performed  by  the  head  of 
each  family;  no  officiating  priesthood,  temple,  or  consecrated  altar. 

THE  WRITER.- All  the  foregoing  facts  accord  with  Job  himself  having  been  the  author.  The 
style  of  thought,  imagery,  and  manners,  are  such  as  we  should  look  for  in  the  work  of  an  Arabian 
emir.  There  is  prensely  that  degree  of  knowledge  of  primitive  tradition  (see  ch.  31.  33,  as  to  Adam) 
which  was  universally  spread  abroad  in  the  days  of  Noah  and  Abraham,  and  which  wa.s  subsequently 
embodied  in  the  early  chapters  of  Genesis.  Job.  in  his  speeches,  shows  that  he  was  much  more  com- 
petent to  compose  the  work  than  EUhu.  to  whom  Liahtfoot  attributes  it.  The  style  forbids  its  being 
attributed  to  Moses,  to  whom  its  composition  is  by  some  attributed,  "whilst  be  was  among  the 
Madianites,  about  B.  O.  1520."  But  the  fact,  that  it,  though  not  a  Jewish  book,  appears  among  the 
Hebrew  sacred  writings,  makes  it  likely  that  it  came  to  the  knowledge  of  Moses  during  the  forty  years 
which  he  passed  in  parts  of  Arabia,  chiefly  near  Horeb ;  and  that  he,  by  Divine  guidance,  introduced 
it  as  a  sacred  writing  to  the  Israelites,  to  whom,  in  their  aflliction,  the  patience  and  restoration  of  Job 
were  calculated  to  be  a  lesson  of  especial  utility.  That  it  is  inspired  appears  from  the  f.ict  that  Paul 
U  (Jos.  3. 18)  (iaot«0  it  (Job,  S.  liii  wiU)  Ul«  formula,  "It  it»  nxitte.a."  Our  Saviour,  too  (Mat.  Si.  ssj. 


INTRODFCrnON-JOB. 


Slainly  refers  to  Job.  29  30.    Cf.  also  Jam.  4.  10.  and  1  Pet  f>.  G,  with  Job,  22.  29;  Rom.  11.  :u. :;.-  v-nth 
ob  1.5  8.    It  is  probably  the  oldest  book  in  the  Avorld.    It  stands  among  the  Ilasiogr.-.plia  in  the 
threefold  division  of  Scripture  into  the  Law,  the  Prophets,  aud  the  llasiogiayLa  ("  Psalms," 

CEsIgN  OF  THE  BOOK.— It  is  a  public  debate  in  poetic  form  on  nn  imrortnnt  qiieption  con- 
cerning the  Divine  government ;  moreover  the  piologue  and  epiloL'ue,  v/hich  are  iu  iirose,  shed  the 
interest  of  a  liviup  history  over  the  deliate,  which  would  otherwise  be  but  a  contest  ol  ab^tl■act 
^ea^onin:;s.  To  each  speaker  of  the  three  friends  three  speeches  are  assigned.  Job  having  no  one  to 
Btand  by'him  is  allowed  to  reply  to  each  speech  of  each  of  the  three.  Eliphaz,  as  the  elde.-it,  Icaila  the 
way.  Zophar.at  his  third  turn,  failed  to  speak,  thus  virtually  owning  himself  overcome  (ch.  27);  and 
therefore  Jobcontinued  Lis  reply,  which  forms  t/trpe  speeches  (ch.  26;  27,28;  29-31.).  Eiibu  (ch.  ii2-:i7.) 
is  allowed  /owr  speeches.  Jehovah  mak.'S  three  addresses  (ch.  38-41.).  Thus,  throughout  there  is  a 
tripartite  division.  The  whole  is  divided  into  three  parts  :-the  prologue,  poem  proper,  and  epi- 
logue. The  poem,  into  three:—!.  The  dispute  of  Job  and  his  three  friends  ;  2.  The  address  of  Elihu  ; 
3.  The  address  of  God.  There  are  three  series  in  the  controversy,  and  in  the  same  order.  The 
epilogue  (ch.  42.,)  also  is  threefold  ;  Job's  justification,  reconciliation  with  his  frien  s,  restoration. 
The  speakers  also  in  their  successive  speeches  regularly  advance  from  less  to  greater  vehemence.  ^V■ith 
all  this  artificial  composition,  everything  seems  easy  aud  natural. 

The  question  to  be  solved,  as  exemplified  in  the  case  of  Job,  is.  Why  are  the  righteous  afflicted  con- 
sistently with  God's  justice  ?  The  doctrine  of  retribution  after  death,  no  doulit,  is  the  great  solutinn 
of  the  difficulty.  And  to  it  Job  plainly  refers  in  ch.  14  14,  and  ch.  19.  25.  The  objection  to  this,  that 
the  explicitness  of  the  languase  on  the  resurrection  in  Job  is  incon.sistent  with  the  obscurity  on  the 
.subject  in  the  early  books  of  the  O.T,,  is  answered  by  the  fact,  that  Job  enjoyed  the  Divine  vision 
(ch.  38. 1;  42.5,),  and  therefore,  by  inspiration,  foretold  these  truths.  Next,  the  revelations  made 
outside  of  Israel  being  few  needed  to  be  the  more  explicit ;  thus  Balaam's  prophecy  (Num.  24.  17,), 
•was  clear  enough  to  lead  the  wise  men  of  the  East  by  the  star  (Mat.  2.);  and  in  the  age  before  the 
■written  law,  it  was  the  more  needful  lor  God  not  to  leave  himself  without  witness  of  the  truth.  Still 
Job  evidently  did  not  fully  realise  the  significance  designed  by  the  Spirit  in  his  own  words  (cf  1  Pet. 
1. 11, 12.).  The  doctrine,  though  existing,  was  not  plaip^y  revealed,  or  at  least  understood.  Hence 
lie  does  not  mainly  refer  to  this  solution.  Yes,  and  even  now,  we  need  something  in  addition  to  this 
solution.  David,  who  firmly  believed  in  a  future  retribution  (Ps.  16.  10;  17.  15,),  still  felt  the  diffi- 
culty not  entirely  solved  thereby  (Ps.  83.).  The  solution  is  not  in  Job's  or  in  his  three  friends' 
speeches.  It  must,  therefore,  be  in  Elihu's.  God  will  hold  a  final  judsment,  no  doubt,  to  clear  up 
all  that  seems  dark  in  his  present  dealings ;  but  He  also  now  providentially  and  morally  governs  the 
world  and  all  the  events  of  human  life.  Even  the  comparatively  righteous  are  not  without  sin  which 
iieeds  to  be  corrected.  The  justice  and  love  of  God  administer  the  altogether  deserved  and  merciful 
correction.  AfSiction  to  the  godly  is  thus  meicy  and  justice  iu  disguise.  The  afflicted  believer  on 
repentance  sees  this.  **  Via  crucis,  via  saliitis."  Though  afflicted,  the  godly  are  happier  even  novo 
than  the  ungodly,  and  when  affliction  has  attained  its  end,  it  is  removed  by  the  Lord.  In  the  O.T., 
the  consolations  are  more  temporal  and  outward:  in  the  N.T.,  more  spiritual;  but  in  neither  to  the 
entire  exclusion  of  the  other.  "  Prosperity,"  says  Bacon,  "  is  the  blessing  of  the  O.T. ;  adversity  that  ol 
the  N.T.,  which  is  the  mark  of  God's  more  especial  favour.  Yet  even  in  the  O.T.,  if  you  listen  to 
David's  harp,  you  shall  hear  as  many  hearse-like  airs  as  carols;  and  the  pencil  of  the  Holy  Ghost  has 
laboured  more  in  describing  the  afflictions  of  Job  than  the  felicities  of  Solomon.  Pro.operity  is  not 
without  many  fears  and  distastes  ;  and  adversity  is  not  without  comforts  aud  hopes."  Tliis  solution 
of  Elihu  is  seconded  by  the  addresses  of  God,  in  which  it  is  shown  God  must  be  just  (because  He  it 
God)  as  Elihu  had  shown  how  God  can  be  just  and  yet  the  righteous  be  afflicted.  It  is  also  acquiesced 
in  by  Job,  who  makes  no  reply.  God  reprimands  the  three  friends,  but  not  Elihu.  Job's  general 
course  is  approved ;  he  js  directed  to  intercede  for  his  friends  ^  aa4  ig  restored  to  double  his  formei 
prosperity. 

POETRY.— In  all  countries  poetry  is  the  earliest  form  of  composition  as  bein?  best  retained  in 
the  memory,  and  in  the  East  especially  it  was  customary  to  preserve  their  sentimeiits  in  a  terse,  pro- 
verbial, and  poetic  form  (called  maschal.).  Hebrew  poetry  is  not  constituted  by  the  rhythm  oi 
metre,  but  in  a  form  peculiar  to  itself  :—l.  In  an  alphabetical  arrangement  somewhat  like  oui 
acrostic.  For  instance.  Lam.  1.  2.  The  same  verse  repeated  at  inteivals;  as  Ps.  42;  107.  3 
Rhythm  of  gradation.  Psalms  o/  Utyrees,l%-V3i;  in  which  the  expression  of  the  previous  verse  is 
resumed  and  carried  forward  in  the  next  (Ps.  121.).  4.  The  chief  characteristic  of  Hebrew  noetrj 
is  parallelism,  or  the  correspondence  of  the  same  ideas  in  the  parallel  clauses.  The  earliest  ms'tance 
is  Enoch's  prophecy  (Jude,  14.),  and  Lamech's  parody  of  it  (Gen.  4.  23.).  These  kinds  occur,  (i )  The 
synonymous  parallelism,  in  which  the  second  is  a  repetition  of  the  first,  with  or  without  increase  o< 
force  (Ps.  22.  27;  Isa.  15. 1,);  sometimes  with  double  parallelism  (Isa.  1.  15.).  (■.)  The  antithetic  in 
which  the  idea  of  the  second  clause  is  the  converse  of  that  in  the  first  (Pro.  10. 1.).  (3.)  The  synthetic 
where  there  is  a  correspondence  between  different  propositions,  noun  answering  to  noun,  verb  tc 
yerb,  member  to  member,  the  sentiment,  moreover,  being  not  merely  echoed,  or  put  in  contrast  but 
enforced  by  accessory  ideas  (Job.  3.  3-9.).  Also  alternate  (Isa.  51. 19,),  "Desolation  and  destruction 
famine  and  sword,"  i.e.,  desolation  by  famine,  and  destruction  by  the  sword.  Introverted  ■  where  the 
fourth  answers  to  the  first,  and  the  third  to  the  second  (Mat.  7.  6.).  Parallelism  thus  often  affords  a 
key  to  the  interpretation.  For  tuller  information,  see  Lowth  (Introduction  to  Isaiah,  and  Lecture 
on  Tie'urew  Poetry)  and  Spirit  of  Hebrew  Poetry  by  Herder,  transi.  by  Mai'sU.  The  simpler  and  lesi 
wcifieialfoijafeolp»raUeli8mpi,'e?ailiaJob-amnrk  of  its  early  ase. 


THE 

BOOK    OF    JOB. 


GENERAL  ANALYSIS  OF  THE  BOOK. 
Parti  The  hixtorical  introduction,  eh.  i.  ii.  Part  II.  The  argument  or  controversy,  ch.  iii.-xlii.  6, 
t  Ti.e!<?^<  series  oi  the  coutraversy.  Job  opeus  the  discussiou  by  carsmg  his  day  auu  by  a  bitter  coia- 
D'airt  of  his  calamity,  ch.  ui.  Spcecl.  of  Elipnaz,  iv.  v.  Auswer  of  Job,  vi.  vii.  Speech  ol  BildaU,  yuu 
A^.twer  of  Job  ix  X  S»eecU  of  Zophar,  xi.  Aiisw^r  of  Job,  xU.-xiv.  2.  The  seco-nd  series  m  the  coutro- 
ves  Speech'  ol  Eiiph  z'ch.  xv  Inswer  of  Job,  x  i.  xvii.  Speech  of  Bildad,  xviii.  Answer  of  Job.  xijL 
srifich  oi  Zo  har  xs.  Aiiswer  of  Job,  xxl.  3.  The  third  fieries  lu  Lhe  coniroversy.  Speech  of  Rliphaz,  ch 
x^  A^sw^r  of  J^  x^.U  xxiv.  Speech  of  BUda.i,  xxv.  Answer  of  Job,  xxv,.-xxxL  4.  Speech  oi;^Eiihu, 
^^Ti^^^vii  5  The  Close  of  the  disoussi.  ii.  Tbe  .iddvesa  of  the  Almighty,  ch.  xxxvui.-xli.  The  le- 
spouse  and  peuiteutial  confessiou  of  Job,  ch.  xlii.  1-6.     III.  The  conclusion,  chap,  xiiii,  7-17. 


I  Th*  hoUnest  of  Job;  his  wealth;  his  religious 
earefor  his  ehitilren:  6  Satan,  appearina  Oeft 
God,  falsely  accuses  Job,  and  obtains  leave 


tempt  him.    13  Job  in  affliction  blesses  God. 
rrHEKE  was  a  man  "  in  the  land  of  Uz, 
•*■  whose  namet<)as6Job;  and  that  man 
was  *  perfect  and  upright,  and  one  that 
feared  <*  God.  and  escliewed  e\'il. 

2  And  there  were  boDi  uuto  him  seven 
sons  and  three  daughters. 

3  His  1  substance  aiso  was  seven  thonsand 
sheep,  and  three  thousand  camels,  and  live 
hundred  yoke  of  oxen,  and  live  hundred 
she-asses,  and  a  very  great  2  household;  so 
that  this  man  was  the  greatest  of  all  the 
8  men  of  the  east. 

4  And  his  sons  went  and  feasted  in  their 
houses,  every  one  his  day;  and  sent  and 
called  for  their  three  sisters,  to  eat  and  to 
drink  with  them. 

5  And  it  was  so,  when  the  days  of  their 
feasting  were  gone  about,  that  Job  sent 
and  sanctified  them,  and  rose  up  early  in 
the  morning, 'and  offered  bunit  olferines 
according  to  the  number  of  them  all :  lor 
Job  said,"/ It  may  be  that  my  sons  have 
sinned,  and  ^  cursed  God  in  their  hearts. 
Thus  did  Job  *  continually. 

6  H  ^'ow  /^  there  was  a  day  'when  the  sons 
of  God  came  to  present  themselves  before 
the  LoED,  and  6  Satan  came  also  6  among 
them. 

7  And  the  Lobd  said  unto  Satan,  Whence 
comest  thou?  Then  Satan  answered  the 
Loud,  and  said.  From  >  going  to  and  fro  in 
the  earth,  and  from  walkiiig  up  and  down 
in  it. 

8  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan,  7  Hast 
thou  consideretl  my  servant  Job,  that  there 
is  none  hke  him  m  the  earth,  a  perfect  and 
an  upright  man,  one  that  feareth  God,  and 
cscbeweth  evil? 

y  Then  Satan  answered  the  Lord,  and 
aaid.  Doth  Job  fear  God  for  nought? 

10  Ilast  *not  thou  made  an  hedge  about 
Luii,  and  about  his  house,  and  about  all 
that  he  hath  on  every  side?  'Thou  hast 
blessed  the  work  of  his  nanus,  and  his  8  sub- 
Btiince  is  iuci.'used  in  the  land: 

11  But  put  forth  thine  hand  now,  and 
touch  all  that  he  hath,  9  and  he  will  cmse 
tlice  to  thy  face. 

i  J  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan,  Behold 
all  that  he  hath  is  in  thy  i" power;  only 
npoti  hinisell  put  not  forth  thine  hand.  So 
Satan  went  forth  from  the  presence  of  the 


CHAP.  1.     1 

a  Gen.  22. 20.  I 

b  £36. 14. 14. 
m.  6.  11. 

e  Gen.  6.  9. 
Gen.  17.  1.  I 
ch.  2.  3.       I 

d  Pro.  8. 13. 
Pro.  16.  6. 

1  Or,  cattle.  I 

2  Or,  hus-  I 
bfiLdry. 

3  ^ona  of  tba  < 
east.  I 
Gen.  25.  6.  , 

e  Gen.  8.  20. 

oh.  42.  8. 
/  2  Cor.  11.2. 
ff  1  tin.  21. 

10,  13. 

4  aU  tha 
d«y.. 

h  ch.  2.  1. 
i  1  Kin.  23. 

19. 

ch.  38.  7. 

Dan.  7. 10. 


midst  of 

}  Mat.  12  .43. 
1  Pet.  6.  8. 

7  Hast  thou 
.et  thy 
heart  on. 

k  Pa.  34.  7. 

Isa.  6.  2. 

i  Pb.  lES.  1. 

Pro.  10.  22. 

8  Or,  Mitt!e. 

9  if  he  curee 
thee  not  ta 
thy  face. 

10  hand. 
Gen.  15.6. 

w»  Ecc.  9  12. 
n  Gen.  10.  7. 
U  Or,  s 
great  fire. 

12  rushed. 

13  from 
aeide.  etc. 

14  Or,  robs. 
«  1  Pet.  5.  6. 
P  Jam.  1.  17. 
g  Mat.  20,15. 
r  Eph.  f..  2<J. 

15  0r,attri- 
buujd  foUy 


13  IT  And  there  was  a  day  "•  when  his  sons 
and  his  daughters  ivtre  eating  and  drinking 
wine  in  their  eldest  brother's  house: 

14  And  there  came  a  messenger  unto  Job, 
and  said.  The  oxen  were  plowing,  and  the 
asses  feeding  beside  them; 

15  And  the  "  Sabeans  fell  upon  them,  and 
took  them  away ;  yea,  they  liave  slaiu  the 
servants  with  the  edge  of  the  sword;  and 
I  onlv  am  escaped  alone  to  tell  thee. 

16  While  he  was  yet  sjieaking,  there  came 
also  another,  and  said,  n  The  fire  of  God  is 
fallen  from  heaven,  and  hath  burnt  up  the 
sheep,  and  the  servants,  and  consumed 
them;  and  1  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell 
thee. 

17  While  he  teas  yet  speaking,  there  came 
also  another.and  said.  The  Chaldeans  made 
out  three  bands. and  12  fell  upon  the  camels, 
and  have  carried  them  away,  yea,  and 
slain  the  seiTants  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword;  and  1  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell 
thee. 

18  While  he  was  yet  speaking,  there  came 
also  another,  and  said,  Thy  sons  and  thy 
daughters  were  eating  and  drinking  wine 
in  their  eldest  brother  3  house: 

19  And,  behold,  there  came  a  great  wind 
13 from  the  \sildemes3,  and  smote  the-  four 
comers  of  the  house,  and  it  fell  upon  the 
young  men,  and  they  are  dead;  and  I  only 
am  escaped  alone  to  tell  thee. 

20  Then  Job  arose,  and  rent  his  1*  mantle, 
and  shaved  his  head,  and  °  fell  down  upoa 
the  groimd,  and  worshipped, 

21  And  said,  Naked  came  I  out  of  my 
mother's  womb,  and  naked  shall  I  return 
thither:  the  Lord  ^gave,  and  the  Lord 
hath  « taken  away ;  »■  blessed  be  the  name  of 
the  Lord.  ,,  , 

2-J  In  all  this  Job  sinned  not,  nor  15  charged 
God  foolishly. 

CHAPTER  IL 
1  Baton,  appearing  again  before  Ood,  obtains 

further  leave  to  tempt  Job:  The  smites  him  with 
tore  boils.    9  Job  reproves  his  wife. 

A  GAIN  there  was  a  d.ay  when  the  sons  of 
■"-  God  came  to  pr  .sent  themselves  before 
the  Lord,  and  Satan  came  also  among 
them,  to  present  himself  before  the  Lord. 

2  And  the  Lord  said  imto  Satan,  From 
whence  comest  thou?  And  Satan  ans'nered 
the  Lord,  and  said.  From  going  to  and  fro 
in  the  earth,  and  from  walkmg  up  and  down 
in  it. 

3  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Satan,  Hast 
thou  considered  my  servant  Job,  that  thtrt 
is  none  like  him  in  the  earth,  a  perfect  and 


THE 


BOOK  OF  JOB. 


CHAPTER  I.  \  ascend,  referring  to  the  smoke  ascending  to 

PAKT  I.— PKOLOQUE  OR  HISTORICAL  INTRO-  lieavcn,)  by  each  fatlier  ot  a  family  officiat- 
UTJCTION  IN  PROSE— CHAPTERS  i„  n.  I  in;,'  as  priest  in  behalf  of  his  lioiisehold. 
Ver.  1-6.  The  Holiness  op  .Job,  His  !  cursed  God— The  same  Hebrew  word  means 
Wealth,  &c.  1.  Uz— N.  of  Arabia  Deserfca, !  to  curse,  and  to  Mess;  Ges.  says,  the  original 
lying  towards  the  Euphrates;  it  'i-as  in  this :  sense  is  to  kneel,  and  thus  it  came  to  mean  : 
neighbourhood,  and  not  in  that  of  Idumea,  bending  the  knee  in  order  to  invoice  either  a 
that  the  Chaldeans  and  Sabeans  who  plun- !  blessing,  or  a  curse.  Cursing  is  a  perversion 
dered  him  dwelt.  The  Arabs  divide  their '  of  blessina,  as  all  sin  is  of  goodness.  Sin  is 
countryintotheX.calledSVirtTO,  or'*thelett:"  a  degeneracy,  not  a  genei-ation.  It  is  not, 
and  the  S.  called  Yemen,  or  "  the  right:"  for  however,  likely  that  Job  should  fear  the 
they  taced  E.  and  so  the  W.  was  on  their  possibility  of  his  sons  cursing  God.  Th© 
left,  and  the  S.  on  their  right.  Arabia  De-  sense  hidfareivell  to,  derived  from  the  Uess- 
sertawasontheE.,Ai-abiaPetri;ea  on  theW.,  ing  customary  at  pai-ting,  seems  sufficient 
and  Arabia  Felix  on  the  S.  Job— The  name  1  (Gen.  47.  10. i.  Thus  Umbr.  translates  "may 
conies  from  an  Arabic  word  meaning  to  re- 1  have  dismissed  God  from  their  hearts;"  viz. 
tarn,  viz.,  to  God,  to  repent,  referring  to  his  amidst  the  intoxication  of  pleasure  (Prov. 
end:  [EtcH.]  or  rather  from  a  Heb.  word  i20.  1.).  This  act  illustrates  Job's  "fear  of 
signifying  one  to  whom  enmity  was  shown,  '  God. "  v.l. 

greatly  tried.  [Ges.]  Significant  names  were  i  6-12.  Satan,  Appearing  Before  God, 
often  given  among  ihe  Hebrews,  from  some  |  Falsely  Accuses  Job.  6.  sons  of  God- 
event  of  the  after  life  icf.  Isa.  8.  IS;  Gen.  4.  i  Angels  (ch.  38.  7;  1  Ki.  22. 19.1.  They  present 
2),  Abel— a  feedm'  of  sheep.  So  the  emir  of  themselves  to  render  accountof  their  "minis- 
Vz  was  by  general  consent  called  Job,  on  ac-  try"  in  other  parts  of  the  universe  Heb.  1. 14). 
count  of  his  tricds.  The  only  other  person  !  the  Lord— He&.,  Jehovah— the  self-existing 
so  called  was  a  son  of  Issachar  (Gen.  46.  13.).  [God,  faithful  to  His  promises.    God  says 

?ierfect— Not  absolute  or  faultless  perfection  i  (Ex.  6.  3,  that  He  was  not  known  to  the 
cf.  9.  20;  Eccl.  7.  20.1,  hilt  integrity,  sincerity,  1  patriarchs  by  this  name.  But,  as  the  7iame 
and  consistency  on  the  whole,  in  all  relations  '  occurs  -previously  in  Gen.  2.  7-9,  fee,  what 
of  life  (Gen,  6.  9;  17. 1;  Prov.  10.  9;  Matth.  5.  !must  be  meant  is,  not  until  the  time  of 
iS.i.  It  was  the/earo/ God  that  kept  Job  from  i  delivering  Israel  by  Moses  was  He  known 
ei;iJ  (Prov.  8. 13.!.  3.  she  asses— Prized  on  ac- i  peculiarly  and  publicly  in  the  character 
count  of  their  milk,  and  for  riding  Judg.  5.  I  which  the  name  means,  viz.,  making  things 
10.).  Houses  and  lands  are  not  mentioned  \to  be,  fulfilling  the  promises  made  to  their 
among  the  emir's  wealth,  as  nomadic  tribes  j  forefatliers.  This  nr.me.  therefore,  here,  is 
dwell  in  iiioveaMc  tents,  and  live  chiefly  by  ^  no  objection  against  the  antiquity  of  the 
pasture,  the  right  .to  the  soil  not  bein^ap- jbookof  Job.  Satan— The  tradition  was  widely 
propriated  by  individuals.  The  "  five  hun- '  spread  that  he  had  been  the  agent  in  Adam's 
dred  yoke  of  oxen"  imply,  however,  that  Job  I  temptation.  Hence  his  name  is  given  with- 
tiUed  the  soil.  He  seems  also  to  have  had  a 'out  comment.  The  feeling  with  which  ha 
dwelling  in  a  town,  in  which  respect  he  dif-  looks  on  Job  is  similar  to  that  with  which 
fered  from  the  patriarchs.  Camels  are  well  \  he  looked  on  Adam  in  Paradise:  embold- 
called  shijis  of  the  desert,  especially  valu-  i  ened  by  his  success  in  the  case  of  one  not 
able  for  caravans,  as  being  able  to  lay  in  a  ]  yet  fallen,  he  is  confident  that  the  piety  of 
store  of  water  that  suffices  them  for  days,  'Job,  one  of  a  fallen  race,  will  not  stand  the 
and  sustaining  life  on  a  very  few  thistles  or  '  test.  He  had  fallen  himself  (ch.  4.  19;  15. 15; 
thorns,  household— (Gen.  26. 14.).  The  other  i  Jude,  6.).  In  thebook  of  Job  first  Satan  is  de- 
rendering,  wliich  the  Heb.  admits,  /ms- :  signated  by  name:  Saton.,  in  fle&.,  one  who 
bandry,  is  not  so  probable,  men  of  the  east—  lies  in  wait;  an  Adversary  in  a  court  of  justice 
Denoting  in  Scripture  those  living  east  of  !  (i  Chron.  21.  1;  Ps.  109.  6;  Zech.  3.  1.).  The 
Palestine;  as  the  people  of  North  Arabia  :  accitser  (Rev.  12.  10.).  He  has  got  the  law  of 
Deserta  tJudg.  6.  3;  Ez.  25.  4.).  4.  every  one  'God  on  his  side  by  man's  sin,  and  against 
his  dav— viz.,  the  birth-day  (ch.  3. 1.).  Im-  >  man.  But  Jesus  Christ  has  fulfilled  the  law 
plying  the  love  and  harmony  of  the  members  for  us;  justice  is  once  more  on  man's  side 
of  the  family,  as  contrasted  with  the  ruin  I  against  Satan  (Isa.  42.  21,',;  and  so  Jesus 
■which  soon  broke  up  such  a  scene  of  happi-  Christ  can  plead  as  our  Advocate  against  the 
ness.  The  sisters  axe  specified,  as  these  feasts  !  adversary  (Rom.  8.  33.).  Devil  is  the  Greek 
were  not  for  revelry,  which  would  be  incon- 1  name— the  slanderer,  or  accuser.  He  is  sub- 
sistent  with  the  presence  of  sisters.  These  ject  to  God,  who  uses  his  ministry  for  chas- 
latter  were  invited  by  the  brothers,  though  tising  man.  In  Arabic  5ate7i  is  often  applied 
they  gave  no  invitations  in  return.  5.  when  ■  to  a  serpent  (Gen.  3.  1.).  He  is  called  Prince 
the  days  of  feasting  were  gone  about— ie., 'of  this  world  (John,  12.  31,);  the  God  of  this 
at  the  end  of  all  the  birth-days  collective- 1  world  (2  Cor.  4.  4,) ;  Prince  of  the  power  of 
ly,  when  the  banquets  had  gone  round  the  air  (Eph.  2.  2.).  God  here  questions 
through  all  the  families.  Job  sanctified  them  t  him,  in  order  to  vindicate  His  own  ways 
—By  offering  up  as  many  expiatory  burnt- 1  before  angels.  7.  going  to  and  fro— Eather, 
offerings  as  he  had  sons  (Lev.  1.  4.).  This  hurrying  rapidly  to  and  fro.  The  original 
was  done  in  tlie  morning  (Gen.  22.  3;  Lev.  6.  ■  idea  in  Arabic  is  the  heat  of  haste  (1  Pet.  5. 
12.).  So  .Jesus  began  devotions  early  (Mk.  8;  Matth.  12.  43.).  Sitan  seems  to  have  had 
1.  3.5.).  The  holocaust,  or  burnt-ortering,  in  l  some  peculiar  connexion  with  this  earth. 
patriarchal  times,  was  offered  ^it.,  caused  to  i  Perhaps  he  Wfts  formerly  its  luler  under 
361 


.T.h  ^,r<<,m  tht  day  of  Ms  UrtTi.  JOB,  HT.  IT 


Eliphaz  reproves  Job. 


m  upright  man.  one  that  feareth  Uort,  aiid 
escheweth  evU?  and  still  he  "  holdeth  last 
his  integrity,  although  thou  moyedst  me 
against  ffi  Uo  distroy  him  ^  without 

*4  And  Satan  answered  the  Lord,  and  s^d, 
Skhi  for  skin,  yea,  all  that  a  man  hath  will 
^^^p'S^Silinehand  now  -d  touch 
his  "bone  and  his  flesh,  and  he  >m11  curse 
'fl'l Shi  LORD  said  unto  Satan.  Behold, 
teism  thine  hand;  ^b^*  ^X^^^ge  pre- 
7  IT  So  went  Satan  forth  "i'™  ^ne  pie- 
Bence  of  the  Lord,  and  smote  Job  with 
Iwe  boils  from  the  sole  of  his  foot  unto  his 

^'s^Andhetookhim  a  potsherd  to  scrape 
toelf  withal:  <*andhe  sat  down  among 

^sVlhln  said  'his  wife  tinto  him  /Dost 
thou  still  retain  thine  mtegrity?  curse  God, 

*W  fillt'he  said  unto  her.  Thou  speakest  as 
one  of  the  foolish  women  speaketh.  What! 
Bhall '  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  ot  t od, 
and  shaU  we  not  receive  eyill  In  aU  this 
did  not  J  oh  "sin  with  his  lips. 
11  II  Now  when  Job's  three  fiiends  heard 
of  aU  this  evil  that  was  come  upon  him, 
thev  came  every  one  from  bjsqwTi  place; 
Elii'haz  the  ifemanite,  and  Bildad  nhe 
Shi  lute,  and  Zophar  the  ^aanmthlte:  for 
they  ha.i  made  an  appointment  together  to 
come  *to  mourn  with  ham  and  to  comloit 

*^^And  when  they  lifted  up  their  eyes  afar 
off,  and  knew  him  not,  they  litted  up  their 
voice,  and  wept;  and  they  rent  everyone 
his  m.antle,  and » sprinkled  dust  upon  theu 
heads  toward  heaven.  , 

13  So  they  sat  down  with  him  upon  the 
eiound  "*  seven  days  and  seven  nights,  ana 
none  spake  a  word  unto  him:  for  they  saw 
that  his  grief  was  verj'  great. 
CHAPTER  in. 
I  Job  eurtes  the  day  of  hi>  birlh,  13  and  msheB 

for  the  ease  of  deathi  20  ht  complatna  of  life  oe- 

«au'e  of  hit  anguish. 

A  FTER  this  opened  Job  his  mouth,  and 
■"■  cursed  his  day. 

2  And  J  ob  1  spake,  and  said, 

3  Let  « the  day  perish  wherein  I  was  bom, 
and  the  night  in  which  it  was  said,  There 
IB  a  man  child  conceived.  .  ^  j 

4  Let  that  day  be  darkness;  let  not  (rOd 
regard  it  from  above,  neither  let  the  light 
Bhme  u;)on  it.  ,        „  ■■    ... 

5  Let  darkness  and  6  the  shadow  of  death 
8 stain  it;  let  a  cloud  dwell  upon  it;  ^ilet 
the  blackness  of  the  day  terrify  it. 

6  As  for  that  night,  let  darkness  seize 
upon  it;  *  let  it  not  be  joined  unto  the  days 
Of  the  year;  let  it  not  come  into  the  num- 
ber of  the  months.  ,  X  „„ 

7  Lo,  let  that  night  be  Bohtary;  let  no 
Joj-ful  voice  come  therein. 

8  Let  them  curse  it  that  curse  the  day, 
who  *  are  ready  to  raise  up  &  their  mourn- 

/'Let  the  stars  of  the  twilight  thereof  be 
dark;  let  it  look  for  light,  but  haw  none; 
neither  let  it  see  «  the  dawnmg  of  the 
day; 

10  Because  it  shut  not  up  the  doors  of  my 
mother's  womb,  uor  hid  sorrow  from  mme 
eyes. 


B.  c.  icao. 


CHAP.  2. 
ich.27.5.  6. 
1  to  «w»Uow 

h  Gen.  £2. 1. 

Mat.  7.11. 

John  9.  2. 

Heb.  2. 10. 

Heb.  12. 

6-11. 
c  ch.  19.  20. 
a  Or,  only. 
d  Ezck.  27. 

30. 
•  Gen.  3.  6. 
/ch.  21.  15. 
g  Rom.  IS. 

12. 

Jam.  6.10. 
h  Ps.  39.  1. 

Jam.  1.12. 
i  Gen.  36. 11. 

Jer.  49.  7. 
j  Gen.  £6.  2. 
k  Rom.  12. 

15. 
I  Neh.  9. 1. 

Lam.  2.  10. 

E«.  27  30. 
tnGen.  60.10. 

CHAP.  3. 

1  answered. 
a  Jer.  2iX  14. 
6  Pa.  44. 19. 

Amos  5.  8. 

2  Or,  chal- 
lenge it. 
Or,  let 
them  ter- 
rify it,  as 


thoeo 

have* 

bitter  day. 
4  Or,  let  it 

not  rejoice 

among  th» 

dayi. 
e  Jer.  9. 17. 
6  Or,  a 

leviathan. 

6  the  eyelid* 
of  the 
morning. 

7  wearied  in 
ttrength. 

d  Jer.  20. 18. 

8  wait. 
•  ProT.  2.  4. 
/  Lam.  8.  7. 

9  before  my 
meat. 

10  1  feared  i 
fear,  and 
it  came 
upon  me. 


CHAP.  4. 
1  a  word, 
who  can 
refrain 
from 
wordaT 

3  the  bowing 
knee. 

o  Luke  4. 23. 
6ch.  1.  1. 
e  ProT.  3.26. 
d  P».  7. 14. 
Pro  22. 8. 

4  That  i»,  by 
hie  arger. 
Is.  30.  33. 
2Thes.2.S 

e  Pi.  68.  6. 
/  P..  34.  10. 
6  by  ite^th. 


eyes.  ^  6  by  tte^th 

Jl  Why  died  I  not  ftom  the  womb?  why  I*  «b.  b.  i6. 


did  1  vot  give  up  the  ghost  when  I  came  out 
ofthebellv?  .       ,  „   „-_ 

12  Why  did  the  knees  prevent  me?  or  why 
the  breasts  that  I  should  suck'. 

13  For  now  should  I  have  lain  still  and 
been  quiet,  I  should  have  slept:  then  had  I 

llVith  kings  and  counsellors  of  the  earth, 
which  built  desolate  places  for  themselves; 

15  Or  with  princes  that  had  gold,  wl» 
filled  theu- houses  with  silver: 

16  Or  as  an  hidden  untimely  birth  I 
had   not  been;  as  infants  which  never 

if  Tlfere  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling 
and  there  the  7  weary  be  at  rest. 

18  lliere  the  prisoners  rest  together;  they 
hear  not  the  voice  of  the  oppressor. 

19  The  smaU  and  great  are  there;  and  the 
sen-ant  is  free  from  his  master. 

20  Wherefore  <*  is  light  given  to  him  that 
is  in  misery,  and  life  unto  the  bitter  m 

^2?^hich  8  long  for  death,  but  it  comefft 
not;  and  dig  for  it  more  than  <>  lor  hid 

*"2^  Which  rejoice  exceedingly,  and  are 
glad,  when  they  can  find  the  gravej 

23  Why  is  liaht  given  to  a  man  whose  way 
is  hid, /and  ^^hom  God  bath  hedgea  m? 

24  For  my  sighing  cometh  9  be  tore  I  cat 
and  my  roaiings  are  poured  out  hke  the 

^5^  For  10  the  thing  which  I  greatly  feared 
is  come  upon  me,  and  that  which  I  waa 
afraid  of  is  come  unto  me. 
26  I  was  not  in  satety,  neither  had  I  rest, 
neither  was  I  quiet;  yet  trouble  came. 

CHAPTER  IV, 
1  Elivhaz  reproves  Job  for  want  of  rehg-ion:!  M 

riohteovs,  but  for  the  wicked:  ]2  his  fearful 
vdion  desianed  to  humble  the  vamm^o.^  oj 
man's  exeelleney  in  the  siyht  of  his  Maker. 

rPHEN  Eliphaz  the  Temanite  answered 

2  If -KB  as'sav  lt«  commune  with  thee, 
wilt  thou  be  Sieved?  but  2  who  can  with- 
hold  himself  from  speaking? 

3  Behold,  thou  hast  instructed  many,  and 
thou  hast  strengthened  the  weak  hands. 

4  Thy  words  have  upholdeu  hira  that  waa 
falling,  and  thou  hast  strengthened  a  the 

%%Tno^  it  is  come^upon  thee  and 
thou  "  faintest;  it  toucheth  thee,  and  thoo 

"rifnot  ffti5  6  thy  fear,  « thy  confidence 
thy  hope,  and  the  uprightness  ol. thy  ways* 
7  Remember,  1  pray  thee,  who  e^er  per- 
ished,  being  innocent?  or  where  were  the 
"lEvras'ltve  seen,  ^  they  that  plow 
iniquity,  and  sow  wickedness,  reap  the 

'g^By  the  blast  of  God  they  perish  and  *  by 
the  breath  of  his  nostrils  are  they  con- 

'wThe  roaring  of  the  lion,  and  the  voice 
of  the  fierce  lion,  and  •  the  teeth  ot  the 
voun"  lions,  are  broken.  ,  „  ,  ,  „  „„ 
^11  The/old  Uon  perisheth  for  lack  of  prey 
and  the  stout  lion's  whelps  are  scattered 

^12  Now  a  thing  was  5  secretly  brought  to 
ml  and  mine  e^  received  a  little  thereof. 
13  In  0  thoughts  from  the  visions  ot  th« 
nSht.  when  dlep  sleep  feUeth  on  men. 


Job,  Ml  Affliction,  Blesses  Ood. 


joB.n. 


Satan  Further  Tempts  Job. 


God.    Man  succeeded  to  the  vice-royalty 

iGen.  1.  26;  Ps.  8.  6.) .    Man  lost  it,  and  Satan 
)ecame  Prince  of  this  world.    The  Son  of 

man  (Ps.  8.  4,)— tlie  representative  man.  re- 
gains the  forfeited  inheritance  iE.ev.  11. 15.). 

batan's  replies  are  characteristically  curt 
and  short.  When  the  angels  ai)pear  before 
God,  Satan  is  amona;  them,  even  as  there 
was  a  Judas  among  the  apostles.  8.  con- 
sidered—ilfavg'.,  set  thine  heart  on;  i.e.,  con- 
sidered attentivelv.  No  true  servant  of  God 
escapes  the  eye  of  the  Adversary  of  God.  9. 
fe.'ir  God  for  nought— It  is  a  mark  of  the  chil- 
dren of  Satan  to  sneer  and  not  give  credit  to 
any  for  disinterested  piety,  ^'ot  so  much 
God's  ffifts,  as  God  Himself  is  "the  reward" 
of  His  people  (Gen.  15.  1.).  10.  his  substance 
is  incrensea— Lit.,  spread  out  like  a  flood: 
Job's  herds  covered  the  face  of  the  country. 
11.  curse  thee  to  thy  face— In  antithesis  to 
God's  praise  of  him  iv.  8,),  "one  thatfeareth 
God."  Satan's  words  are  too  true  of  many. 
Take  away  their  prosperity  and  you  take 
away  their  religion  (Mai.  3. 14.!.  12.  in  thy 
power— Satan  has  no  power  against  man  till 
God  gives  it.  God  would  not  touch  Job  with 
His  own  hand,  though  Satan  asks  this  iv.  11, 
thine),  but  alloics  the  enemy  to  do  so. 

13-22.  Job,  m  Affliction,  Blesses  God, 
&c.  13.  wine— Not  specified  in  verse  4.  The 
mirth  inspired  by  the  wine  here  contrasts 
the  more  sadly  with  the  alarm  which  inter- 
rupted it.  14.  the  asses  feeding  beside  them— 
Heb.,  SiLe-asses.  A  graphic  picture  of  rural 
repose  and  peace;  the  more  dreadful,  there- 
fore, by  contrast  is  the  sudden  attack  of  the 
plunderinsArabs.  15.  Sabeans— Not  those  of 
Arabia  Felix,  butthoseof  Arabia Deserta.de- 
scending  from  Sheba,  grandson  of  Abraham 
andKeturah  (Gen.  25. 3.).  The  Bedouin  Ai-abs 
of  the  present  day  resemble,  in  marauding 
habits,  these  Sabeans  (cf.  Gen.  16.  12.).  I 
alone  am  escaped— Cunningly  contrived  by 
Satan.  One  in  each  case  escapes  {v.  16, 17. 
19,',  and  brings  the  same  kind  of  message. 
This  was  to  overwhelm  J  oh,  and  leave  him 
no  time  to  recover  from  the  rapid  succession 
of  calamities-"  misfortunes  seldom  come 
single."  16.  fire  of  God  — Hebraism  for  a 
mighty  fire;  as  cedars  of  God—lofttj  cedars. 
Not  Uohtning,  which  would  not  consume  all 
the  sheep  and  servants.  Umbr.  understands 
it  of  the  hiirning  wind  of  Arabia,  called  by 
the  Turks  "'wind  of  poison."  "The  prince 
of  the  power  of  the  air"  is  permitted  to 
have  control  over  such  destructive  agents. 
17.  Chaldeans  —  Not  merely  robbers  as 
the  Sabeans;  but  experienced  in  war,  as 
is  implied  by  "they  set  in  array  three 
bands,"  (Hab.  1.  6-8.).  Eawl.  distinguishes 
three  periods:'!.  When  their  seat  of  em- 
pire was  in  the  S.,  towards  the  conflu- 
ence of  the  Tigris  and  Euphrates.  The 
Chaldean  period,  from  2300  B.C.,  to  1500  B.C. 
In  this  period  was  Chedorlaomer  (Gen.  14.,), 
the  Kudur  of  Hur  or  Ur  of  the  Chaldees, 
in  the  Assyrian  inscriptions,  and  the  con- 
queror of  Syria.  2.  From  1500  to  625  B.C.,  the 
As.syrian  period.  3.  From  625  to  638  B.C. 
(when  Cyrus  the  Persian  took  Babylon,), 
the  Babylonian  period.  Chaldees  in  Heb.— 
Chasdim,  They  were  akin,  perhaps,  to  the 
Hebrews,  as  Abraham's  sojourn  in  Ur,  and 
the  name  Chestd,  a  nephew  of  Abraham, 
imply.  The  three  bands  were  probably  in 
order  to  attack  the  three  separate  thousands 
of  Job's  camels  [v.  3.).  19.  wiad  from  the  wil- 
362 


derness  — S.  of  Job's  house.  Tiie  tornado 
came  the  more  violently  over  the  desert  as 
being  uninterrupted  J-sa.  21.  1;  Hos.  13. 
15.).  the  young  men  — Eather,  the  young 
people;  including  the  daughters  (so  in  Euth 
2.  21.).  20.  Job  arose— Not  necessarily  from 
sitting.  Inward  excitement  is  implied,  and 
the  beginning  to  do  anything.  He  had  heard 
the  other  messages  calmly,  but  on  hearing 
of  the  death  of  his  children,  then  he  arose; 
or,  as  [EiCH.J  translates,  he  started  up  (2 
Sam.  13.  31.).  The  rencUng  of  the  mantle  was 
the  conventional  mark  of  deep  grief  (Gen. 
37.  34.).  Orientals  wear  a  tunic  or  shirt,  and 
loose  pantaloons:  and  over  these  a  flowing 
mautle(especially  great  persons  and  women,). 
Shaving  tne  head  was  also  usual  in  grief 
(Jer.  41.  5;  Mic.  1.  16.).  21.  naked— (1  Tim.  6. 
7.).  "Mother'swomb"  is  poetically  the  earth, 
the  universal  mother  (Ec.  5. 15;  12.  7;  Ps.  139. 
15.).  Job  herein  realizes  God's  assertion  {v. 
8,)  against  Satan's  {v.  11.).  Instead  of  cursing, 
he  blesses  the  name  of  Jehovj\.h  (the  Heb.). 
The  na7ne  of  Jehovah,  is  Jehovah  himself,  as 
manifested  to  us  in  His  attributes  (Isa.  9.  6.). 
22.  nor  charged  God  foolishly— Eather,  allowed 
himself  to  commit  no  folly  against  God. 
LUmbr.]  Ch.  2.  10  proves  that  this  is  the 
meaning.  Not  as  marg.  attributed  no  folly  to 
God.  Hasty  words  against  God,  though  na- 
tural in  the  bitterness  of  grief,  ^xq  folly;  lit., 
an  insipid,  unsavoury  thing  (ch.  6.  6;  Jer.  23. 
13,  margin. 1.  Folly  in  Scripture  is  continu- 
ally ec[uivalenfc  to  wickedness.  For  when  man 
sins,  it  is  himself,  not  ( Jod,  whom  he  injures 
iProv.  8.  36.).  We  are  to  submit  to  trials, 
not  because  we  see  the  reasons  for  them,  nor 
yet  as  though  they  were  matters  of  cliance, 
but  because  God  tvills  them,  and  has  a  right 
to  send  them,  and  has  His  own  good  reasons 
inisendingthem. 

CHAPTEE  n. 
Ver.  1-9.  Satan  Fltrther  Tempts  Job. 
1.  a  day— Appointed  for  the  angels  giving  an 
account  of  their  ministry  to  God.  The 
words  to  present  himself  before  the  Lord  oc- 
cur here,  though  not  in  1.  6,  as  Satan  has 
now  a  special  report  to  make  as  to  Job.  3. 
integrity— Zii.,  completeness;  so  "perfect,"  an- 
other form  of  the  same  Heb.  word,  ch.  1. 1. 
movedst .  .  .  against— So  1  Sam.  26.  19;  cf.  1 
Chr.  21. 1,  with  2  Sam.  24.  1.  4.  Skin  for  skiu 
—A  proverb.  Supply,  He  will  give.  The  skin 
is  figurative  for  any  oidward  good.  Nothing 
outward  is  so  dear  that  a  man  will  not  ex- 
change it  for  some  other  outward  good;  but 
not  yea}  life,  the  inward  good,  cannot  be  re- 
placed, a  man  will  sacrifice  every  thing  else 
for  its  sake.  Satan  sneers  bitterly  at  man's 
egotism,  and  says.  Job  bears  the  loss  of  pro- 
perty and  children,  because  these  are  mere 
oidv-ard  and  exchangeable  goods,  but  he  will 
give  up  all  things,  even  his  religion,  in  order 
to  save  his  life,  if  you  touch  his  bones  and 
flesh.  Skiio  and  life  are  in  antithesis. 
[Umbr.]  The  martyrs  prove  Satan's  sneer 
false.  Eos.  explains  it  not  so  well,  A  man 
willingly  gives  up  another's  skin  (life)  for  his 
own  skin  (life.).  So  Job  might  bear  the  loss 
of  his  children,  &c.,with  equanimity  so  long 
as  he  remained  unhurt  himself;  but,  when 
touched  in  his  own  person,  he  would  re- 
nounce God.  Thus  the  first  "skin"  means 
the  olher's  skin,  i.e^body;  the  second  "skin," 
one's  own,  as  in  Ex.  21.  23.  6.  but  save- 
Rather,  only  spare.  Satan  shows  his  ingenu- 
ity in  inflicting  pain,  and  also  Uis  knowled^d 


JOB,  m. 


He  Wishes  for  Veafh. 


^3  oh  IteprovesHisWife^ 

if  what  man's  body  can  bear  without  vital ,  then  sententiously.    Hence  this  formula  ex« 


Injury.  7,  sore  boils  —  Malignant  boils. 
Eather,  as  it  is  singular  in  the  Heb.,  a  hum- 
ing  acre.  Job  was  covered  with  one  univer- 
sal injlammcdion.  The  use  of  the  potsherd 
agrees  with  this  view.  It  was  that  form  of 
leprosy  called  black  to  distinguish  it  from 
the  white'  or  Elepliantiasis,  because  the  feet 
swell  like  those  of  the  elejjhant.  The  Arabic 
judharn  (Dew.  28.  35,),  where  sore  botch  is 
rather  tlie  black  burning  boil  (Isa.  l.  6.).  8.  a 
DJtsiierd— Not  a  piece  of  a  broken  earthen 
vessel,  but  an  instrument  made  for  scratch- 
ing 'the  root  of  the  Heb.  word  is  scratch,  ; 
the  sore  was  too  disgusting  to  touch.  "To 
sit  in  the  ashes"  marks  the  deepest  mourn- 
ing (Jonah  3.  6,);  also  humility,  as  if  the 
mourner  were  nothing  but  dust  and,  asJies, 
so  Abraham  (Gen.  18.  :i7.). 

9-13.  JobEeprovesHisWife.  9. curse  God 
—Rather  renounce  God.  Note,  1.  5.  [Umbr.] 
However,  it  was  usual  among  the  heathens, 
\\  hen  disappointed  in  their  prayers  accom- 
panied with  offerings  to  their  gods,  to  re- 
proach and  cv^rse  them,  and  die— *.e..  take 
thy  farewell  of  God  and  so  die.    For  no  good 

is  to  be  got  out  of  religion,  either  here  or 

hereafter ;  or,  at  least,  not  in  this  life.  [Gill.] 
Nothing  makes  the  ungodly  so  angry,  as  to 

see  the  godly  under  trial  not  angry.    10.  the 

foolish  women— ,S'i?i  and  folhj  are  allied  in 

Scripture  (1  Sam.  25.  25;  2  Sam.  13. 13;  Ps.  14. 

1.).    receive  evil— Bear  willingly  (Lam.  3.  39.). 

11.  Eliphaz— The  view  of  Eawl.  that  "  the 

names  of  Job's  three  friends  represent  the 

Oliaidean  times,  about  700  B.C.,    cannot  be 

accepted.     Eliphaz  is  an  Idumean  name, 

Esau's  eldest  son   Gen.  36.  4,);  and  Teman, 

son  of  Eliphaz,  ,15,)  called  "duke."  Euseb. 

places  Teman  in  Arabia  Petrea   (but  see 

Note   6,  19.1.     Teman  means  at  the  right 

li'nid;  and  then  the  S.,  viz.,  part  of  Idumea; 

capital  of  Edom  (Amos,  1. 12.).  Hebrew  geo- 

kTaphers  faced  the  E..  not  the  N.  as  we  do; 

hence  with  them  the  right  hand  was  the  S. 

Temanites  were  famed  for  wisdom  (Jer.  49. 

7.).   Bakuch  mentions  them  as  "  authors  of 

fables  (viz.,  proverbs  embodying  the  results 

of  observation,),  and  searchers  out  of  under- 
standing."   Bildad  the  Shuliite— Shuah  (a  pit) 

Son  of  Abraham  and  Ketarah  ;C:en.  25.  2.). 

Ptol.    mentions    the    region   Syccea,    in 

Arabia  Deserta,  E.  of  Batanea.    ZoBhar  the 

NaaiTiathite- Not  of  the  Naanians  in  Judah 

(Josh.  15.  41,),  which  was  too  distant;  biit 

some  region  in  Arabia  Deserta.    Freielius 

says  there  was  a  Naamath  inlJz.   12.  toward 

heaven— Tliey  threw  violently  ashes  upwards, 

that  they  might  fall  on  their  heads  and  cover 

them.    The  deepest  mourning  iJosh.  7.  6; 

Acts  22.  23.).     13.    seven  days  .  .  .  nig'hts— 

They  d.d  not  remain  in  the  one  posture  and 

without  food,  &.C.,  all  this  time,  but  for  the 

most  of  this  period  daily  and  nightly.    Sit- 
ting on  the  earth  marked  mourning  (Lam.  2. 

10.).    Seven  days  was  the  usual  length  of  it 

(Gen.  60.  10;  1  Sara.  31. 13.).  This  silence  may 

have  been  due  to  a  rising  suspicion  of  evil  iii 

Job;  but  chiefly  because  it  is  only  ordinary 

griefs  that  tindventin  language;  extraordi- 
nary griefs  are  too  great  for  utterance. 
CHAPTER  III. 

THE  POEM  OK.  DEBATE  ITSELF,  2-42. 6;  FIRST  the  raiser  up'  of  leviathan,  i.e.,  of  a  host  0} 

SERIES  IN  IT,  3-14. ;  JOB  FIRST  3.  !  cinls.    9.  dawiiing  of  the  dsLy—lit,  eyelashes  0/ 

Ver.  1-19.    Job  Curses  the  L)ay  of  Kis  onorning.    The  Arab  poets  call  the  sun  the 

Birth,  ANi)  WiiSHEs  FOR  Death.  1.  opened  ewe  of  day.    His  early  rays,  therefore,  break* 

his  moutk— The  Orientals  speaii  seldom,  and '  ing  forth  before  sunrise,  are  the  opening  eim 

862    LU 


pressing  deliberation  and  gravity  (Ps.  78.  2.), 
Formally  began,    cursed  his  day— The  strict 
Heb.  word  for  cursing;  not  the  same  as  in 
ch.  1.  5.    Job  cursed  his  birth-day,  but  not 
his  God.    2.  spake— i/e?),  amivered,  i.e.,  not 
to  any  actual  question  that  nreceded,  but  to 
the  question  virtually  involved  in  the  case. 
His  outburst  is  singularly  wild  and  bold 
(•Jer.  20.  14.).    To  desire  to  die  so  as  to  be 
free  from  sin  is  a  mark  of  grace;  to  desire 
to  die  so  as  to  escape  troubles  is  a  mark 
of  corruption.     He    was  ill  fitted  to  die, 
who  was  so  unwilling  to  live.    But  his  trials 
were  greater,  and  his  iieht  less,  than  ours.  3. 
the  night  in  which— Rather  "the  night  which 
said."    The  words  in  Italics  are  not  in  the 
Heb.     Night  is  personified  and  poetically 
made  to  speak.  So  m  v.  7,  and  Ps.  19.  2.    The 
birth  of  a  male  in  the  East  is  a  matter  of  joy; 
often  not  so,  of  a  female.  4.  let  not  God  regard 
it— liather,  more  poetically.  Seek  it  out.  "Let 
not  God  stoop  from  his  bright  throne  to 
raise  it  up  from  its  dark  hiding-place."    The 
curse  on  the  day  in  v.  3,  is  amplified  in  v.  4, 
5;  that  on  the  night,  in  v,  6-10.     5.  let  the 
shadow  of  death— (deepest  darkness,  Isa.  9.  2.) 
—stain  it— This  is  a  later  sense  of  the  verb, 
[Ges.]  better  the  old  and  more  poetic  idea, 
"  Let  darkness  (the  ancient  night  of  chaotic 
gloomi  resume  its  rights  over  light  (Gen.  1. 
2,),  and  claim  that  day  as  its  own."    a  cloud 
—Collectively,  a  gathered  massofdark  clouds. 
the  blackness  of  tlie  day  terrify  it  —  lit,  th^e 
obscurations;   whatever  darkens  the   day. 
[Ges.]    Th    verb  in  Heb.  expresses  sudden 
terrifying.    May  it  be  suddenly  affrighted  at 
its  own  darkness.     Umbr.  explains  it   of 
magical  incantations  that  darken  the  day, 
forming  the  climax  to  the  previous  clauses; 
V.  8,  speaks  of  curscrs  of  the  day  similarly. 
But  the  former  view  is  simpler.  Others  refer 
it  to  the  poisonous  Simoom  wind.    6.  seize 
upon  it— As  its  prey;  'i.e.,  utterly  dissolve  it. 
joined  unto  the  days  of  the  year— Rather,  by 
poetic  personification,  "  Let  it  not  rejoice  in 
the  circle  of  days  and  nights,  and  mouths, 
which  form  the  circle  of  years."    7.  solitary 
—Rather,  unfniAtJul.    "  Would  that  it  had 
not  given  birth  to  me."     8.  them  .  .  .  that 
carse  the  day— If  mourning  be  the  right  ren- 
dering in  the  latter  clau.se  of  this  verse,  these 
words  refer  to  the  hired  mourners  of  the 
dead  (Jer.  9. 17.).  But  the  Heb.  ioxmourning 
elsewhere,  always  denotes  an  animal,  whe- 
ther it  be  the  crocodile  or  some  huge  serpent 
(Isa.   27.   1,1   that  is  meant  by  leviathan. 
Therefore,  the  expression,  cursers  or  day, 
refers  to  magicians  who  were  believed  to 
be  able  by  charms  to  make  a  day  one  of  evij 
omen.   So  Balaam,  Num.  22.5.   This  accords 
with  Umbreit's  view  v.  7,);  or,  to  the  Ethi- 
opians and  Atlantes  who  "  used  to  cur.se  tl  ,e 
sun  at  his  rising  for  burning  up  them  aud 
their    country,"     [Herod.]    Necromancers 
claimed  power  to  control  or  rouse  wild  beasts 
at  will;  as  the  Indian  serpent-charmers  at 
this  day  (Ps.  58.  5.\    Job  does  not  say  they 
had  the  power  they  claimed,  but,  sunposing 
they  had,  may  they  curse  the  day.     ScH. 


renders  it  by  supplying  words  (?i  Let  those 
tliat  are  ready  for  anything,^  call  it  ^the  day) 


Kb  Cbwplains'of  lAfe. 


JOB.  IV. 


TiM  Speech  ofEliphaz. 

lids  or  eyelashes  of  morning.  12.  Why  did  the  i  CHAPTER  IV. 

knees  prevent  me?— Old  English  for  a?i<iCTpa<e  i  "Ver.  1-21.  First  Speech  ov  Eliphaz. 
my  wants.  The  reierence  is  to  the  solemn  :  Eliphaz— The  mildest  of  Job's  three  accusers, 
recognition  of  a  new-born  child  by  the  lather,  j  llie  f;reatness  of  Job's  calamities,  and  his 
who  used  to  place  it  on  his  knees  as  his  own,  i  complaints  against  God,  and  the  opinion 
whom  he  was  bound  to  rear  (Gen.  30.  3: 60. 1  that  calamities  are  proofs  of  guilt,  led  the 
23;  Jsa.  C6. 12.).  13.  lain  .  .  .  quiet  .  .  .  sJeptj  three  to  doubt  Job's  integrity.  2.  Ifwe:issayto 
—A  gradation.  I  should  not  only  have  lam,  \  commune— Eather,  two  questions,  "  May  we 
but  been  quiet,  and  not  only  heen  quiet  but  i  attempt  a  word  with  thee?  A'\''ilt  th:  .u  be 
slept.  JDea:/),  in  Scripture  is  called  stop  iPs.  grieved  at  it  V"  Even  pious  friends  often 
13.  3,);  especially  in  the  New  Testament,  I  count  that  only  a  touch  wliich  we  feel  as  a 


where  the  Eesurrection  -  awaking  is  more  wound.  S.weali  hands^-Isa.  35.  3;  2Sam.  4.  l. 
clearly  set  forth  (l  Cor.  15.  51;  1  Thess.  4. 14; ! 


5. 10.).  14.  With  kings  .  .  .  which  built  desolate 
t'laccs  for  themselves  —  V/ho  built  up  for 
themselves  what  proved  i.o  be  (not  jiolaces, 
but)  rums!  The  wounded  spirit  of  Job,  once 
a  great  emir  himself,  sick  of  the  vain  strug- 
gles of  mortal  great  men  after  grandeur,  con- 
templates the  palaces  o^  kings,  now  desolate 
heaps  of  ruins.  His  regarding  the  repose  of 
death  the  most  desirable  end  of  the  great 
ones  of  the  earth,  wearied  with  heaping  up 
Jperishable  treasures,  marks  the  irony  that 
breaks  out  from  the  black  clouds  of  melan- 
choly. (Umbs.]  The  for  tlmnsdvej  marks 
their  selfishness.  Mich,  explains  it  >ieakly 
Df  mausoleums,  such  as  are  tound  still,  of 
stupendous  proportions,  in  the  ruins  of 
Petraof  IduK.ea.  15.  filled  theii- houcss  v/ith 
silver— Some  take  this  of  the  treasures  which 
the  ancients  used  to  bury  with  their  dead. 
ISut  see  last  verse.  16.  untimely  biriu— (Ps. 
5S.  8.).  Preferable  to  the  life  of  the  restless 
miser  'Eecles.  6.  3-5. ^  17.  the  wicked— The 
original  meaning,  those  ever  restless,  full  of 
desires  (isa.  .57.  20,  2].).  wer.ry— Ki.,  those 
%v7i.ose  strength  is  wearied  out  Ciiev.  14. 13.). 
18.  There  tne  prisorers  res;  —  From  tlieir 
ch  ains.  19.  servant— The  slave  is  there  manu- 
mitted from  slavery. 
20  2G.   He  Complains  of  Life  Because 


5.  thou  ai't  troubled— Rather,  unldnged,  hast 
lost  thy  self-command  il  Thess.  3.  3.'.  6. 
Is  not  this  thy  fear,  thy  confidence,  &c.— Does 
thy  fear,  thy  confidence,  &c.,  come  to  no- 
thing? Does  it  come  only  to  this,  that  thou 
f.'Jntest  now  ?  Rather,  by  transposirioii, 
"Is  not  thy  fear  (of  God)  thy  b.ipe?  and 
the  upriglitness  of  thy  ways,  thy  confidence? 
If  so,  bethink  thee,  who  ever  perished  being 
innocent?"  [Umb.J  But  Luke  13.  2,3,  shows 
that,  though  there  is  a  retributive  divine 
government  even  in  this  life,  yet  we  cannot 
judge  by  the  mere  outward  appearance. 
"One  event  is  outwardly  to  the  righteous 
and  to  the  wicked"  (Eccl.  9.  2.!;  but  yet  we 
must  take  it  on  trust,  that  God  deals  riglit- 
eouslycwnnow  iP.s.  37.  2.5;Isa.33. 16.).  Judge 
not  by  a  paH,  but  by  the  whole  of  a  god;y 
man's  life^and  by  Ids  end,  even  here  (James. 
5.  11.).  The  one  and  the  .same  outward 
event  is  altogether  a  different  thin.;  in  its 
inward  bearings  on  the  godly  and  on  the 
ungodly  even  here.  Even  pro.sperity,  much 
more  calamity,  is  a  imnishment  to  the 
wicked  Pro V.  1.32.).  Ti-ialsarec/iasfecKie?/.fe 
for  their  good  (to  the  righteous.)  (Ps.  119.; 
07.;  7_1.;  75.;.  See  Preface  on  the  Design  of 
this  Book.  8.  they  th;r.  plow  iniquity,  .  .  . 
reap  the  same— (Prov.  22.  8;  Hos.  8-  7;  10.  13; 
Gal.  G.  7.  8.1.   9.  breath  cf  iiis  nostrils— God's 


OF  His  Anguish.    20.  Whereibre  giveth  He  ;  anger.    A  figuie  from  the  fiery  winds  of  the 
light— ^iz.,  God.     Often  omitted  reverenti- 1  East  fch.  1. 10;  Isa.  6.  25;  Ps   " 
ally  (ch.  i;4.  23;  Eecles.  9.  9.).    Light,  i.e.  life. 


6.  25;  Ps.  18.  8,  15.  .    10, 
.  lion— i.e..  Wicked  men,  upon  whom  Eliphaz 

The  joyful  light  ill  suits  the  mourner.  The  |  wished  to  show  that  calamities  come  in  spite 
grave  is  most  in  unison  with  their  feelings,  i  of  their  various  resources,  just  as  des'ruc- 
23.  whose  way  is  hid— The  picture  of  Job  is  I  tion  comes  on  the  lionm  spite  of  his  strength 
drawn  from  a  wanderer  who  has  lost  hisway,  I  (Ps.  58.  6;  2  Tim.  4. 17.).  Five  different  lleb. 
and  who  is  hedged  in,  so  as  to  have  no  exit !  terms  here  occur  for  lion.  The  raging  of  th^ 
of  escape  (Hos.  2.  6;  Lam.  3.  7,  9.).  24.  my  I  lion  {the  tearer,),  and  the  roaring  of  the  hel- 
sighing  ccmetn  before  I  eat— i.e..  prevents  my  \  lowing  lion,  and  the  teeth  of  the  young  lions, 
eating.  [Umbr.J  Or,  conscious  that  the  ,  not  whelps,  but  grown  up  enough  tn  hunt 
effort  to  eat  brought  on  the  disease,  Job 'for  prey.  The  strong  lion  (E.  V.,  old,],  &c., 
must  sigh  before  eating.  [Ros.]  Or,  sigh- 1  the  whelps  of  the  lionefs  (not  the  stout  lion, 
ang  takes  the  place  oi  good  (Ps.  42.  3.).  as  JB.  F.).  [Bakne3  and  Umbr.1  The  various 
[Good.]  But  the  first  explanation  accords  !  phases  of  wickedness  are  expressed  by  tliis 
best  with  tlie  text,  my  roaring  is  poured  j  variety  of  terms:  obliquely  Job,  his  wife,  and 
out  like  the  waters  —  An  image  from  the  j  children,  may  be  hinted  at  by  the  lion,  lion- 
xushing  sound  of  water  streaming.  25. !  e%T,,  and  whelps.  The  one  verb,  are  broken, 
the  thing  which  I  .  .  .  feared  is  come  upon  me  I  does  not  suit  both  subjects:  therefore,  sup- 
— In  the  beginning  of  his  trials,  when  he  j  ply  "'  the  roaring  of  the  bellowing  lion  is 
Jieard  of  the  loss  of  one  blessing,  he  feared  silenced."  The  strong  lion  dies  of  want  at 
the  loss  of  another,  and  when  he  heard  of  |  last,  and  the  whelps,  torn  from  the  mother, 
the  loss  of  that,  he  feared  the  loss  of  a  third,  are  scattered,  and  the  race  becomes  extinct, 
that  wliich  I  was  afraid  cf  is  come  unto  me- 112.  a  thing  — Heb.,  a  word.  Eliphaz  con- 
viz.,  the  ill-opinion  of  his  friends,  as  though  |  firms  his  view  by  a  divine  declaration  which 
he  were  a  hypocrite  on  account  of  his  trials,  was  secretly  and  unexpectedly  imparied  to 
26.  I  was  not  in  safety,  ...  yet  trouble  |  him.  a  little— Ki.,  a  ivhisper.  Implying  the 
c?.me— Referring,  not  to  his  former  state,  but  |  still  silence  around,  and  that  mora  was  con- 
to  the  herj  Inning  of  his  troul^les.  From  that ,  veyed  than  articulate  words  could  utter  (ch. 
time  I  had  no  rest  there  was  no  intermis-  i  20.  14;  2  Cor.  12.  4.).  13.  In  thoughts  from  the 
sioti  of  sorrows.  And  (not.  yet]  a  fresh  visions— [So  Winer  and  £.F.]  Whilst  revolv- 
troubleiscoming,i;i2;.,  my  friends' .suspicion  ing  night  visions  previoiisly  made  to  him 
of  ray  being  a  hypocrite.  This  gives  the  L'an  2. 29.1.  Rather,  "In  my  "manifold  (Heb., 
starting  point  to  the  whole  ensuing  contro- '  dicided:  thoughts,  he^tore  the  visions  of  the 
yersy.  '  night  commenced;"  therefore  not  a  delusive 

362    [2] 


Thi  msion  of  EHphaz. " 


JOB,  V,  VI. 


14  Fear  '  came  \\\nm  nie,  and  trembliug, 
whii^h  made  '  all  tiiy  bonos  to  shake. 

15  Then  "  a  spirit  p^-ssed  before  my  face; 
the  hair  of  my  fleah  stood  up: 

It)  It  8t<.)0d  still,  but  I  could  not  dis^^em 
the  form  thercor:  an  imase  was  before 
mine  eyes;  8  there  was  silence,  aud  1  heard 
a  voif-e,  saying,  . 

17  Shall  mortal  man  be  more  just  than 
God?  shall  a  man  be  more  pure  than  his 
Maker?  ^  .     ^. 

13  Jkhold,  he  *  put  no  trust  m  his  ser- 
vants; »  aud  his  angels  he  charged  with 
folly: 

19  liow  ranch  less  in  them  that  dwell  in 
houses  of  clay,  whose  foundation  w  in  the 
dust,  which  are  n  ushed  b.-iore  the  moth? 

20  They  are  w  destroyed  from  morning  to 
evening :  they  perish  for  ever  without  any 
regarding  if.  ,.  ,  .    . 

i'l  Doth  not  their  excellency  tvhich  is  In 
them  go  away?  they  die,  even  without 
wisdom. 

CHAl'TER  V. 
1  Harm  of  inconsithration.    3  Misery  the  end  of 

the  wicked.    6  ilar,  Ixirn  to  trot:He.    8  God  to 

be  regarded  in  ajjliction.     i7  Happy  end  of 

Ood's  eorrection. 
pALL  now,  if  there  be  any  that  will 
^  answer  thee  •  and  to  which  of  the  saints 
wUt  thou  1  turn? 

2  For  wrath  kilkth  the  foolish  man,  and 
8  en\'y  slayeth  the  silly  one. 

3  I  have  seen  the  foolish  taking  root:  but 
suddenly  I  cursed  liis  habitation. 

4  His  children  are  far  from  safety,  and 
they  are  crushed  in  the  gate,  neituer  is 
there  any  to  deliver  them. 

5  Whose  harvest  the  hungry  eateth  np, 
and  taketh  it  even  out  of  the  thorns,  and 
the  robber  swalloweth  up  their  substance. 

6  Although  3  affliction  cometh  not  forth 
of  the  dust,  nciiher  doth  trouble  spring 
out  of  the  gromid ; 

7  Yet  man  is  born  tmto  ♦  trouble,  as  6  the 
BVarks  flv  upward. 

8  I  would  *  seek  unto  God,  and  unto  God 
would  I  commit  my  cauae: 

9  Which  doeth  gro.'tt  things  «  and  un- 
Bearchable ;  manelloua  tilings  7  without 
number: 

10  Who  giveth  rain  upon  the  earth,  and 
Bendeth  waters  upon  the  8  fields: 

11  To  set  up  on  high  tho.se  that  below; 
that  those  which  mourn  may  be  e.^ialted  to 
Bafety. 

12  He  disappointeth  the  de\-ices  of  the 
crafty,  so  that  theii-  hands  9  cannot  per- 
form their  enterprise. 

13  He  taketh  the  wise  in  their  own  crafti- 
ness; and  the  counsel  of  the  froward  is 
carried  headlong. 

14  They  lo  meet  with  darkness  in  the 
day-time,  and  grope  in  the  noon-day  as  in 
the  night. 

15  But  he  saveth  the  poor  from  the  sword, 
from  their  mouth,  ana  from  the  hand  of 
the  mighty. 

16  So  the  poor  hath  hope,  and  iniquity 
Btfipjteth  her  mouth. 

17  Behold,  6  happy  is  the  man  whom  God 
correcteth;  theretore  despise  not  thou  the 
ch;ifitening  of  the  Almighty: 

18  For  he  maketh  sore,  and  bindethup; 
he  woundeth,  and  his  hands  make  whole. 

19  He  "  shall  deliver  ttiee  in  six  troubles; 
yea,  in  seven  <*  there  suall  no  evil  touch 
kbee. 


B.  C.  U20. 


CHAP.  4. 
0  met  me. 

titiide  cf 

mv  bones. 

AHeh.  1.  14. 

8  Or,  J  heurd 
a  still 
Toice. 

1  Kin.  19. 
12. 
i  2  Pet.  2. 4. 

9  Or,  uor  in 
his  angels, 
in  wliom 

U?ht. 

10  bo.^ten  in 


CHAP.  5. 

1  Or,  look. 

2  Or,  indjg- 

8  Or, 

iniquity. 
4  Or,  lal.onr 
6  the  sons  o1 
the  burn- 
ing coal 
.    lift  up  to 

a  P..  5').  15. 
8  and  there 


8  out-placo». 

9  Or,  cannot 
perform 
auy  thing. 

10  Or.  run 
into. 

6  Heb.  12.  5. 

Jam.  1.  12. 

3  Ps.  84.  19. 

d  P«.91.10. 

11  from  the 
hands. 

e  Ps.  31. 16. 

12  Or,  when 
the  tongue 
Bcourceth. 

/  Ps.  91'.  12. 
IIo'..  3.  18. 

13  Or,  that 

tbj 
tabernacle. 

14  Or.  err. 

15  Or,  much. 

16  asceDtleth. 

17  forthyself. 


Job's  reply  to  Eliphae, 

20  In  famine  he  shall  redeem  thee  from 
death ;  and  in  war  u  from  the  power  of  the 
sword. 

21  Thou  •  Shalt  be  hid  12  from  the  sconr.?e 
of  the  tongue;  neither  shalt  thou  be  afraid 
of  destruction  when  it  coiueth. 

22  At  destruction  and  famine  thou  shalt 
biu^h;  neither  shalt  thou  be  afraid  of  the 
beasts  of  the  earth. 

23  For  /  thou  shalt  be  in  league  witli  the 
stones  of  the  field;  and  the  beasts  of  the 
field  shall  be  at  peace  \dt\\  thee. 

2i  And  thou  shalt  know  13  that  thy  taber- 
nacle shdil  be  in  peace;  and  thou  i^halt 
visit  thy  habitation,  and  shalt  not  1*  shi. 

25  Thou  shalt  know  also  that  thy  seed 
shall  be  i5  KTeat,  and  thine  oftspring  as  the 
grass  of  the  earth, 

26  Thou  shalt  come  to  thy  grave  in  a 
full  age,  like  as  a  shock  of  com  le  cometh 
in  in  his  season, 

27  Lo  this,  we  have  searched  it,  so  it  is; 
hear  it,  and  know  thou  it  i'  for  thy  good. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

1  Job  thows  that  his  fimiplaints  are  not  canseUsi  1 

8  he  wishes  for  death,  wherein  he  is  a^sur^d  of 

rest  and  comfort:  14  he  reproves  his  frieitds  oj 

unkindness. 

"DUT  Job  answered  and  said, 
-'-'  2  Oh  that  my  grief  were  throughly 
weighed,  and  my  calamity  ilaid  in  the 
balances  together! 

3  For  now  it  would  be  heavier  than  the 
sand  of  the  sea :  therefore  2  my  wouls  are 
swallowed  up. 

4  For  the  an-ows  of  the  Almighty  are 
within  me,  the  poison  whereof  drinketh  up 
my  spirit :  the  terrors  of  God  do  set  them, 
selves  in  array  against  me. 

5  Doth  the  wild  ass  bray  3  when  he  hatb 
gi'ass?  or  loweth  the  ox  over  his  fodder? 

6  Can  that  which  is  unsavoury  be  eaten 
viTthout  salt?  or  is  there  any  taste  in  the 
white  of  an  egg? 

7  The  things  tJint  my  soul  refused  to  touch 
are  as  my  sorrowfid  meat. 

8  Oh  that  1  iiiiglit  have  my  request;  and 
that  God  would  grant  me  ^  the  thing  that 
I  long  for! 

9  Even  that  it  would  please  God  to  de. 
stroy  me ;  that  he  would  let  loose  his  hand, 
and  cut  me  oif ! 

10  Then  stiould  I  yet  have  comfort;  yea, 
6  I  would  harden  myself  in  soitow:  let  him 
not  spare;  for  I  have  not  concealed  the 
words  of  the  Holy  One. 

11  What  is  my  strength,  that  I  should 
hope?  and  what  is  mine  end,  that  I  should 
prolong  my  life? 

12  Is  my  strength  the  strength  of  stones? 
or  i5  mv  iiesh  6  of  brass? 

13  7s  not  my  help  in  me?  and  is  wisdom 
di'iven  quite  from  me? 

14  '  To  him  that  is  afflicted  pity  shotdd 
he  showed  from  his  friend;  but  he  torsaketh 
the  fear  of  the  Almighty. 

15  xMy  brethreu  have  dealt  deceitfully  as 
a  brook,  and  as  the  stream  of  brooks  they 


ice,  and  wherein  the  snow  is  bid: 

17  What  time  they  wax  ,wann,  9  they 
vanish:  i'^  when  it  is  hot,  they  are  11  con- 
sumed out  of  their  place, 

18  The  paths  of  their  way  are  turned 
aside ;  they  go  to  nothing,  and  perish. 

13  The  troops  of  Tenia  looked,  the  COHH 
paiiies  of  Sheba  waited  for  them. 


Elivha^s  Condusi6nfrom  the  Vision.     JOB,  V. 


Happy  End  ofGo^s  Correction. 


dream  (Ps.  4.  4.)-  [Umb.]  deep  sleep— (Gen. 
2.  21;  15.  12.1.  16.  It  stood  still— At  first  tliC 
apparition  slides  before  Eliphaz,  then  stands 
Btill,  but  with  that  shado^^■y  indistinctness 
oi'  form  which  creates  stich  an  impression  of 
awe;  a  gentle  murmttr!  not  [E.  V.  :  there 
was  silence:  For  in  1  Kings,  19. 12,  the  voice, 
as  opposed  to  the  previous  storm,  denotes  a 
gentle  still  murinur.  17.  mortal  mau  .  .  . 
a  man— 2'wo  Heb.  words  for  man  are  used; 
the  first  implying  his  feebleness;  the  second 
his  drength.  Whether  feeble  or  strong, 
man  is  not  righteous  before  God.  17. 
more  just  than  God  .  .  .  more  pure  than  his 
Maker— But  this  would  be  self-evident  with- 
out an  oracle.  18.  Mly—Inwerfedion  is  to 
be  attributed  to  the  angels,  in  comparison 
■with  Him.  The  holiness  of  some  of  them 
had  given  way  (2  Pet.  2.  4,),  and  at  best  is  but 
the  holiness  of  a  creature.  Folly  is  the  want 
of  moral  consideration.  LUmbb.]  19.  houses 
of  clay— 12  Cor.  5.1.).  Houses  made  of  sun- 
dried  clay  bricks  are  common  in  the  East; 
they  are  easily  washed  away  (Matth.  7.  27.). 
Man's  foundation  is  this  dust  (Gen.  3.  19.). 
before  the  moth— Eather,  as  before  the  moth, 
•which  devours  a  garment  (ch.  13.  28;  Ps.  39. 
11;  Isa.  60.  9.).  Man, who  cannot,  in  a  phy- 
sical point  of  view,  stand  before  the  very 
moth,  surely  cannot,  in  a  moral,  stand  before 
God.  20.  from  morning  to  evening— Unceas- 
ingly; or,  better,  bettoecn  the  morning  and 
evening  of  one  short  day  fso  Ex.  18.  14;  Isa. 
38.  )2.>.  "  They  are  destroyed;"  better,  "they 
woidd  he  destroyed,"  if  God  withdrew  His 
loving  protection.  Therefore  man  must  not 
think  to  be  holy  before  God,  but  to  draw  holi- 
ness, and  all  things  else, /rom  God  (ij.  17.'. 
21.  their  excellency— (Ps.  39.  11;  146.  4;  1  Cor. 
1S.8.\  ButUMBR,.,  by  an  Oriental  image  from 
a  bow  useless,  because  unstrung.  "Their 
nerve  or  string  would  be  torn  away."  JIich., 
better,  in  accordance  with  v.  19,  makes  the 
allusion  be  to  the  cords  of  a  tabernacle  taken 
down  (Isa.  33. 20.).  they  die,  even  without  wis- 
dom—Eather,  "They  Mould  perish,  yetnot  ac- 
cording to  wisdom,"  but  according  to  arbi- 
trary choice,  if  God  were  not  infinitely  wise , 
and  holy.  The  design  of  the  S]iirit  is  to 
show  that  the  continued  existence  of  weak 
man  proves  the  inconceivable  wisdom  and 
holiness  of  God,  which  alone  save  man  from 
ruin.  [Umbe.]  Beng.  shows  from  Scrip- 
ture, that  God's  holinefs  Heh.  Kadosh,) 
comprehends  all  his  excellencies  and  attri- 
butes.   De  W.  loses  the  scope  in  explaining 


dren  . .  .  crushed  in  the  gate— A  judicial  for- 
mula. Tlie  gate  was  the  place  oi  judi^nient, 
and  of  other  public  proceedings  (Fs.  127.  5; 
Prov.  22.  22;  Gen.  23.  10;  Deut.  21.  19.).  Such 
propyloea  have  been  found  in  the  Assyrian 
remains.  Eiiphaz  obliquely  alludes  to  the 
calamity  which  cut  ofi  Job's  children.  5.  even 
out  of  the  thorns- Even  when  part  ot  the  grain 
remains  hanging  on  the  thorn  bu.'ihes  or,  is 
growing  among  thorns,  Matth.  13.  7,),  the 
Iiungry  gleaner  does  not  grudge  the  troul>Ie 
of  taking  even  it  away,  so  clean  swept  away 
isthe  harvest  of  the  wicked,  the  robber-As  the 
Sabeans,  who  robbed  Job.  Eather  translate, 
the  tliirsty,  as  the  antithesis  in  the  parallel- 
ismfhehunory,  proves.  6.  Although- Eather, 
for  truly.  [Umbp.,]  affliction  cometh  not  forth 
of  the  dust— Like  a  weed,  of  its  own  accord. 
Eliphaz  hints  that  the  cause  of  it  lay  with 
Job  himself.  7.  Yet— Eather.  Truly,  or.  But. 
Affliction  does  not  come  from  chance;  but 
is  the  appointment  of  God  for  sin;  i.e.,  the 
original  birth  sin  of  man.  Eliphaz  passes 
from  the  particular  sin  and  consequent  suf- 
fering of  Job  to  the  universal  sin  and  sufier- 
ing  of  mankind.  Troubles  spring  from  man's 
common  sin  by  as  necessary  a  law  of  natural 
consequence  as  sparks,  iHeb.,  sons  of  coal,) 
fly  upward.  Troubles  are  many  and  .fiery, 
as  sparks  (1  Pet.  4.  12;  Isa.  43.  2,).  Umbr., 
for  spares  has  birds  of  prey;  lit.,  sons  of  light- 
ning, not  so  well.  8.  Therefore  (as  affliction 
is  ordered  by  God,  on  account  of  sin,)  I 
would  have  you  to  seek  unto  God  (Isa.  8. 19; 
Amos,  6.  8;  Jer.  5.  24.).  11.  Connected  with 
V.  9.  His  unsearchable  dealings  are  with  a 
view  to  raise  the  humble  land  abase  the 
proud.),  Luke,  1. 62.  Therefore  Job  ought  to 
turn  humbly  to  Him,  12.  enterprise— Zii., 
realization.  The  Hebrew  combines  in  the 
one  word  the  two  ideas,  wisdom  and  happi- 
ness, enduring  existence  being  the  etymologi- 
cal and  philosophical  root  of  the  combined 
notion.  [Umbb.I  13.  Paul  (1  Cor.  3.  19,) 
quoted  this  clause  with  the  formula  estab- 
lishing its  inspiration,  it  is  ivritten.  He  cites 
the  exact  Hebrew  words,  not  as  he  usually 
does  the  LXX.  Greek  version  (Ps.  9.  15.). 
Haman  was  hanged  on  the  gaUows  he  pre- 
pared for  Mordecai  (Esth.  6.  14;  7.  10.  i.  The 
wise  — <?ie  cunning,  is  carried  headlong— 
Their  scheme  is  precipitated  before  it  is 
ripe.  14.  Judicial  blindness  often  is  sent 
upon  keen  men  of  the  world  (Deut.  28.  29' 
Isa.  69. 10;  John,  9.  39.).  15.  From  the  su-ord 
which  proceedeth /roDi  their  mouth  iPs.  59. 


it,  of  the  shortness  of  man's  life  contrasted '  7;  i>7.  4.).  16.  the  poor  hath  hope— of  the  inter- 
with  the  angels  "before  they  have  attained  ,  position^of  God.   iniq^uity  stoppeth  her  mouth 


to  wisdom.' 


CHAPTEE  V. 


;Ps.  107. 42;  Mic.  7.  9, 10;  Isa.  52. 15.).    Espe- 
!  dally  at  the  last  day,  through  shame  f  Jude 


Ver.  1-27.  Elii'Haz's  Conclusion  feom  15;  Matth. 22. 12.).  The  mouthwRs  the  offend- 
THE  Vision.  1.  if  there  be  any,  &c.— Eather,  er  (r.  15,),  and  the  mouth  shall  then  be  stop- 
Will  He  God,)  reply  to  thee?  Job,  after  the  ped  (Isa.  25.  8.)  at  the  end.  17.  happy— Not 
revehition  just  given,  cannot  be  sopresump- 1  that  the  actual  suffering  is  joyous;  but  the 
tnous  as  to  think,  God  or  cmvoytTie/jo/i/oizes  consideration  of  the  righteousness  of  Him 
(Dan.  4. 17;  angeis,)  round  His  throne,  M'iU  who  sends  it,  and  the  end  for  which  it  is 
vouchsafe  a  reply  (a  judicial  expression)  to  |  sent,  make  it  a  cause  for  thankfulness,  not 
his  rebellious  complaint.  2.  wrath, ...  envy  ,  for  complaints,  such  as  Job  had  tittered 
^Fretful  and  passionate  complaints:  such  as !  (Heb.  12. 11.).  Eliphaz  implies  that  the  end 
Eliphaz  charged  Job  with  ich.4.5;  soProv.l4.  |  in  this  case  is  to  call  back  Job  from  the  par 


ISot.the  wrath  oyG'od  killeththe  foolish 
and  His  envy,  &c.    3.  the  foolish- The  wick 


ticular  sin.  of  which  he  takes  for  granted 
that  Job  is  guilty.    Paul  seems  to  allude  to 


ed.  Ihave  seen  the  sinner  spread  his  roois  this  passage  in  Heb.  12.  5;  so  James,  1.  12 
wide  in  prosperity,  yet  circumstances  sud-  Prov.  3.  12.  Eliphaz  does  not  give  due  promi- 
denly  occurred  which  gave  occasion  for  his  nence  to  this  truth,  but  rather  to  Jolt's  sm.  It 
once  prosperous  dwelling  being  cursed  as  is  Elihu  alone  (32.-37.;)  who  fully  dwells  upon 
desolate  (Fs.  37.  35,  36;  Jer.  17.  8.)  4.  His  ckil- ,  the  truth,  that  ailUction  is  mercy  and  jusbicd 


Jbd  reproves  his  friends. 


JOB,  TH,  ym,  TX. 


20  They  were  confounded  oecause  they 
had  helped;  tbey  came  thither,  and  were 
ashamed. 

21 12  For  now  ye  are  is  nothing;  ye  see  my 
casting  down,  and  are  afraid, 

22  Did  1  say,  Bring  uiiio  me?  or.  Give  a 
reward  lor  nie  of  your  substance  ? 

23  Or,  Dtiiver  me  from  the  enemy's  hand? 
or.  Redeem  me  from  the  hand  of  the 
mighty? 

24  Teach  me,  and  I  will  hold  my  tongue; 
and  cause  me  to  miderstand  wherein  I  have 
erred. 

25  How  forcible  are  right  words!  but  what 
doth  your  arguing  reprove? 

26  Do  ye  unadne  to  reprove  words,  and 
the  speeches  of  one  that  is  desperate, 
which  are  as  wind? 

27  Yea,  i*ye  overwhelm  the  fatherless, 
and  ve  dig  a  pit  for  your  friend. 

28  5.'ow  therefore  be  content;  look  upon 
me:  for  it  is  is  evident  unto  you  if  I  lie. 

29  Return,  I  pray  you,  let  it  not  be  ini- 
quity; yea,  return  again,  my  righteousness 
ts  16  in  it. 

30  Is  there  iniqiuty  in  my  tonj;ue?  camiot 
17  my  taste  discern  perverse  things? 

OIIAl'TER  VIl. 

1  Joh  ttetues  his  desire  of  death,  by  rt presenting 

his  extreme  rettUssneigi  17  he  expotttUatet  with 

TS  there  not  i  an  appointed  time  to  mau 
upon  earth?  are  not  his  days  also  like 
the  days  of  an  hireling? 

2  As  a  servant  2  taniestly  desireth  the 
shadow,  and  as  an  hireling  looketh  for  the 
reward  of  his  work; 

3  So  am  I  made  to  possess  montlis  of 
vanity,  and  wearisome  mghte  are  appointed 
tome.  . 

4  When  I  lie  down,  I  say.  When  shall  I 
arise,  and  3  the  night  be  gone?  and  I  am 
Cull  of  tossings  to  and  fro  unto  the  damiiug 
of  the  day. 

5  My  flush  is  clothed  with  worms  and 
clods  of  dust;  my  skin  is  broken,  and  be- 
come loathsome. 

6  My  days  are  swifter  than  a  weaver's, 
shuttle,  and  are  spent  without  hope. 

7  O  remember  that  "  my  life  is  wind:  mine 
eye  *  shall  no  more  »  see  good. 

8  The  *  eye  of  him  that  hath  seen  me 
shall  see  me  no  more:  thine  eyes  are  upon 
me,  and  ^  I  am  not. 

9  As  the  cloud  is  consumed  and  vanisheth 
away;  so  "  he  that  goeth  down  to  the  grave 
ehall  come  up  no  more. 

10  He  shall  return  no  more  to  his  house, 
neither  shall  his  place  know  him  any  more. 

11  Therefore  1  will  "^  not  refrain  my  inouth 


1  will  speak  in  the  ancaiish  of  my  spirit;  i 
will  complain  in  the  biUerness  of  my  soul. 

12  Am  1  a  sea,  or  a  whale,  that  thou  set- 
test  a  watch  over  me? 

13  When  I  say.  My  bed  shall  comfort  me, 
my  couch  shall  ease  my  complaint; 

14  Then  thou  scarest  me  with  dreams,  and 
terrifiest  me  through  visions; 

15  So  that  my  soul  chooscth  stranglmg, 
and  death  rather  than  my  '  lil'e. 

16  1  •  loathe  it;  1  would  not  live  alway: 
let  me  alone ;  for/  my  days  are  vanity. 

17  What  "  is  man,  that  thou  shouldest 
magnify  him?  aud  inat  thou  shouldest  set 
thine  heart  upoL  hini? 

18  And  tJuit  tiiou  shoiddest  visit  liim  every 
morning,  and  try  him  every  moment? 

U  How  long  wilt  thou  no6  depart  from 
S64 


B.  C.  1620. 


CHAP.  8. 
OGen.l3.*.i5. 
Deia.A'i.i. 
2  Ci.r.  19.7. 
ch.  34.  12. 
Dan.  9  14. 
KoDi.  a.  5. 

1  in  U.S.  Land 

transgres- 

6  Dcu.'4.  32. 
Deu.  32.  7. 
c  Pa.  39.  6. 

2  not, 

d  Ps.  129.  8. 

e  ch.  11.  20. 

Pro.  10.  28. 

3  a  .'.pidor'g 


CHAP.  9. 
a  Pa.  113.  !i. 


TJie  address  of  BVdad. 

me,  nor  let  me  alone  till  I  swallow  down 
my  spittle? 

'JO  1  have  sinned;  what  shall  I  do  unto 
thee,  "  U  thou  8  1  re.server  of  men?  why 
h.ist  thou  set  me  as  a  mark  against  thee, 
so  that  1  am  a  bmden  to  myself? 

-'1  And  why  dost  thou  hot  pardon  my 
transgie-ssion,  and  take  away  mine  iniquity? 
lor  now  shall  1  sleep  in  the  dust;  aud  thou 
m<i\i  seek  me  in  the  morning,  but  1  s/iaW 
not  be, 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  BiJiiad  shou'i  God's  JMStiee:  8  apveals  to  anti. 
qiiitu  to  prove  the  destruction  of  tfir  liyyocritc: 
'A)  aypliet  Ood's  just  dealing  to  the  cat'e  of  Job. 

nrilEN  answered  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and 
-*■  said, 

2  How  long  wilt  thou  speak  these  things? 
and  how  long  shall  the  words  of  thy  mouth 
he  like  a,  strong  wind? 

3  Dnth  "  God  pervert  judgment?  or  dot** 
the  Almighty  pen-ert  justice? 

4  If  thy  children  have  sinned  against  him, 
and  he  have  cast  them  away  i  for  their 
transgression; 

."5  If  thou  wouldest  seek  unto  God  be 
times,  and  make  thy  supplication  to  the 
Ahnighty; 

6  If  thou  wcrt  pure  and  upright;  surely 
now  he  woidd  awake  for  thee,  and  make 
the  habitation  of  thy  righteousness  pros, 
perous. 

7  Though  thy  beginning  was  small,  yet 
thy  latter  end  should  greatly  mcrease. 

8  For '  enquire,  1  pray  thee,  of  the  former 
age,  aud  prepare  tnyself  to  the  seaixh  of 
their  fathers: 

9  (For '  we  are  hut  of  yesterday,  and  know 

2  nothing,  because  our  days  upon  earth  art 
a  shadow :) 

10  Shall  not  they  teach  thee,  and  tell  thee, 
and  utter  words  out  of  their  heart? 

11  Can  the  rush  grow  up  without  mke? 
can  the  flag  grow  without  water? 

12  Whilst  <i  it  is  jet  in  his  greenness,  and 
not  cut  down,  itwithereth  before  any  otfier.. 
herl): 

13  So  are  the  patlis  of  all  that  forget  God; 
and  the  "hypocrit^j's  hupe  shall  perish: 

14  Whose  nope  shall  be  cut  off,  aud  whose 
trust  shall  be  ^a  spider's  web. 

15  lie  /shaU  lean  upon  his  house,  but  it 
shiill  not  stand:  he  shall  hold  it  fast,  but  it 
shall  not  endure. 

in  lie  is  green  before  the  sim,  aud  hia 
blanch  shootelh  forth  in  his  garden. 

17  His  roots  are  wrapped  about  the  heap, 
and  !>eeth  the  place  of  stones. 

18  It"  he  destroy  him  from  his  place,  tlien 
it  siiail  deny  him,  saying,  I  have  not  seen 
thee.  .        „  , . 

19  Heboid,  this  is  the  joy  of  his  way,  and 
out  "  of  the  eai'tii  shall  others  grow. 

20  Heboid,  God  will  not » cast  away  a  per- 
fect inan,  neither  wiU  he  ^  help  the  evil 

21  Till  he  fill  thy  mouth  with  laug.hing, 
andthy  lips  with  5  rejoicing. 

22  They  that  hate  thee  shall  be  clothed 
with  shame ;  and  the  dwelling-place  of  the 
wicked  shall  "J  come  to  nought. 

CHAriFR  IX. 
1  Job.  aehiMwUJiiivii  (h'ds  jusfiee.  shows  there  U 
nocoutenling  viiiti   him.    'M  Man's  i'nn<ceno% 
not  to  be  judged  by  hts  ivt  in  this  vjorUi. 
fVUEli  Job  answered  and  said, 
-•■   >'  1  know  it  is  so  of  a  truth:  but  how 
should  "  man  be  just  i  with  God? 


'Meply  of  Job  to  SHphaz. 


JOB.  VI. 


Joh  Excnseth  Eis  Desire  ojf  Death. 


in  disguise,  lor  the  good  of  the  suflerer.  18, 
he  maketh  sore,  and  bindeth  up— (Deut.  32.  39 
flos.  6.  1;  1  Sam.  2.  6.)  An  image  from  bind- 
ing mi  a  wound.  The  healing  art  consisted 
nnich  at  that  time  in  external  applications, 
19.  in  six . .  .yea,  in  seven— (Prov.  6. 16;  Amos, 

1.  3.).  The  Hebrew  idiom  fixes  on  a  certain 
number  (here  six],  in  order  to  caU  attention 
as  to  a  thing  o!  importance;  then  increases 
the  force  by  adding,  with  a  yea,nav  even,  the 
next  higher  number;  here  seven,  the  sacred 
and  penect  number.  In  all  possible  troubles 
not  merely  in  the  precise  nmnber  seven,.  20, 
power  —  (Jer.  6.  12.).  Heb.,  hands,  of  the 
sword—  Ezek.  ;^6.  6,)  Marg.  Hands  are  given 
to  the  sword  personified  as  a  living  agent, 

21.  il's.  31.  20;  Jer.  18.  18.).    Smite  (Ps.  73.  9.). 

22.  lainiiie  thou  shalt  laugh— I^ot,  in  spite  of 
destruction  and  famine,  whicli  is  true  Hab, 
3.  17,  lb,),  though  not  the  truth  meant  bj 
EHphaz,  but  because  those  calamities  shall 
not  come  upon  .thee.  A  diflerent  Hebrew 
word  from  that  in  v.  20;  there,  famine  in 
general;  here,  the  langmd  state  of  those 
wanting  proper  nutriment.  [Barnes.]  23. 
in  league  with  the  stones  of  the  field— They 
shall  not  hurt  the  fertility  of  thy  soil;  nor 
the  wild  beasts  thy  fruits.  Spoken  in 
Arabia  Deserta,  where  stones  abounded. 
.,4 rftfcia,  derived  from  Arabah—a,  desert 
plain.  The  first  clause  of  this  verse  answers 
to  the  first  clause  of  verse  22;  and  the  last 
of  thisver-e  to  the  last  of  that  verse.  Th« 
full  reaiizationof  this  is  yet  future  (Isa.65. 23 
25;  Hos.  2. 18.).  24.  know— "Thou  shalt  rest 
in  the  assurance,  that  thine  habitation  is  the 
abode  of  peace;  and  (if)  thou  numberesi 
thine  herd,  thine  expectations  prove  not 
fallacious."  [Umbk.]  Sin  does  not  agree 
with  the  context.  The  Hebrew  word— 
to  miss  a  mark,  said  of  archers  (Judg.  20.  IC.) 
The  Hebrew  for  "habitation"  primarily 
means  the  fold  for  cattle;  and  for  "visit," 
often  to  take  an  account  of, '■'to  number." 
"Peace"  is  the  common  Eastern  salutation ; 
including  inward  and  outward  iir asperity. 
25.  as  the  grass— ,Ps.  72.  iC).  Properly,  herb 
bearing  seed  (Gen.  1. 11,  )2.).  26.  in  full  age- 
So  full  of  days  (42.  17;  Gen.  36.  29.).  Not 
mere  length  of  years,  but  ripeness  for  death, 
one's  inward  and  outward  full  development 
not  being  prematurely  cut  short,  is  denoted. 
(Isaiah,  65.  22.).  Thou  shalt  come,  not  lit,, 
but  expressing  willingness  to  die.  Eliphaz 
speaks  from  the  Old  Testament  point  of 
view,  which  made  full  years  a  reward  of  the 
righteous  (Psalm  91. 16;,  Ex.  20.  12,),  and  pre- 
mature dealli  the  lot  of  the  wicked  (Ps. 
65. 23.). 5  The  righteous  are  in  mortal  till  their 
work  is  done.  To  keep  them  longer  would 
be  to  render  ihem  less  fit  to  die.  God  takes 
them  at  their  best  ilsaiah,  67. 1.).  The  good 
are  compared  to  zt;7t(ai(Matth.l3.30.).  cometh 
in- lit.,  ascends.  The  corn  is  lifted  up  offttie 
earth  and  carried  honie;  so  tne  good  man 
"Is  raised  into  the  heap  of  sheaves."  [TJmbr.] 

27.  Searched  it for  thy  good— lit.,  for 

thyself  [Fs.  111.2;  Prov.  2.  4;  9. 12.). 

cllAPTEE  VI. 

FIRST  SERIES  CONTINUED. 

Ver.  1-30.    Eeply  of  Job  to  Eliphaz.— 

2.  thorci/glily  weighed— O  that,  instead  of 
censuring  my  complaints  when  thou  ought- 
est  rather  to  have  sympathized  with  me. 


sand— (Prov.  27.  3.).  are  swallowed  up— See 
Marg.  SoPs.  77. 4.  But  Job  plainly  is  apolo- 
gizing, not  for  not  having  had  words  enough 
but  for  having  spoken  too  much  and  tot. 
boldly:  and  the  Hebrew  is,  to  speak  rashly^ 
[Umub.,  Gks.,Kos.1  "Thereiore  were  my 
words  so  rasli."  4.  arrows .  .  .  within  me— 
have  pierced  me.  A  poetic  image  represent- 
ing the  avenging  Almighty  armed  Vv  ith  bow 
and  arrows  (Ps.  38.  2,  3.),  Here  ilie  arrowi 
are  poisoned.  Peculiarly  appropriate,  in 
reference  to  the  burning  pjains  which  pene 
trated,  like  poison,  into  the  iumoU  parti 
—  ("  spirit ;"  as  contrasted  with  mere 
surjace  flesh  wounds,]  of  Job's  body,  set 
themselves  in  array— A  military  image  (Judg. 
20.  33.).  All  the  terrors  which  the  divine 
wrath  can  muster  are  set  in  array  against 
me  lisa.  42.  13.),  5.  Neither  wild  aniu  als, 
as  the  wild  ass,  nor  tame,  as  the  ox,  are  dis- 
satisfied when  well  supplied  with  food.  The 
braying  of  the  one,  and  the  lowing  of  the 
other,  prove  distress  and  want  of  palatable 
food,  fco.  Job  argues,  if  he  complains.iti.-,  uot 
without  cause;  viz.,  his  pains,  which  are,  as 
it  were,  disgusting  food,  which  God  feeds 
him  with— end  of  verse  7.  But  he  should 
have  remembered  a  rational  being  should 
evince  a  better  spirit  than  the  brute.  S. 
unsavoury— Tasteless,  insipid.  Salt  is  a  chiet 
necessary  of  life  to  an  Eastern,  whose  food 
is  mostly  vegetable,  the  white— ?ii.,  sintile, 
1  feam.  21,  13,),  which  the  white  of  an  e.cg 
resembles.  7.  To  toudi  is  contrasted  v.ith 
meat.  "  My  taste  refused  even  to  touch  it, 
and  yet  am  1  fed  with  such  meat  of  sickness." 
Ihe  second  clause  lit.,  is,  "tiuch  is  like  the 
sickness  of  my  food."  The  natural  taste 
abhors  even  to  touch  insipid  food,  and  such 
forms  my  nourishment.  Tor  my  sickness  is 
like  such  nauseous  food.  [Umbr.]  ;Ps.  42. 
3;  80.  6;  102.  9.).  No  wonder,  then,  I  com- 
plain. 8.  To  desire  death  is  no  necessary 
proof  of  fitness  for  death.  The  ungodly 
sometimes  desire  it,  so  as  to  escape  troubles, 
without  thought  of  the  hereafter.  The  godly 
desire  it,  in  order  to  be  with  the  Lord;  but 
they  patiently  wait  God's  will.  9.  destroy— 
lit,  grind  or  crush  (Isa.  3.  15.).  Jet  looBe  his 
hand— God  had  put  forth  His  hand  only  so 
far  as  to  wound  the  surface  of  Job's  flesh 
(ch.  1. 12;  2.  6,i;  he  wishes  that  hand  to  be  let 
loose,  so  as  to  wound  deeply  and  vitally,  cut 
me  off— Metaphor  Irom  a  weaver  cutting  off 
the  web,  when  finished,  from  the  thrum 
fastening  it  to  the  loom  (Isa.  38.  12.).  10.  I 
would  harden  myself- Kather,  "1  would  exult 
the  pain,"  if  I  knew  that  that  pain  v  ould 
hasten  my  death.  [Ges.]  Umbr.  translates 
tiie  Eeb.  of  "Bet  Him  uot  spare."  wtsparing; 
and  joins  it  with  pain.  Ihe  E.  V.  is  more 
vivid,  concealed- 1  have  ndt  disowned,  in 
word  or  deed,  the  commands  of  the  Hnjy 
One  (Ps.  119.  4  6;  Acts,  20.  20.;.  He  saj's  this 
in  answer  to  Eli])l]az'  insinuation  that  lie  is 
a  hypocrite.  God  is  here  called  the  Holy 
One,  to  imply  man's  reciprocal  obhgcition  to 
be  holy,  as  He  is  holy  (Lev.  19. 2.}.  11.  What 
strength  have  I,  so  as  to  icarrant  the  hope  of 
restoration  to  health?  a  hope  which  Eliphaz 
had  suggested.  And  what  but  a  miserable 
end  of  life  is  before  me,  that  I  should  desire 
to  prolong  life?  [Umer.]  Umbr.  and  Eos. 
not  so  well  transuate  the  last  words  io  be 


thou  wouldest  accurately  compare  togetherlpaiient.  12.  Disease  had  so  attacked  him, 
my  sorroiv,  and  my  misfortunes:  these  latter ,  that  his  strength  would  need  to  be  hard  as 
outweigh  in  Vie  balance  ttie  foimer.   3.  tLeja  stone,  and  his  flesh  hke  bra^s,  uot  to  sink 


Job  Assured  of  Rest  and  Comfort.       JOB.  'VI.  He  Heproves  His  Frknds  of  Unlcindnfss. 


wnder  it.  But  he  has  only  flesh,  like  other 
men.  It  must,  therefore,  give  way;  so  that 
the  hope  of  restoration  suggested  by  Eliphaz 
is  vain  .see  Note.  6.  li.l.  13.  Is  not  my  help 
iu  me?— I'he  interrogation  is  better  omitted. 
"Tiiere  is  no  help  in  me!"  For  "wisdom, 
deliverance  is  a  better  rendering.  *'And 
dehverance  is  driven  quite  from  me.  14L 
pity— A  proverb.  Chased  is  Vie  love  which 
judges  indulgently  of  our  fellowmen:  it  is 
put  on  a  par  with  truth  in  Prov.  3.  3,  for  they 
together  form  the  essence  ol  moral  periec- 
tion.  [Umcr.]  It  is  the  spirit  of  Christian- 
ity  a  Pet.  4.  8;  1  Cor.  13.  7;  Prov.  10.  12;  17 
17.).  If  it  ought  .to  be  used  towards  all 
men,  much  more  towards  friends.  %.  But  he 
-who  does  not  use  it  forsaketh  (renounceth) 
the  fear  of  the  Almighty  (Jam.  2.  13.).  15. 
Those  whum  I  regarded  as  myorethren.  from 
whom  I  looked  for  faithfulness  In  my  adver- 
sity, have  disappointed  me,  a.s  the  streams 
failing  from  drought;  wadys  of  Ari;  bia.  filled 
in  the  wmter.  but  dry  in  the  summer,  which 
disappoint  the  caravans  expecting  to  find 
-water  there.  The  fulness  and  noise  oi"  these 
temporary  streams  answers  to  the  past  large 
and  loud  professions  o:  my  friends;  tlioir 
dryness  in  summer,  to  the  failure  of  the 
friendship  when  needed.  The  Arab  proverb 
says  of  a  treacherous  friend,  "I  trust  not  in 
thy  torrent"  (Isa.  68.  11.  marg.).  stre.uns  of 
brooks— liacher,  ''the  broolc  in  the  raviyies 
which  passes  away."  It  has  no  perpetual 
spring  of  water  to  renew  it  (unlike  "the 
fountain  of  living  waters."  Jer.  2.  13;  Isa.  33. 
16,  at  the  end,);  and  thus  passes  away  as 
rapidly  as  it  arose.  16.  blackish— lit..  Go  as 
a  m-ournerin  black  clothing  Ps.  34. 14.).  A 
vivid  and  poetic  image  to  picture  the  stream 
turbid  and  black  v?ith  melted  ice  and  snow, 
descending  from  the  mountains  into  the 
valley.  In  the  next  clause,  the  snow  dis- 
solved, is,  in  the  poet's  view,  hid  in  the  flood. 
1_Umbr.]     17.  wax  warm— Eather,  "At  the 

!;ime  when.  (But  they  soon.)  LUmbb.]  they 
)ecome  narrower,  (flow  in  a  narrower  bed], 
they  are  silent,  (cease  to  flow  noisily);  in  the 
heat  of  the  sun)  they  are  consmned  or  vanish 
out  of  their  place.  First  the  stream  Hows  more 
narrowly,— then  becomes  sUent  and  stiU:  at 
length  every  trace  of  water  disappears  by 
evaporation  under  the  hot  sun."  (.Ujibe.]  18. 
turned  aside  —  Eather,  Caravans  (Heb.  trav- 
ellers ,  turn  aside  from  their  way,  by  circuit- 
ous routes,  to  obtain  water.  They  had  seen 
the  brook  in  spring  full  of  water:  and  now  in 
the  summer  neat,  on  their  weary  journey, 
they  turn  off  their  road  by  a  devious 
route  to  reach  the  living  waters,  which  they 
remembered  with  such  pleasure.  But,  when 
"they  go,"  it  is  ''info  a  desert."  [Koy.  and 
tJMBR.]  Not  as  E.  v.,  "  They  go  to  noth iny," 
■which  would  be  a  tame  repetition  of  the  dry- 
ing up  of  the  waters  in  v.  17;  instead  of 
waters,  they  find  an  "empty  wilderness.  " 
and,  not  having  strength  to  regain  their 
road,  bitterly  disappointed,  Uiey  perish.  The 
terse  brevity  is  most  expressive.  19.  the 
troops- i.e..  Caravans.  Tema  north  of  Arabia 
JDeserta,  near  the  Syrian  desert;  called  from 
Tenia  son  of  Ishmael  (Gen.  25. 15;  Isa.  21. 14; 
Jer.  25  2.!.).  Still  so  called  by  the  Arabs.  Verses 
19, 20,  give  another  picture  of  the  mortification 
of  disappointed  hopes:  ^-/z.,  those  of  the  cara- 
vans on  //le  direct  roacZ.anxiously  awaiting  the 
return  of  their  companions  from  the  distant 
valley.  The  mentio.i  of  the  locality  whence 
304  [11 


the  caravans  came  gives  living  reahty  to  the 
picture.  S/t€ba  refers  here  not  to  the  mar- 
auders in  N.  Arabia  Deserta,  (ch.  l.  15.) 
but  to  the  merchants  (Ez.  27.  22,)  in  the  S. 
in  Arabia  Felix  or  Yemen,  "afar  off,"  (Jer.  6. 
20;  M.  12.  42;  Gen.  10.  28.).  Caravans  are  firs^ 
mentioned,  (Gen.  37. 25;)  men  needed  to  travel 
thus  in  companies  across  the  desert,  for 
defence  agains  t  the  roving  robbers.and  for  mu- 
tual accommodation.  "The  companies  waited 
for  them,"  cannot  refer  to  the  caravans  who 
had  gone  in  quest  of  ihe  waters:  for  v.  18  de- 
scribes their  utter  destruction.  20.  lit.,  each 
had  hoped,  viz.,  that  their  companions  ^vould 
find  water.  The  greater  had  been  their  hopes 
the  more  bitter  now  their  disappointment; 
they  came  thither,  to  the  place,  and  wi.ra 
ashamed;  lit.,  their  countenances  owrn,  an  ori- 
ental phrase  for  the  sliame  and  consternation 
of  deceived  expectation.  So  ashamed  as  to 
disappointment  Rom.  5. 6.  .  21.  As  the  dried 
up  brook  is  to  the  caravan,  so  are  ye  to  me, 
VIZ.,  a  nothing;  ye  might  as  well  not  be  in  ex- 
istence. [Umbk.]  The  Marg.  like  to  them  or 
it,  mz.,  the  waters  of  the  brook,)  is  not  so 
good  a  reading,  ye  see,  and  are  afraid— Ye  are 
struck  aghast  at  tlie  sight  of  my  misery',  and 
ye  lose  presence  of  mind.  Job  puts  this  mild 
construction  on  their  failing  to  relieve  him 
with  affectionate  consolation.  22.  And  yet 
I  did  not  ask  you  to  bring  me  a  gift:  or  to 
pay  for  me  out  of  your  substance  a  reward 
ito  the  Jud^e,  to  redeem  me  from  my  punish- 
ment ;  all  Tasked  from  you  was  anectionate 
treatment.  23.  the  mighty— IVte  oppre-tsor, 
or  creditor,  in  whose  power  the  debtor  was. 
[Umbr.]  24,  25.  Irony.  If  you  can  teach 
me  the  right  view,  I  am  willing  to  be  set  right 
and  hold  my  tongue;  and  to  be  made  to  see  my 
error.  But  then  if  your  words  be  really  tlie 
right  xvords,  how  is  it  that  they  are  so  feeble. 
"  Yet  how  feeble  are  the  words  of  -<\'hat  you 
call  the  right  view."  So  the  Heb.  is  used  in 
(IVIic.  2. 10;  1.  9.).  The  E.  V.  "  How  pou-erjul," 
&c.,  does  not  agree  so  weU  with  the  last 
clause  of  the  v.  "And  what  wUl  your  argu- 
ings  reprove  ?"  lit.,"  the  reproofs  which  pro- 
ceed ./ro7>!.  you-"  the  emphasis  is  on  vou;  you 
may  find  fault,  who  are  not  in  my  situation. 
[Umbr.]  26.  Do  you  imagine,  or  mean,  to 
reprove  words,  and  (to  reprove)  the  speeches 
of  one  desperate,  (which  are)  as  wind,  mere 
nothings,  not  to  be  so  narrowly  taken  to 
task*  CJmbr.  not  so  well  takes, the  Htb. 
for  as  wind,  "as  sentiments;"  making  formal 
sentiments  antithetical  to  mere  speeches,  and 
supplying,  not  the  word  "reprove,"  but 
"  would  you  regard,"  from  the  first  clause. 
27.  "Ye  overwhelm:"  lit.,  ye  cause,  (supply, 
youranger]  [LiMBR.lanef, r/z.,  of soplustry, 
[NoY.  &  SCH.]  to  fail  upon  the  desolate,  (one 
bereft  of  help.  Uke  the  fatherless  orphan  ;  and 
ye  dig  (a  pit) /or  your  friend"  i.  e.,  try  to  en- 
snare him.  to  catch  him  in  the  use  of  im- 
guarded  language  [Nov.]  Ps.  57.  6;)  meta- 
phor from  hunters  catching  wild  beasts  in  a 
pit  covered  with  brushwood  to  conceal  it. 
Umbr.  from  the  Syr.,  and  answering  to 
his  interpretation  of  the  first  clause,  lias 
"  Would  you  be  indignant  against  your 
friend?"  The  Heb.  in  ch.  41.  C.  means  to 
ftast  upon.  As  the  first  clause  asks.  "Would 
yon  catch  him  in  a  net?"  so  this  foUows  up 
the  image.  "  And  would  you  next  feast  upon 
/ii?>i.  and  his  miseries?"  So  LXX.  28.  be  con- 
tent—Bather,  be  pleased  fo,— look.  Since  yuu 
have  so  ialsely  judged  my  yfox(is,  look  upun 


Job  Excuses 


JOB.TTL 


Sis  Desire  for  VeafX 


me,  i.  e.,  upon  my  countenance:  for  (it  is 
eviJcnt  before  your  faces  if  I  He;  my  coun- 
tenance will  betray  me,  if  I  be  the  hyitocrite 
that  you  suppose.  29.  Return— Bather,  rc- 
traciy  our  charges :  "Let  itnot  be  iniqiuty;"t.e., 
(retract  that  injustice  may  not  be  clone  me. 
Yea  retract,  "  my  righteousness  is  in  it,"  i.  e., , 
my  right  is  involved  in  this  matter.  30.  Will 
you  say  tluxt  my  guilt  lies  in  the  organ  of\ 

feech,  and  will  you  call  it  to  account  ?  or  is 
that  7rt,v  taste  (palate,)  or  discernment  i^  not 
capable  to  fo  rm  a  judgment  of  perverse  things? 
Is  it  thus  you  will  explain  the  fact  of  my 
having  no  consciousness  of  guilt.  IUmbb.1 
CIIAPTEE  VII. 
Ver.  1-21.  Job  Excuses  His  Desire  for 
Death.  1.  appointed  time— Eetter,  tear/are, 
hard  conflict  with  evils :  iso  in  Isa.  40. 2-  Dan. 
10.1;  and  ch.  14. 14;)  ti&nsl&teit  appointed  time, 
(eh.  14.  5,  13;  Ps.  39,  4.).  Job  reverts  to  the 
sad  picture  of  man,  however  gi-eat,  which  he 
had  drawn,  (ch.  3.  14;>  and  details  in  this  ch. 
the  miseries  which  his  friends  will  see,  if,  ac- 
cording to  his  request,  (ch.  6.  28,)  they  will 
look  on  him-.  Even  the  Christian  soldier, 
"warring  a  good  warfare,"  rejoices  when  it  is 
completed  (l  Tim.  1.  18;  2  Tim.  2.  3;  4.  7, 
8.).    2.  earnestly  desireth— £fe&.  panis  for  the 

ievetdngi  shadow.  Easterns  measure  time 
)y  the  length  of  their  shadow.  If  the  ser- 
vant longs  for  the  evening  when  his  wages 
are  paid,  why  may  not  Job  long  for  the  close 
of  his  hard  sei-vice,  when  he  shall  enter  on 
his  reward?  This  proves  that  Job  did  not,  as 
many  maintainj  regard  the  grave  as  a  mere 
sle;p.  3.  Months  oj  comfortless  mi$f07'tune, 
"I  am  made  to  rwssess,  lit.,  to  be  heir  to. 
Irony.  To  be  heir  to,  is  usually  a  matter  of 
joy;  but  here  it  is  the  entail  of  an  involuntary 
and  dismal  inheritaiice.  Months,  for  days, 
to  express  its  long  duration.  Appointed.,  lit., 
they  have  numbered  to  me;  marking  well  the 
imavoidable  doom  assigned  to  him.  4.  Lit., 
"when  shall  be  the  Jiight  of  the  night  ? "  [Ges.  J 
TJmeb.  not  so  •well,  "The  night  is  long 
extended:"  lit.,  measured  out:  so  Marg,  5. 
In  Elephantiasis  maggots  are  bred  in  the 
sores,  (Acts  12.  23;  Isa.  14. 11.).  clods  of  dust 
—Bather,  a  crust  of  dried  filth  and  cuxumu' 
lated  corruption  (ch.  2.  7,  8.),  my  skin  is 
broken  and  loathsome— Bather,  comes  together 
so  as  to  heal  up,  and  again  breaks  out  with 
running  matter.  [Ges.J  More  simply  the 
Eeb.  is,  "  My  skin  rests  (for  a  time)  and 
(again)  melts  away"  (Ps.  68.  7.).  6.  (Isa.  38. 
12.).  Every  day  like  the  weaver's  shuttle 
leaves  a  thread  behind;  and  each  shall  wear, 
as  he  weaves.  But  Job's  thought  is,  that  his 
(lays  must  swiftly  be  cut  oflf  as  a  web:  mth- 
out  hope,  viz.,  of  a  recovery  and  renewal  of 
life  (ch.  14.  19;  1  Chron.  29. 15.).  7.  Address 
to  God.  Wind,  a  picture  of  evanescence. 
(Ps.  78.  39^.).  shall  no  more  see— Bather,  "shall 
no  more  return  to  see  good."  This  change 
from  the  different  wish  in  ch.  3.  17,  &c.,  is 
most  true  to  nature.  He  is  now  in  a  softer 
mood:  and  a  beam  from  former  days  of  pro- 
sperity falling  upon  memory,  and  the  thought 
of  the  unseen  world,  where  one  is  seen  no 
more  (V.  8),  drew  from  him  an  expression  of 
regret  at  leaving  this  world  of  light  (Eccl. 
11.7.),  So  Hezekiah  (Isa.  38.  Jl.),  t^race  rises 
above  nature  (2  Cor.  6.  8.).  8.  The  eye  of 
him  who  beholds  me  [present  not  pa^st,  as 
E.  F.]  i.  e.,  in  the  very  act  of  beholding  me, 
Bceth  me  no  more."  "  Thine  eyes  are)  upon 
tae,  a.ud  I  axa  not?"  He  disappears,  ev^n 
iM   [2] 


v^Jtile  C>od.  is  looking  upon  liim.  Job  cannot 
sui-vive  the  gaze  of  Jehovah  iPs.  104.  ?:•>■  Kev. 
lO.  11.).  Not,  "  Tliine  eyes  seek  me  and  1  am 
not  to  be  found;"  for  Gcd's  eye  penetrates 
even  to  the  unseen  world  (Ps.  130.  8.). 
Umbb.  imnaturaUy  takes.  Thine,  to  refer  to 
one  of  the  three  friends.  9.  (2  Sam.  12.  23.). 
the  grave— The  Sheol,  or  place  of  departed 
spirits,  not  disproving  Job's  belief  in  the  re- 
surrection. It  merely  means,  "He  shall 
come  up  no  more"  in  the  present  order  of 
things.  10.  (Ps.  103.  16.)  The  Oriental  keen- 
ly loves  his  dwelling.  In  Arabian  elegies  the 
desertion  of  abodes  by  their  occupants  is  of- 
ten a  theme  of  sorrow.  Grace  overcomes 
this  also  Xuke  18.  29;  Acts  4. 34.)  11.  There- 
fore, as  such  is  my  hard  lot,  I  will  at  least 
have  the  melancholy  satisfaction  of  venting 
my  sorrow  in  words.  The  Hcb.  opening 
words,  therefore  I,  at  all  events,  express  sell- 
elevation.  [Umbb.]  12-14.  Why  dost  thou 
deny  me  the  conifort  of  care-assuaging  sleep  ? 
Why  scarcst  thuu  me  with  frightful  dreams? 
Am  I,  then,  a  sea,  (regarded  in  O.  T.  poetry, 
as  a  violent  rebel  against  God,  the  Lord  of 
nature,  who  therefore  curbs  his  violence, 
Jer.  6.  22. 1  or  a  whale,  lor  some  other  sea 
monster  (Isa.  27.  1.),  that  thou  iieedest  thus 
to  watch  and  curb  me?  The  Egyptians 
"watched"  the  crocodile  most  carefully  to 
prevent  its  doing  mischief.  14.  The  fright- 
ful dreams  resulting  from  Elephantiasis,  he 
attributes  to  God;  the  common  belief  assign- 
ed all  night  visions  to  God.  15.  IJMiiK. 
translates,"  So  that  I  could  wish  to  strangle 
myself,— dead  by  my  OMn  hands."  He  softena 
this  idea  of  Job  s  harbouring  the  thought  oi 
suicide,  by  representing  it  as  entertained 
only  in  agonizing  dreams,  and  immediately 
repudiated  with  horror  next  verse,  "Yet  thai 
(self-stranglingi  I  loathe."  This  is  forcible 
and  graphic.  Perhaps  the  meaning  is  simply, 
"  My  soul  chooses  leven)  strangling  (or  any 
violenti  death  rather  than  my  kle,"  lit.,  mu 
bones,  Ps.  35. 10;  i.  e.,  rather  than  the  wasted 
and  diseased  skeleton,  left  to  him;.  In  thia 
view,  "I  loathe  it,"r.  I6,  refers  to  his  life. 

16.  "  Let  me  alone:"  i.  e.,  cease  to  aftlict  me 
for  the  few  and  vain  days  still  left  to  me. 

17.  (Ps.  8.  4;  144.  3.).  Job  means  "What  la 
man  that  thou  shouldest  make  him  of  so 
much  importance,  and  that  thou  shouldest 
expend  such  attention  (heart-thought,)  upon 
him,"  as  to  make  him  the  subject  of  so 
severe  trials?  Job  ought  rather  to  have 
reasoned  from  God's  condescending  so  far  to 
notice  man  as  to  try  him,  that  there  must  be 
a  wise  and  loving  purpose  in  trial.  David 
uses  the  same  words  in  their  right  applica- 
tion, to  express  wonder,  that  God  should  da 
so  much  as  he  does,  for  insignificant  man. 
Christians  who  know  God  manifest  in  the 
man  Christ  Jesus  stiU  more  may  use  them. 

18.  With  each  new  day  (Ps.  73.  14.).  It  Is 
rather  God's  mercies,  not  our  trials,  that  are 
"new  every  morning"  (Lam.  3.  23.!.  The 
idea  is  that  of  a  shepherd  taking  count  of  his 
flock  every  morning,  to  see  il"  all  are  t'lere, 
[Cocc]  19.  "How  long  (like  a  jealous 
keeper,)  wilt  thou  never  take  thine  eyes  o3 
(so  the  Heh.  for  depart  Jrom)  me?  Nor  let 
me  alone /or  a  brief  respite"  (lit.,  so  longaal 
take  to  swallow  my  spittle.  An  Ai-abic  pro- 
verb, like  our,  till  I  draw  mv  breath  1  20 
"  I  have  sinned  (I  grant) :  yet  what  sin  can  I 
do  against  ito:  ch.  36.  tj,  ,  thee  (of  such  a  na- 
ture tbat,thou  shouldest  jealously  watch  and 


Jb6  acknowledges  Ood's  justice. 


JOB.  S,  XL 


Se  exposdifMes  with  God, 


3  If  he  will  contend  with  him,  he  cannot 
answer  him  one  of  a  thousand. 

4:  He  is  wise  in  heart,  imd  mighty  in 
strength:    who    hath    hardened   himself 

Tinst  him,  and  hath  prospered? 
Which  removeth  the  mountains,  and 
they  know  not;  which  overtm-neth  them  in 
his  anzer; 

6  Which  *  shaketh  the  earth  out  of  her 
place,  and  the  pillars  thereof  tremble; 

7  Which  eommandeth  the  sun,  and  it 
rispth  not,  and  sealeth  up  the  stars; 

8  Which  alone  spreadeth  out  the  heavens, 
and  treadeth  upon  the  2  waves  of  the  sea; 

9  Which  "  maketh  3  Arctnrus,  Orion,  and 
Pleiades,  and  the  chambers  of  the  south; 

10  Which  doeth  great  things  past  finding 
out;  yea,  and  wonders  without  number. 

11  Lo,  rf  he  goeth  by  me,  and  I  see  him 
not:  he  passeth  on  also,  but  I  perceive  him 
not. 

12  Behold,  •  he  taketh  away,  *  who  can 
hinder  him?  who  will  say  unto  him.  What 
doest  thou? 

13  If  God  will  not  withdraw  his  anger, 
the  5proud  helpers  do  stoop  under  him. 

14  How  much  less  shall  I  answer  him,  and 
choose  out  my  words  to  reason  with  him? 

15  Whom, /though  I  were  righteous,  yet 
would  I  not  answer,  but  I  would  make  sup- 
plication to  my  judge. 

16  If  I  had  called,  and  he  had  answered 
me;  yet  would  I  not  believe  that  he  had 
hearkened  unto  my  voice. 

17  For  he  breaketh  me  with  a  tempest, 
and  multiplieth  mv  wounds  "without  cause. 

18  He  will  not  sutler  me  to  take  my  breath, 
but  fillelh  me  with  bitterness. 

19  W I  speak  of  strength,  lo,  he  is  strong: 
and  if  of  judgment,  who  shall  set  me  a  time 

•to  plead? 

20  If  1  justify  myself,  mine  own  mouth 
shall  condemn  me:  If  i  say,  I  am  perfect, 
it  shall  also  prove  me  pei-verse. 

21  Though  I  were  perfect,  yet  would  I  not 
know  my  soul:  I  would  despise  my  life. 

22  This  is  one  thing,  therefore  I  said  it. 
He  1  destroyeth  the  perfect  and  the  Tricked. 

23  If  the  scourge  slay  suddenly,  he  will 
langh  at  the  trial  of  the  innocent. 

^  The  earth  is  given  into  the  hand  of  the 
wicked : '  he  covereth  the  faces  of  the  judges 
thereof;  if  not,  where,  and  who  is  he? 

25  Now  my  days  are  swifter  than  a  post: 
they  flee  away,  they  see  no  good. 

26  They  are  passed  away  as  the  8  swift 
ships -^  as  the  eagle  that  hasteth  to  the  prey. 

27  It  I  say,  1  Mill  forget  my  complaint,  1 
will  leave  off  my  heaviness,  and  i  comfort 
myself; 

28  I  am  afraid  of  all  my  sorrows,  I  know 
that  thou  wilt  >  not  hold  me  innocent. 

29  ^  I  be  wicked,  why  then  labour  I  in 
vain! 

30  If  I  wash  myself  with  snow  water,  and 
make  my  hands  never  so  clean; 

31  Yet  shalt  thou  plunge  me  m  the  ditch, 
and  mine  own  clothes  shall  8  abhor  me. 

32  For  f-'he  is  not  a  man,  as  I  am,  that  I 
should  answer  him,  and  we  should  come 
together  in  judgment. 

33  Neither  'is  there  9 any  lo daysman  he- 
ti\ixt  us,  that  might  lay  hiia  hand  upon  us 
both. 

34  Let  him  take  his  rod  away  from  me,  and 
let  not  his  fear  terrify  me: 

35  Then  would  1  speak,  and  oot  fear  him: 
U  but  it  w  not  so  with  me. 


CHAP.  9. 
6  Hng.  2.  e. 

2  height!. 

^  Amoa  5.  8. 

3  A^h.CesU, 
ami  Cimah. 

d  ch.  'ia.  3. 
«  Is.  46  9. 

Jer.  18.  8. 

Eom.  9.  80. 
1  who  em 

away? 
6  helwr.  of 

pride,  or, 

strength, 
/ch.  10.  16. 
g  ch.  2.  3. 

<h.  34.  6. 
h  Ew.  21.  3. 
t2S«.15.30. 
2  Sa.  19.  4. 

Jer.  14.  4. 

6  ghipi  of 
de«ire,  or, 
ihipe  of 
Ebeh. 

7  Or, 
stroDfthen. 

J  Ex.  20.  7. 

8  Or,  maks 
m«  to  be 
abhorred. 

k  Eccl.  6. 10. 

It.  46.  9. 

Jer.  49. 19. 

Rom.  9.20. 
I  1  Sa.  2.  25. 

9  one  that 
should 
argue. 

10  Or, 
umpire. 

11  but  I  am 
not  so 
with 
myself. 


CHAP.  10. 
1  Or,  cut  off 

whUei 
live. 

5  the  labour, 
P«.  138.8. 
le.  64.  8. 

a  1  Sa.  le.  7. 

3  it  is  upon 
thy  know- 
ledge. 

Ps.  139. 1. 
b  Pa.  119. 
73. 

4  taken  pains 

c  Is.  64.  8.  ' 
d  P».  139, 
14. 

6  hedged. 
e  la.  3.  11. 
/  ch.  Q.  12. 
g  Pb.  25. 18. 
ft  IB.  33.  13, 

Lam.  3. 10, 
6  That  i», 

thy 

plagues, 

Emhl.21. 
i  Pa.  89.  13. 
;  ch,  7, 16. 
*  Ps.  88. 12, 
I  Pi.  23.  4, 


CHAP.  11. 

t  a  man  of 
lipt. 


OllAFl'Ell  X. 

1  Job,  faiing  lilerty  of  cicmyylaint,  eapoatulatet 
with  Gcd  about  his  ajlietions:  18  Aa  comvlaini 
Of  life,  and  craves  a  little  taae  before  his  death. 

■^T  soul  is  1  weary  of  my  life:  I  will  leave 

■^'■*-  my  complaint  upon  myself;  I  will  sneak 

in  the  bitterness  of  my  soul, 

2  I  will  say  unto  God,  Ho  not  condemn 
me;  show  me  wherefore  thou  contendest 
with  me. 

3  Is  it  good  nnto  thee  that  thou  shouldest 
oppress^  that  thou  shouldest  despise  -'  the 
work  ot  thine  hands,  and  shine  upon  tha 
counsel  of  the  wicked? 

4  Hast  thou  eyes  of  flesh?  or  "seest  thoq 
as  man  seeth? 

5  Are  thy  days  as  the  days  of  man?  a^rd 
thy  years  as  man's  days, 

6  That  thou  eiiqoirest  after  mine  iniquity, 
and  se.arc-hest.  after  my  sin? 

7  3 Thou  knowest  that  I  am  not  wicked: 
and  there  is  none  that  can  deliver  out  oi 
thine  hand. 

8  Thine  *  hands  have  ♦  made  me,  and 
fashioned  me  together  round  about;  yet 
thou  dost  destroy  me. 

9  Remember,  I  beseech  thee,  that  *  thoa 
hast  made  me  as  the  clay;  and  wilt  thou 
bring  me  into  dust  again? 

10  Ha.st  ■*  thou  not  poured  me  out  as  milk, 
and  curdled  me  like  cheese? 

11  Thou  hast  clothed  me  with  skin  and 
flesh,  and  hast  6  fenced  me  with  bones  and 


12  Thon  hast  granted  me  life  and  favour, 
and  thy  visitation  hath  preserved  my  spirit. 

13  And  these  things  hast  thou  hid  m  thina 
heart:  I  know  that  this  is  with  thee. 

14  If  I  sin,  then  thou  markest  me,  and 
thou  wilt  not  acquit  me  from  mine  in- 
iquity. 

15  If  I  be  wicked,  •  woe  imto  me;  /and if 

1  be  righteous,  yet  will  I  not  lift  up  my 
head.  /  am  full  of  confusion ;  therefore 
^  see  thou  mine  aftiiction  • 

16  For  it  increaaeth.  ^  Thou  huntest  me 
as  a  fierce  lion;  and  again  thou  showest 
thyself  man'ellous  upon  me. 

17  Thou  renewesto  thy  witnesses  against 
me,  and  increasest  thine  indignation  upon 
me;  chsingea  and  war  are  againstme. 

18  Wherefore  then  hast  thou  brought  ma 
forth  out  of  the  womb  ?  Oh  that  I  had  givem 
up  the  ghost,  and  no  eye  had  seen  me! 

19  I  should  have  been  as  though  I  had  not 
been;  I  should  have  been  carried  from  tha 
womb  to  the  grave. 

20  Are  not  my  days  few?  'cease  then,  and 
let  >  me  alone,  that  I  may  take  comlort  a 
little, 

21  Before  I  go  whence  I  shall  not  retnm, 
even  *to  the  land  of  dai-kness,  'and  tha 
shadow  of  death; 

22  A  land  of  darkness,  as  darkness  itself; 
and  of  the  shadow  of  death,  without  any 
order,  and  where  the  light  is  as  dai-kness. 

CHAPTER  XI. 
1  Zophar  reproves  Job  for  justifying  himself  t  ? 
A«  thow3   God's  eountel  ts  unsearchable,     IS 
Blessing  of  repentance. 

npHEN  answered  Zophar  the  Naamathite, 
■*■  and  said, 

2  Should  not  the  multitnde  of  words  be 
answered?  and  should  i  a  man  fuU  of  talfe 
be  Justified? 

3  Should  thy  suesmake  men  hold  theii 
peace?  and  when  thou  meekest,  shall  ua 
man  tualce  thee  ashamed? 


First  Speech  of  Bildad, 


JOB.  vra. 


more  Severe  than  Eliphaz, 


deprive  me  of  all  strength,  as  if  thou  didst 
fear  me,?  (Yet  thou  art  one  who  hast  men 
ever  in  view,  evevvMtdust  them,— u thou 
Watcher,  [v.  12;  Dan.  9,  u.),  not  as  E.  V., 
Preserver  [GEsJof  men."  Job  had  borne  with 
patience  his  trials,  as  sent  by  God:  (ch.  l.  •^l^, 
ch.  a.  10. ' ;  (only  his  reason  cannot  reconcile 
the  ceaseless  continuance  of  his  mental  and 
bodily  pains  with  his  ideas  of  the  divine  na- 
ture .  se  I  me  as  a  mark— W  herefore  dost  thou 
make  me  thy  point  of  attack?  i.  e.,  ever  assail 
me  M'ith  new  pains.  [Umcr.]  (Lam.  3. 12. i 
21.  for  now— very  soon,  in  the  morning— Not 
the  resurrection:  for  then  Job  will  be  found. 
It  is  a  figure,  from  one  seeking  a  sick  man  in 
the  morning,  and  iindlug  he  has  died  in  the 
hiAht.  So  Job  implies,  that  if  God  does  not 
help  hitn  at  once,  it  will  be  too  late,  for  he 
will  be  ftone.  The  reason  why  (^od  does  not 
give  an  iniraediate  sense  of  rKxrdon  to  awak- 
ened sinners  is,  they  think  they  have  a  claim 
on  God  for  it. 

CHAPTER  Vni. 

FIRST  SERIES.— FIRST  SPEECH  OF  BILDAT), 
M"RE  SEVERE  AND  COARSS  THAN  ELIFHAZ. 

Ver.  1-22.  The  Address  op  Bilbao. 
2.  liKe  a  .  .  .  wind— Disregarding  restrainrs, 
and  daring,  against  God.  3.  The  repeciiion 
of  pervert  gives  an  emphasis  galling  to  Job 
(ch.  3i.  12.).  "  Woiildest  thou  have  God  as 
thy  f/ords  imply)  pen^ert  judgment,"  by  let- 
ting thy  sins  go  unpnnishedv  Heaf^sumes 
Job's  guilt  from  his  sufferings.  4.  If— Kather 
"  since  thy  children  have  sinned  against 
Him,  and  {since}  He  has  cast  them  away  for 
[Heh.,  hy  the  hand  of)  their  transgresfiion, 
jYet)  if  thou  wouldest  seek  unto  God,  <fec., 
if  thou  wert  pnre,  &c.,  surely  (even)  now  He 
would  awake  for  thee."  Umbr.  makes  the 
apodosis  to,  "  since  thy  children,"  &c.,  begin 
at  "  He  has  cast  them  away."  Also,  instead 
'of /or,  "He  gave  them  up  to  lit,  into  tlie 
hand  of)  their  own  guii*."  Bildad  expresses 
the  justice  of  God,  which  Job  liad  arraigned. 
Thy  children  have  sinned,  God  leave.?  them 
to  the  consequence  of  their  sin.  Mosi  cut- 
ting to  the  heart  of  the  bereaved  father.  5. 
seek  unto  God  bstimes— Eariy.     Make  it  the 


-any.  luaice  ic  the 
^rst  and  cluef  anxiety  Ps.  78.  34:  i£os.  5.  i.5: 
Isa.  20.  9;  Prov.  S.  i7;  1.3.  21.).  6.  ''  He  would 
awake  for  thee,"  i.e.,  arise  to  thy  help.  God 
seemed  to  be  asleep  towards  the  sufferer  (Ps. 
35.  2:5;  7.  6;  Isa.  51.  9.).  make  .  .  .  prorperous 
— Eestore  to  prosperity  thy  (their)  righteous 
habitation.  Eildad  assumes  it  to  have  been 
heretofore  the  habitation  of  guilt.  7.  thv  bp- 
girining- The  beginning  of  thy  new  happiness 
after  restoration,  latcer  end— (ch.  42. 12;  Prov. 
23.  18.).  8,  9.  The  sages  of  the  olden  time 
reached  an  age  beyond  those  of  Job's  time 
(Note  42.  16,);  and  therefore  could  give  the 
testimony  of  a  fuller  experience,  of  .vesterdaj' 
—i.e.,  a  recent  rice.  We  know  nothing  as  com- 
pared with  tiiem,  from  the  brevity  of  our 
lives.  So  even  Jacob  (Gen.  47.  9.1.  Know- 
ledge consisted  then  in  the  results  of  ob- 
servation, embodied  in  poetical  provei-bs, 
and  handed  down  by  tradition.  Longevity 
gave  the  opportunity  of  wider  observation, 
a  shadow— ^Ps.  144.  4;  1  Chr.  29.  16.  .  10.  teach 
thee  — (ch.  6.  24,i,  had  said,  "Teach  me." 
Biidad,  therefore,  says.  Since  you  want 
teaclnnn.  Enquire  of  the  fathers.  They  will 
teacli  thee,  utter  words— more  than  mere 
speaking:  "put  forth  well-considered  words." 
out  Oi.their  heart  — From  observation  and 
reflection.  (Not  merely,  jrom  their  mouth: 
S6o 


such  as  Bildad  inshiuates,  were  Job's  words. 
Verses  11, 12, 13,  onbody  in  poetic  and  sen- 
tentious foi-m  (probably  the  fragment  of  an 
old  poem,  the  observation  of  the  elders. 
The  double  point  of  comparison  between  the 
ungodly  and  the  paper-reed  is,  1.  The  luxuri- 
ant prosperity  at  first;  and,  2.  The  sudden 
destrttction.  11.  rusn— Bather,  paper  reed: 
the  papj'rus  of  Egypt,  which  was  used  to 
make  garments,  shoes,  baskets,  boats,  and 
paper  (a  word  derived  from  it.).  It  and  tlie 
flag  or  bidrush  grow  only  in  marshy  places 
such  as  are  along  the  Nile.).  So  the  godless 
thrive  only  in  external  prosperity;  there  is 
in  the  hypocrite  no  inward  stability;  Ms 
prosperity  is  like  the  rapid  growth  of  water 
lilants.  12.  not  cut  down— Ere  it  has  ripened 
for  the  scythe,  it  withers  more  sitddenly  than 
any  herb,  liaving  no  self-sustaining  power, 
once  tliat  the  moisture  is  gone,  which  othe? 
herbs  do  not  need  in  the  same  degree.  So  ruia 
seizes  on  the  godless  in  the  zenith  of  prosperi- 
ty, more  suddenly,  than  on  others  who  ap- 
pear less  firmly  seated  in  their  possessions. 
LUmbb.]  (Ps.112.10.'.  IS.paths- So?wi?/s  iPro. 
1.  19.).  all  that  forget  God— The  distinguishing 
trait  of  the  godless  (Ps.  9.  17;  60.  22.).  14. 
cur.  off— So  Ges.  Or,  to  accord  with  the  me- 
taphor of  the  spider's  house,  "  The  confidence 
on  which  he  builds]  sliall  be  laid  in  ruins" 
Isa.  59.  6,  6.!.  15.  he  shall  hold  it  fast  — Im- 
plying his  eager  grasp,  when  the  storm  of 
trial  comes.  As  the  spider  "holds  fast"  by 
its  web:  but  with  this  diiference,  the  light 
spider  is  sustained  by  that  on  wMch  it  rests, 
tue  godless  is  not,  by  the  thin  web  on  which 
he  rests.  Tlie  expression,  "  Hold  fast,"  pro- 
perly applies  to  the  spider  holding  his  Tveb, 
but  is  transferred  to  the  man.  Hypocrisy, 
like  the  spider's  web,  is  fiue-spun,  fiimsy, 
and  woven  out  of  its  own  inventions,  as 
the  spider's  web  out  of  its  own  bowels. 
An  Arab  proverb  says,  "Time  destroys  the 
well-built  house,  as  weU  as  the  spider'? 
web."  16.  before  the  sun— i.e..  He  ithe  god- 
less,) is  green  only  before  the  sun  rises; 
but  he  cannot  bear  its  heat,  and  withers 
So  succulent  plants  like  the  gourd  Jonali,  4. 
r,  8.).  But  the  wide-spreadmg  in  the  garden 
does  not  quite  accord  with  this.  Better,  "in 
.sunshine;'  the  sim  representing  the  smUing 
fortune  of  the  hypocrite,  during  wMch  he 
wondrously  progresses.  [^Hmbr.]  The  image 
is  rhat  oiwecas  gr^^Wing  m  rank  luxuriance, 
and  spreading  over  even  heaps  of  stones  and 
walls,  and  then  being  speedily  torn  away 
17.  seeth  the  place  of  sion'^s—Heb.,  "  the  house 
of  stones j"  %.e.,  the  wall  surrotmding  the 
garden.  The  parasite  plant,  in  creeping  to- 
wards and  over  the  wall— the  utmost  boiuid 
of  the  garden— is  said  figuratively  to  "  see" 
or  regard  it.  18.  If  He  (God,)  tear  him  away 
[E.  v.,  destroy;  properly,  to  tear  away  rapidly 
ana  violently,]  from  his  place,  "then  it  ithe 
place  personified,)  shall  deny  him"  'Ps  103 
lfi.>.  The  very  soU  is  ashamed  of  the  weeds 
iymg  withered  on  its  surface,  as  though  it 
never  had  been  connected  with  them  So 
wlien  the  godless  falls  from  prosperity  his 
nearest  fnends  disown  him.  19.  Bitter  irony 
The  hypocrite  boasts  of  joy.  This  tlien  is 
his  "joy'  at  the  last,  and  out  of  the  earth- 
Others  immediately,  who  take  the  place  of 
ihe  man  thus  punislied.  Not  (jodly  men 
..'latth.  3.  9.).  i^or  "the  place"  of  the  weeds 
is  among  stones,  where  the  gardener  wishes 
no  plants.   But,  ungodly:  a  fresh  crop  of 


Reply  of  Job  to  Bildad. 


JOB.  IX 


^0  Contending  with  God. 


•weeds  always  springs  up  in  the  room  of  those 
torn  up:  there  is  no  end  of  hypocrites  on 
earth.  [XJ.-mbr.]  20.  Bildad  regards  Job.as 
a  righteous  man,  who  has  fallen  into  sin. 
••  God  will  not  cast  off  for  ever  a  perfect'  lor 
godly  man,  such  as  Job  was,),  if  he  will  only 
repent.  "Tliose  alone  wlio  persevere  in  sin 
God  wiU  not  help"  (Heb.,  take  by  the  hand; 
Ps.  73.  23;  Isa.  41. 13;  42.  G,)  when  fallen.  21. 
Till— ^ii..  "  to  the  point  that:"  God  s  blessing 
on  thee,when  repentant,  will  go  on  increasing 
to  the  point  that,  or  until,  «S^.  22  Ihe 
haters  of  Job  are  the  wicked.  They  shall  be 
clothed  with  shame  iJer.  3.  25;  Ps.3%  26;  109. 
29,1  at  the  failure  of  their  hope,  tliat  Job 
would  utterly  perish,  and  because  they,  in- 
stead of  Mm,  come  to  nonght. 

CHAPTER  IX.  i 

FIRST    SERIES.  I 

Ver.  1-35.    Eeply  of  Job  to  Bildad.   2. ' 

I  know  that  it  is  so  —  That  God  does  not 
"pervert  justice"  (8.  3.).  But  (even  though! 
I  be  siu-e  of  being  in  the  right,)  how  can  a  ] 
mere  man  assert  his  right— ;be  just,)  with 
God.  The  Gospel  answers  (Rom.  3.  20.). 
3.  If  He  vGod)  will  contend  with  him— lit., 
"deign  to  enter  into  judgment."  he  canno. 
ansv.'er,  (fcc— He  (man;  would  not  dare,  even 
if  he  had  a  thousand  answers  in  readuiess 
to  one  question  of  God's,  to  utter  one  of 
them,  from  awe  of  his  Majesty.  4.  Heh., 
Wise  in  heart  understanding) !  And  mighty ; 
in  power!  God  confounds  the  ablest  arguer  j 
by  His  wisdom,  and  the  mightiest  by  His  I 
power,  hardened— Aiz.,  himself,  or  his  neck 
(Prov.  29.1,);  i.e.,  defied  God.  To  prosper,  one  ; 
must  fall  in  with  God's  arrangements  of  Pro- 
vidence and  grace.  5.  and  tney  know  not— j 
Heh.  for  "suddenly,  unexpectedly,  before; 
they  are  aware  of  it"  (Ps.  35.  8,);  "at  una- 
wares;" Heb.,  which  he  knoweth  not  of  (Joel, 
2. 14;  Prov.  6.  6.).  6.  The  earth  is  regarded,  1 
poetically.as  resting  on  pillars, which  tremble ! 
in  an  earthquake  (Ps.  75.  3;  Isa.  24.  20.).  The  1 
literal  truth  as  to  the  earth  is  given  (26. 7.).  7. 1 
The  sun.  at  His  command,  doth  not  rise;  viz.,  | 
in  an  eclipse,  or  the  darkness  that  accom-  j 
panie.-;  earthquakes  [v.  6.1.  sealeth  up— i.e.,  1 
totally  covers,  as  one  would  seal  up  a  room,  i 
that  its  contents  may  not  be  seen.  8.  spread- : 
Bthout— Isa.  40.  22;  Ps.  104.2.).  But  through-! 
out  It  is  not  so  much  God's  creating,  as  His 
governing,  power  over  nature  that  is  set 
forth.  A  stonn  seems  a  struggle  between 
Nature  and  her  Lord!  Better,  therefore,  j 
"Who  boiveth  the  heavens  alone,"  without 
help  of  any  other.  God  descends  from  the 
bowed-down  heaven  to  the  earth  (Ps.  18.  9). 
The  storm,  wherein  the  clouds  descend,  sug- ; 
gests  this  image.  In  the  descent  of  the 
vault  of  heaven,  God  has  come  down  from  ] 
His  high  throne,  and  walks  majestic  over  the 
mountain  waves  [Heb.,  heights,),  as  a  con- 
queror tamina  tJieir  violence.  So  tread  upon  [ 
(Deut. 33. 29;  Amos, 4. 13;  Matth.  14. 2G.).  The 
Egyptian  hieroglyphic  for  impossibility  is  a  j 
man  walking  on  waves.  9.  maketh— Bather,  { 
from  the  Arabic,  covereth  up.  This  accords  i 
better  with  the  context  which  describes  His 
boundless  pov/er  as  controller,  rather  than  ; 
as  creator.  IUmbb.]  Arcturns— The  great; 
bear,  which  always  revolves  about  the  pole,  ■ 
and  ne\  er  sets.  The  Chaldeans  and  Ai-abs, 
early  named  and  grouped  in  constellations 
the  stars;  often  travelling,  and  tem.ing 
flocks  by  ni^ht,  they  woidd  naturally  do, 
80,  especially  aa  the  rise  aud  setting  of  I 
36a    [1] 


s/ime  stars  mark  the  distinction  of  seasons. 
Brinkley  ijrcsuming  the  stairs  here  men- 
tioned to  be  those  of  Taurus  and  Scorpio,  and 
that  these  were  the  cardinal  constellations  ol 
spring  and  autumn  in  Job's  time,  calculates, 
by  the  precession  of  eqiunoxes,  the  time  oi 
Job  to  be  81S  yeai-s  after  the  deluge,  a^d  184 
before  Abraham.  Oriow—Reb.,  tiie  fool;  in 
rh.  38.  31,  he  appears  fettered  with  "bands." 
The  old  legend  represented  this  star  as  a  hero, 
who  presumptuc'Uslj-  rebelled  against  God, 
and  ■was  therefore  &fool,  and  was  chained  in 
the  sky,  as  a  punishment:  for  its  rising  is  at 
the  storm.y  period  oi  the  year.  He  is  Nimrod 
—  the  exceedingly  impioiis  rebel,}  among  the 
Assyrians;  Orion,  among  the  Greeks.  Sab- 
aism  (worship  of  the  heavenly  hosts,)  and 
hero-worship  were  Wended  in  his  person. 
He  first  subverted  the  piitriarchai  order  of 
society  by  sub-titutingachieftainship  ba.S9d 
on  conquest  (Gen.  lo.  9,  10.).  Pleiuaes— a^, 
"  the  heap  of  stars:"  Arabic,  "knot  of  stars." 
The  various  names  of  this  constellation  in 
the  East  expresses  the  close  union  of  the 
stars  in  it  lAmos,  6.  8.).  chambers  or  the 
soiuh— llie  unseen  regions  of  the  S.  hemi- 
sphere, with  its  own  set  of  stars,  as  distin- 
guished from  those  just  mentioned,  of  the 
i^.  The  true  structure  of  the  earth  is 
here  implied.  10.  Repeated  from  Eliphaz, 
ch.  5.  9.  11.  I  see  Him  not :  He  passeih 
on  —  The  image  is  that  of  a  howUng  wind 
(Isa.  21. 1.).  Like  it  when  it  bttrsts  invisibly 
upon  man;  so  God  is  felt  in  the  awful  effecia 
of  His  wrath,  but  is  not  seen  John,  3.  8.). 
Therefore,  reasons  Job,  it  is  ii.ipossible  to 
contend  with  Him.  12.  If  "He  taketh  away,* 
as  in  my  case  all  that  was  dear  to  me,  still  a 
mortal  cannot  call  him  to  account.  He  only 
takes  His  own.  He  is  an  absolute  King  (Ecci. 
8.  4;  Dan.  4.  35.).  13.  If  God— Rather,  "God 
will  not  withdrav.'  His  anger,"  i.e.,  so  long  aa- 
a  mortal  obstinately  resists.  [Umbr.]  t)ie 
prcud  helpers— 2/ie  arrogant,  who  would  help 
one  contending  with  the  Ahnighty,  are  of  no 
avail  against  Him.  14.  H,w  much  less  shall 
I— Who  am  weak— seeing  that  the  mighty 
have  to  stoop  belore  Him.  Clioose  words 
luse  a  veil  chosen  speech,  in  order  to  reason) 
with  Him.  15.  ch.  10.  15.  .  Though  I  were 
conscious  of  no  sin,  yet  I  would  not  dare  to 
say  so,  but  leave  it  to  His  judgment  and 
mercy  to  justify  me  (I  Cor.  4  4).  16,17.  "I 
would  not  believe  that  He  had  hearkened 
tmto  my  voice,  who  breaketh  me  as  a  tree 
stript  of  its  leaves)  with  a  tempest."  19. 
llMBB.takes  these  as  the  words  of  God,  trans- 
lating, "Wliat  availeth  the  might  of  the 
strong?  'Here  (saith  he.)  behold!  what 
availeth  justice  ?  Who  will  appoint  me  a 
time  to  plead?'"  (so  Jer.  «9.  19.).  The  last 
words  certainly  apply  better  to  God,  than  to 
Job.  The  sense  is  substantiallv  the  same, 
if  we  make  "me,"  with  E.  V.  apply  to 
Job.  The  "lo!"  expresses  God's  swift 
readiness  for  battle,  when  challenged.  20. 
it—  ch.  15.  6;  Lu.  19.  22;)  or,  "He,"  God. 
21.  Lif.,  here  (and  in  v.  20.).  "I  perfect!  I 
should  not  know  my  soul!  I  would  despise 
I  disown,)  my  life;"  i.e..  Though  conscious  of 
innocence,  I  should  be  compelled,  in  con- 
tending with  the  infinite  God,  to  itrnore  my 
own  soul,  and  despise  my  past  life,  as  if  it 
were  guilty.  [Ros.J  22.  one  thing— "  It  is  all 
one;  whether  perfect  or  wicked,— He  rte- 
stroyeth."  This  was  the  po:nt  Job  mam- 
tained  against  his  friends,  that  the  righteous 


Job's  Reply  to 


JOB,  X. 


BUdad  Continued. 


and  wicked  alike  are  afflicted;  and  that  great  I  Bis  own  hands,  as  of  no  value"  {v.  S;  Ps. 
sufferings  here  do  not  prove  great  guilt  (Lu.   138.  8.).    shine  upon— Favour  with  prosijevity 


13. 1-5;  Eccles.  9.  2.).    26.  If— Kather.  "  "While  |  iPs.  50.  2.). 
(His)  scourge  slays  suddenly  ithe  wicked,  v.  j  as  man?  i.e. 


22,),  He  laughs  a,t  [disregards:  not  derides,) 


4,  5,  6.  Dost  thou  see  as  ieebly 
Ith  the  same  uncharita.  le  eye. 


lor  instance,  Jctb's  triends.    Is  ihy  tii 


the  pining  away  of  the  innocent."     Ihe  only  [  as  short?   luipossible!  Yet  one  might  ihink, 


ditference,  says  Job,  between  the  innocent 
and  guilty  is,  the  latter  are  slain  by  a  sudden 
stroke,  the  former  jilne  away  gradually. 
The  translation,  "  trial,"  does  not  express 
the  antithesis  to  "slay  suddenly,"  as  '"  pining 


from  the  rapid  succession  of  thy  strokes, 
that  thou  hadst  no  time  to  spare  in  over- 
whelming me.  7.  "  Although  thou  ithe  Om- 
niscienti  knowest,"  &c.,  (connected  with  v.  fi,) 
thousearchest  after  my  sin."  aud  .  .  .  ithat} 


aw  ay"  does.  [Umbr.]  24.  ileterring  to  righte- '  none  can  deliver  out  of  tMne  hand— Therefore 
ons  judges,  in  auiithesis  to  "  the  wicked,"  in  I  thou  hast  no  need  to  deal  with  me  with  the 
the  parallel  first  clause,  Whereas  the  mcfcecJ  I  rauid  violence, 
oppressor  often  has  tlte  earth  given  into  his  !  (Note.  v.  6.).    8. 


which  "man"  would  use 
Made"  with  pains-  imply- 


hand,  the  lighteous  jwd^es  are  led  to  execu- \mg  a  work  of  difficulty  and  art;  applying  to 
tion;  culpr.ts  had  their /aces  cowred  prepara- !  God  language  ai)plicabie  only  to  man.  to- 
tory  to  execution  (Esth.  7.  8..  Thus  the  geiher  round  about— Implying  that  the  hnman 
contrast  of  the  wicked  and  righteous  here  ;  body  is  a  complete  xmity,  the  pans  of  vhich 
answers  to  that  in  verse  23.  if  njt,  wliere  and  on  aW  sides  will  bear  the  closest  scnit.ny. 
fflio— //God  be  not  the  cause  of  these  ano- ;  9.  clay— Next  v.  proves  that  the  reference 
malies,  where  is  the  cause  to  be  found,  and  here  is,  not  so  much  to  the  perisliahle  nature 
who  is  he?  25.  a  post— A  courier.  In  the  wide  '  of  the  materials,  as  to  tlieir  wonderjul 
Persian  empire  such  couriers,  on  drome- '/as/iiomrtfif  by  the  Divine  potter.  10.  In  the 
daries,  or  on  foot,  were  emp  oyed  to  carry  organization  of  the  body  from  its  rude  com- 
the  royal  commands  to  the  distant  provinces  mencements  the  liquid  original  gradually  as- 
(Esth.  S.  13,  15;  8.  14.).  My  days  ai-e,  not  like  ;  sumes  a  more  solid  consistency,  like  milk 
the  slow  caravan,  but  the  fleet  post. 


diiys   are    themselves     poetically 

see  no  good,  instead  of  Job  in  them  (1  Pet.  3 


The  I  curdling  into  cheese  iPs.  139.  15,  J6.).    >Science 
said    to  I  reveals  that  the  chyle  circulated  by  the  lac- 
vessels  is  the  supply  to  every  organ. 


10.).  26.  swift  ships— Kather,  canoes  of  reeds,  j  11.  fenced— Or  "inlaid"  (Ps.  l.';9.  15,);  citrious 
or  papyrus-skiffs,  used  on  the  Nile,  swift  j  ly  wrought."  [Umbr.]  In  the  foetus  the  skia 
from  their  lightness  ilsa.  18.  2.).  28.  The  appears  first,  then  the  flesh,  then  the  harder 
apodosis  to  27,— "If  I  say,  &c."  I  still  am  parts.  12.  visitation  — Thy  watchful  Provi- 
afraid  of  all  my  sorrows  (returning),  for  I ,  dence.    spirit— Breath.  13.  is  with  t nee— Was 

thy  purpose.  Ail  God's  dealings  with  Job  in 
his  creation,  preservation,  and  present  afflic- 
tions were  part  ot  His  secret  counsel  iPs. 
139.  16;  Acts,  15. 18;  Eccl.  3.  11.).  14,  15.  Job 
is  perplexed,  because  God  "marks"  every 
sin  of  his  with  such  ceasele-ss  rigour. 
Whether  "  wicked"  [godless  and  a  hypocrite) 
or  "  righteous"  ; comparatively:  sincere,),  God 
condemns  and  punishes  alike,  lift  up  my 
head— in  conscious  innocence  (Ps.  3.  3.>.  see 
thou— Bather,  "  and  seeing  I  see— il  too  well 
see)  mine  affliction,"  (which  seems  to  prove 
me  guilty.).  [Umbr.]  16.  iucreaseiu— Eather, 
(if)  1  lijl  up  my  head)  thou  wouldest  hunt 
me,  &c.    [Umpr.]    and  again- As  if  a  lion 


know  that  thou  wilt  (dost)  not  ^by  removing 
my  sufferings)  hold  or  declare  me  innocent. 
How  then  can  I  leave  off  my  heaviness?  29. 
Tlie  if  is  better  omitted:  I  (am  treated  by 
God,  as)  wicked;  why  then  labour  I  in  vain 
(to  disprove  His  charge. ;.  Job  submits,  not 
so  much  because  he  is  convinced  that  God  is 
right,  as  because  God  is  powerful,  and  he 
iveak.  [Barnes.]  30.  snow  water— Thought  to 
be  more  cleansing  than  common  water,  ow- 
ing to  the  whiteness  of  snow  (Ps.  51 .  7;  Isa.  1. 
18.).  never  so  clean— Better,  to  answer  to  the 
parallelism  of  the  first  clause  which  ex- 
presses  the   cleansing    material,    lye:    the 

Arabs  used  alkali  mixed  with  oil,  as  soap:xxi^,  ,^.    i^i,l,  iv.j    ai^^  ngaiu— xxo  x±  a,  ,ivnx 
(Ps.  73.  l:;;  Jer.  2.  22.  .    32.  (Eccl.  6.  10;  Isa.  1  should  not  kill  his  prey  at  once,  but  come 


6.  9.).    33.  daysman  —  Mediator  or  umpire 
he   imposition  of  whose   hand   expr 


b.ack  and  torture  it  again.     17.  witnesses— 
His  accumulated  trials  were  like  a  succession 


power  to  adjudicate  between  the  persons.  [  of  witnesses  brought  up  in  proof  of  his  guilt. 
There  might  be  one  on  a  level  with  Job,  the  i  to  wear  out  the  accused,  changes  and  war- 
one  party:  but  Job  knew  of  none  on  a  level  Eather  ("  thou  settest  in  array)  against  me 
with  the  Almighty,  the  other  party  (1  Sam.  2.  i  host  after  host"  Hit.,  changes  and  a  host.  i.e. 

25.; ■■      '       '  '■  ■  -        -  -     

(not,  however,  m  tne  sense  umpt 

with  both,  the  God  man,  Christ  J(  .         ,  

Tim.  2.  5.).    34.  rod— Not  here  the  symbol  of  j  my  birth  to  these  ills,  at  least  give  me  a 


5.;.  We  Christians  know  of  such  a  Mediator  a  succession  of  hosts,),  viz.,  his  afflictions, 
aot,  however,  in  the  sense  Mmj/ire,)  on  a  level  and  then  reproach  upon  reproach  from  his 

1 1  friends.    20.  But,  since  I  was  destined  Ircm 
.  f  i  my  birth  to  these  iUs,  at  least  give  me  a 

mnishment,  but  of  power.   3  ob  cannot  meet  i  little  breathing  time  during  the  few  days  left 
God  on  fair  terms,  so  long  as  God  deals  with  me  (ch.  9.  34;  13.  21;  Ps.  39. 13.).    22.  The  ideas 


nim  on  the  footing  of  His  Almighty  power.  35 
t  IS  not  so  witli  me— As  it  now^  is,  God  not  tak- 
ng  His  rod  away,  I  am  not  on  siich  a  footing 
of  equality,  as  to  lie  able  to  vindicate  myself. 
CHAPTER  X. 
Ver.  1-22.  Job's  Eeply  to  Bildad  Con- 
tinued.   1.  leave  my  complaint  on  myself 


of  order  and  light,  disorder,  and  darkness, 
harmonize  (Gen.  1.  2.).     Three  ifef).  words 


Kather,  ''  i  M'iU  give  loose  to  my  complaint' 
-Do  not,  by 


(ch.  7.  11.).    2.  shuw  me,  &c. 

tue  of  thy  mure  sovereignty,  treat  me 

guilty,  without  showing  me  the  reasons. 


are  used  for  darkness;  in  v.  21  [l,)  the  com- 
mon word  "darkness:  here  (2,)  "a  land  of 
gloom"  from  a  Heb.  root,  to  cover  up,:  (3,) 
■'as  thick  darkness"  or  blackness  from  a  root, 
expressing  sunset.).  "Where  the  li^Iit  there- 
of is  like  blackness."  Its  only  sunshine  is 
vir- '  thick  darkness.  A  bold  figure  of  poetry. 
Job  in  a  better  frame  has  brighter  thuiig  is 
of  the  imseen  world.    But  his  \ lews  at  bes 


Job  is  unwilling  to  think,  God  can  have  |  wanted  the  dt'tinite  clearntss  of  the  Cliris- 
■■  pleasure"  in  using  his  power  to  "oppress"!  tian's.    Comiiaie  with  liLs  words  here  [Bay, 


the  weak,  and  to  "  treat"  man, 
365    L2J 


'  the  work  of  i  21.  23;  22.  6;  2  Tim.  1.  lO.i. 


Tlie  address  of  ZopMr. 


JOB.  xn.  xm. 


TTie  omnipotence  of  Ood. 


4  Fur  "tho'j  h.ist  smd,  My  doctrine  is\ 
pure,  and  1  am  tucan  in  thine  eyes. 

5  Hut  oh  that  God  wotild  speak,  and  open 
bis  lii»s  !!J?aiTist  thee: 

6  And  that  he  wonlit  show  thee  the  secrets 
of  wisddiii,  th;it  tiitij  are  double  to  that 
which  is!  Know  therefore  thMt*God  ex- 
at-ttth  of  thee  less  than  thine  iniquity 
desuvetk. 

7  Ciiiut  'thou  by  searching  find  out  God? 
cimst  thou  find  out  the  Almighty  unto 
li.rfectionl  ,    ^ 

S  It  is  3 as  hish  as  heaven;  what  canst 
thou  do*  deeper  than  hell;  what  canst  thou 
Know? 

9  The  measure  thereof  is  longer  than  the 
earth,  and  broader  than  the  sea. 

10  If  he  *  cut  oil'  and  shut  up,  or  gather 
together,  then  6  who  can  hinder  him? 

11  For  <<  he  knoweth  vain  men:  he  seeth 
wickedness  also;  will  he  not  then  consider 

12  For  8  vain  man  would  be  wise,  though 
man  be  bom  like  a  wild  ass's  colt. 

13  If  thou  *  prepare  thine  heart,  and 
stretch/ out  thme  nands  toward  him; 

14  If  iniquity  be  in  thme  hand,  put  it  far 
away,  and  let  not  wickedness  dwell  in  thy 
tabernucles. 

16  For  "  then  shalt  thou  lift  up  thy  face 
without  spot;  yea,  thou  shalt  be  stedfast, 
and  shalt  not  tear: 

16  Because  thou  shalt  forget  thy  misery. 
a^vi  remember  it  as  waters  that  pass  away: 

17  And  tttine  age  ">  shall  be  clearer  than  tlie 
noon-day ;  thou  shalt  shine  forth,  thou  shalt 
be  as  the  morning. 

18  And  thou  shalt  be  secure,  because  there 
is  hope ;  yea,  thou  shalt  dig  about  thee,  and 
thou  shalt  take  thy  rest  in  safety. 

19  Also  thou  shalt  lie  down,  and  none 
shall  make  thee  afraid;  yea,  many  shall 

8  make  suit  unto  thee. 

20  Uut  the  eyes  of  the  wicked  shall  fail, 
and  9  they  shnll  not  escape,  and  their  hope 
shall  be  as  i*^  the  giving  up  of  the  ghost. 

CHAPTER  XII. 
1  Job  censures  the  arrogant  pretentiont  of  his 
friends  to  superior  hncwleage:  he  shojvs  that 
wicbed  nun  often  prosper:  13  Ood'a  divine  wis- 
dom and  omnipoteney. 

A  ND  Job  answered  and  said, 
■"■  2  No  doubt  but  ye  are  the  people,  and 
wisdom  shall  die  mth  you! 

3  But  I  have  i  understanding  as  well  as 
you;  "  I  am  not  inferior  to  you:  yea,  3  who 
knoweth  not  such  things  as  these? 

4  I  am  as  One  mocked  of  his  neighbour, 
who  "  calleth  upon  God,  and  he  answereth 
him:  the  just  upright  man  is  laughed  to 
scorn. 

5  He  6  that  is  ready  to  slip  with  his  feet  is 
as  a  lamp  despised  in  the  thought  of  him 

6  The  tabernacles  of  robbers  prosper,  and 
they  that  provoke  God  are  secure;  into 
whose  hana  God  bringeth  abxindantly. 

7  But  ask  now  the  beasts,  and  they  shall 
teach  thee ;  and  the  fowls  of  the  air,  and 
tho}  shall  tell  thee: 

8  Or  speak  to  the  earth,  and  it  shall  teach 
th'  e ;  and  the  fishes  of  the  sea  shall  declare 
uuui  thee. 

9  Who  knoweth  not  in  all  these  that  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  hath  wroni;hl  this? 

ID  In  "whose  hand  is  the  ^sdulof  every 
li\ii,g  thing,  and  the  breath  of  ^  all  mau- 
kind. 


B.  C.  1520. 

CHAP.  11. 

o  ch.  6.  V). 

Eirii9.  13. 

Ltm.  3.  2S. 

Eccl.  3.  11. 

Eo.  ll.iS3. 
8  the  heights 

of  heaven. 


empty. 
1  S».  7.  3. 

P..  -a  8. 

/  P.,  K.3.  6. 
a  Gen.  i.  6. 

Ps.  119.  6. 

1  John  3. 

21. 

7  ehiU  airiee 
0Lbo7e  the 
noonday. 
P».  37.  S. 

8  intreatthy 
face. 

9  flight  ghall 
perish  from 

10  Or,  a  puer 
of  breath 


ii  Doth  not  the  ear  try  words?  and  the 
omcuth  taste  his  meat? 

12  With  the  ancient  is  wisdom;  and  in 
length  of  days  understanding. 

IS  With  1  him  is  wisdom  and  strength,  he 
hath  counsel  and  understanding. 

14  Behold,  he  breaketh  down,  and  it  can- 
not  be  built  again;  he  rfshuttetli  8 up  a 
man,  and  there  can  be  no  opening. 

15  Behold,  he  "withholdeth  the  waters, 
and  they  dry  up ;  also  he  /  sendeth  them 
out,  and  they  overturn  the  earth. 

16  With  him  ie  strength  and  wisdom:  the 
deceived  and  the  deceiver  are  his. 

17  He  leadeth  counseOors  away  spoiled, 
and  maketh  the  judges  fools. 

18  He  looseth  the  bond,  of  kings,  ana 
girdeth  their  loins  v^ith  a  girdle. 

19  He  leadeth  princes  away  spoiled,  and 
overthroweth  the  mighty. 

20  He  removeth  away  "  the  speech  of  the 
trusty,  and  taketh  away  the  understanding 
of  the  aged. 

21  He  poureth  contempt  upon  princes,  and 

10  weakeneth  the  strength  bf  the  mighty. 

22  He  » discovereth  deep  things  out  ol 
darkness,  and  bringeth  out  to  light  the 
shadow  of  death. 

23  He  increaseth  the  nations,  and  destroy, 
eth  them :  he  enlargeth  the  nations,  and 

11  straiteneth  them  a^rawi. 

24  He  taketh  away  the  heart  of  the  chlel 
of  the  people  of  the  earth,  and  causeth  them 
to  wander  in  a  wilderness  where  there  is  no 

25  They  grope  in  the  dark  without  light, 
and  he  maketh  them  to  12  stagger  like  a 
drunken  man. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Job  reproves  his  friends  of  partiality :  14  he  pro- 
fesses his  confidence  in  Ood,  etc. 

T  0,  mine  eye  hath  seen  all  this,  mine  eai 
-^  hath  heard  and  understood  it. 

2  What  ye  know,  the  same  do  I  know  also: 
I  am  not  inferior  unto  you. 

3  Surely  1  would  speak  to  the  Almighty, 
and  1  desire  to  reason  with  God. 

4  But  ye  are  forgers  of  lies,  ye  ore  all 
physicians  of  no  value. 

5  O  that  ye  would  altogether  hold  youi 
peace!  and  "  it  should  be  your  wisdom. 

6  Hear  now  my  reasoning,  and  hearken  to 
the  pleadings  of  my  lips.        „     ^    ,.       , 

7  Will » ye  speak  wickedly  for  God?  and 
talk  deceitfully  for  him? 

8  Will  ye "  accept  hia  person?  will  ye  con. 
tend  lor  God? 

9  Is  it  good  that  he  should  search  yoa 
out?  or  as  one  man  mocketh  another,  do 
ye  so  mock  him? 

10  He  will  surely  reprove  you,  if  ye  do 
secretly  accept  persons. 

11  Shall  not  his  1  excellency  make  you 
afraid?  and  his  dread  tall  upon  you? 

12  Your  remembrances  are  like  unto 
ashes,  your  bodies  to  bodies  of  clay. 

13  2  Hold  your  peace,  let  me  alone,  that 
I  may  speak,  and  let  come  on  me  what 
ivill. 

14  Wherefore  do  1  take  my  flesh  in  my 
teeth,  and  "*  put  my  life  in  mine  hand? 

15  Tnough « he  slay  me,  yet  will  1  tiaist  in 
him :  /  but  1  ^^ill  3  maintain  mine  own 
wavs  before  him. 

16"lle  al«o  s/iall  be  my  »  salvation:  for  an 
hypocrite  Rhall  not  come  before  him. 
"  f.rsne'. " '  1  i<  i'''it  ailu'tn.'-ij  my  speech,  and  mj 
0  b.  IS.  1, 3, 1  declarution  with  youi  eaia. 


CHAP.  12, 

1  an  heart. 

2  1  fall  not 
lower  th« 
you. 
with  whom 


these? 

I'l.  91. 15. 
6  ProT.  14.  2. 
c  Nu.  16.  22. 

DcD.  6.  23. 

Acts  17.23. 
4  Or,  life. 
6  kU  aeeb  ef 

6  palate. 

7  That  ia, 
With  God. 

d  Rer.  3.  7. 

8  upon. 
«1  Ki.  17.1. 
/  Gen.  7. 11. 

9  the  lip  of 
the  faith- 
ful. 

10  Or, 
looseth 
the  ^rdle 
of  the 
strong. 

g  Mfl.  lU.  26. 
1  Cor.  4. 6. 

11  leadeth  in. 

12  wander. 


CHAP.  13. 
a  Pr«.17.2S. 
6  eh.  17.  5. 
cpro.  24  23. 

1  Or,  height 
of  preat- 

2  Bo  silent 
from  mo. 

d  PMlm  119, 


First  Speech  ofZophwr. 


JOB.  XI.  XIL 


JoVs  Beply  to  Zophar. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

FIKST  SEBJIES. 

Ver.  1-20.  FiKisT  Speech  of  Zophar.  2. 
Zorhar  assails  Job  for  his  empty  words,  and 
indirectly,  the  two  friends,  for  their  weak 
reply.  Taciturnity  is  b)ghiy  prized  among 
Orientals  Prov.  10.  8,  19.).  3.  lies— Eather, 
vain  boasting  Isa.  IC.  6;  Jer.  48.  30.'.  The 
"men"  is  emphatic;  men  of  sense;  in  anti- 
thesis to  "vain  boasting."  mockest  — Up- 
braidest  God  by  complamts.  4.  doctrine— 
Purpo-sely  used  of  Job's  speeches,  which 
sounded  like  lessons  of  doctrine  (Deu.  '62.  2; 
Prov.  4.  2.).  thine— Addressed  to  God.  Job 
had  maintained  his  sincerity,  against  his 
friends'  suspicions,  not  faultlessness.  6.  to 
that  which  is!— Hather,  "  they  are  double  to 
(man's)  ivisdom."  [Mich,]  So  the  Heb.  is 
rendered  {Prov.  2.  7.).  God's  ways,  which 
you  arraign,  if  you  were  shown  their  secret 
wisdom,  would  be  seen  vastly  to  exceed  that 
of  men,  including  yours  (1  Cor.  1.  25.).  ex- 
acteth— Raiher,  "  God  consigns  to  oblivion  in 
thy  favour  much  of  thy  gmlt."  7.  Eather, 
"  Penetrate  to  the  perfections  of  the  Al- 
mighty" ch.  9.  10:  Ps.  139.  6.).  8.  It-The 
"  wisdom "  of  God  (v.  6. ).  The  abruptness  of 
the  Heb.  is  forcible;  "  Tlie  heights  of  heaven ! 
What  canst  thou  do"  (as  to  attaining  to  them 
•with  thy  gaze,  Ps.  139.  8.)?  know—  viz.,  of 
His  perfections.  10.  cut  off— Eather,  as  in 
ch.  9.  11,  pass  over  as  a  storm;  viz.,  rush 
upon  in  anger,  shut  up— In  prison,  with  a 
view  to  trial,  gather  together— The  parties 
for  judgment:  hold  a  .judicial  assembly,  to 
pass  sentence  on  the  prisoners.  11.  (Ps.  94. 
11.).  consider— So  as  to  punish  it.  Eather, 
from  the  connexion,  v.  6,  "  He  seeth  wicked- 
ness also,  which  man  does  not  perceive:"  lit.. 
"But  no  (other,  save  He)  perceiveth  it. 
[UmbkJ  God's  "wisdom"  [v.  6,)  detects  sin 
where  Job's  human  eye  cannot  reach  [v.  8,', 
so  as  to  see  any.  12.  vain— Hollow,  wouid 
ie— Wants  to  consider  himself  "wise:"  op- 
posed to  God's  "wisdom"  (note, -y.  11,);  refuses 
to  see  sin,  where  God  sees  it  Eom.  1.  22.). 
wild  ass's  colt— A  proverb  for  untamed  wild- 
ness  (ch.  39.  5,  8;  Jer.  2.  24;  Gen.  16.  12;  Heb., 
"a  wild-ass  man.")  Man  wishes  to  appear 
•wisely  obedient  to  his  Lord,  whereas  he  is 
from  his  birth,  unsubdued  in  spirit.  13. 
The  apodosis  to  the  "  If"  is  at  v.  15.  The 
*'  preparation  of  the  heart"  is  to  be  obtained 
(Prov.  16.  1.)  by  "  stretching  out  the  hands  " 
in  prayer  for  it  Ps.  10.  17;  l  Chr.  29.  18.).  14. 
Eather,  "if  thou  wilt  put  far  away  the  ini- 
quity in  thine  hand  "  (as  Zaccheus  did,  Luke, 
19.  8.).  The  apodosis  or  conclusion  is  at  v. 
15,  "  then  shalt  thou,"  &c.  15.  Zophar  refers 
to  Job's  own  words  ch.  10.  15,), '"yet  will  I 
not  lift  up  my  head,"  evt-n  though  righteous. 
Zophar  declares,  if  Job  will  follow  his  advice, 
he  may  "lift  up  his  face."  spot— (Deu.  32. 5.  . 
steadfast— Hi.,  run  fast  together,  like  metals 
which  become  firm  and  hard  by  fusion.  The 
'  sinner  on  the  contrary  is  wavering.  16.  Just 
as  when  the  stream  runs  dry  (ch.  6. 17,1.  the 
danger  threatened  by  its  wild  waves  is  for- 
gotten (Isa.  65.  16.).  [Umbr.]  17.  age— Dai/s 
or  life,  the  noon-day  — -yiz.,  of  thy  former 
prosperity;  which,  in  the  poet's  image,  had 
gone  on  increasing,  until  it  reached  its 
height^  as  the  sun  rises  higher  and  higher 
until  It  reaches  the  meridian  (Prov.  4.  18.  . 
shine  forth— Eather,  "  though  now  in  dark- 
ness, thou  shalt  be  as  the  morning."  Or, 
"thy  darkness  (if  any  dark  shade  should 


arise  on  thee,  it)  shall  be  as  the  morning" 
only  the  dullness  of  morning  twilight,  not 
nocturnal  darkness.).  [Umbr.]  18. 'J'he  ex- 
perience of  thy  life  will  teach  thee,  there  is 
hope  for  man  in  every  trial.  Aig— viz.,  wells; 
the  chief  ne  essary  in  the  E.  Better,  "though 
now  asliamxl  (Eom.  6.  5,  opposed  to  the  pre- 
vious 'hope,"!  thou  shalt  then  rest  safely." 
[Ges.1  19— (Ps.  4.  8;  Prov.  3.  24;  Isa.  U.  3o.). 
Oriental  images  of  prosperity.  19.  mttke  suit 
—lit.,  "stroke  thy  face,  caress  thee"  (Prov. 
19.  6.).  20.  A  warning  to  Job,  if  he  would. 
not  turn  to  God.  "  The  wicked."  i.  e., 
obdurate  sinners,  eyes  .  .  .  fail  —  i.e.,  in 
vain  look  for  relief  (Deu.  28.  65.1.  Zophar 
implies,  Job's  only  hope  of  relief  is  in  a 
cliange  of  heart,  they  shall  not  escape— ?ii., 
"  evevy  refu'.;e  shall  vanish  from  tliem. 
giving  up  the  phost— Their  hope  shall  leave 
them  as  the  breath  does  the  body  (Prov. 
11.  7.). 

CHAPTEE  Xn. 
n]!ST  series. 
Ver.  1-25.  Job's  Eeply  to  Zophak,  xil, 
XIII,  XIV.  2.  wisdom  shall  die  with  you!— 
Ironical.  As  if  all  the  wisdom  in  the  world 
was  concentrated  in  them,  and  would  expire 
when  they  expired.  Wisdom  makes  "a 
people:"  a  foolish  nation  are  "  not  a  people  " 
(Eom.  10. 19. 1.  3.  not  inferior— Not  vanquished 
in  argument  and  "wisdom"  (ch.  13.  2.i.  such 
things  as  these— Such  commonplace  maxims, 
as  you  so  pcmpously  adduce.  4.  The  un- 
founded accusations  of  Job's  friends  were  a 
"mockery"  of  him.  He  alludes  to  Zophar's 
word,  "mockest"  (ch.  11.  3.  .  liis  neighbour, 
who  calleth.  &c.— Eather,  "I  who  caU  upon 
God  that  he  ma/y  ayis^cer  me  favourably. 
[Umbr.]  5.  Eather,  "a  torch  lamp)  is  an 
object  of  contempt  in  the  thoughts  of  him 
who  rests  securely  (is  at  ease,),  though  it 
(which)  was  prepared  for  the  falterings 
of  the  feet."  [Umbr.]  (Prov.  25.  19.). 
"Tlioughts"  and  "feet"  are  in  contrast: 
also  rests  "  securely, "  and  "  falterings." 
The  wanderer,  arrived  at  his  night-quar- 
ters, contemptuously  throws  aside  the 
torch,  which  had  guided  his  uncertain  steps 
through  the  darkness.  As  the  torch  is 
to  the  wanderer,  so  Job  to  his  friends. 
Once  they  gladly  used  his  aid  in  their  need, 
now  they  in  prosperity  mock  him  in  his 
need.  6.  Job  shows  that  the  matter  of  fact 
opposes  Zoi>har's  theory  (ch.  11.  14,  19,  20,), 
that  wickedness  causes  "insecurity"  in 
men's  "tabernacles."  On  the  contrary  they 
who  "rob  the  tabernacles"  (dwellings)  of 
others  "prosper  securely"  in  their  own.  into 
whose  hand,  &c.  —  Eather,  "who  make  a 
god  of  tlieir  own  hand,"  i.e.,  who  regard  their 
might  as  their  only  ruling  principle.  [Umbr.] 
7,  8.  Beasts,  birds,  fishes,  and  plants,  rea- 
sons Job,  teach  that  the  violent  live  the 
most  securely  [v.  6.).  The  \Tilture  lives  more 
securely  than  the  dove,  the  lion  tlian  the  ox, 
the  shark  thnn  the  dolphin,  the  rose  than 
the  thorn  wh  i  i  li  tears  it.  speak  to  the  earth— 
Eather,  "  the  ■■''  rubs  of  the  earth."  [Umbb.] 
9.  In  all  the,'- ■  cases,  says  Job,  the  agency 
mu.st  be  refened  to  Jehovah  ("the  Lord," 
E.  V.)  though  they  may  seem  to  man  to  imply 
imperfection  [v.  6;  ch.  9.  24.).  Tliis  is  the  only 
undisputed  passage  of  the  poetical  part,  in 
which  the  name  "Jehovah  occurs:  in  the 
historical  parts  it  occurs  frequently.  10. 
Tloe  soul,  i.e.,  the  animal  life.  Man,  reasons 
Job,  is  subjected  to  the  same  laws  as  the 


vmc 
The 


JoVs  Reply  to JOB,  XIII. Zophar  ConUmted^ 

lower  animals.  11.  As  the  nisufh  by  tasting  ^a-  a  sinner,  because  he  was  a  snfferer.  8. 
meats  selects  what  pleases  it,  so  ilie  ear  tries  accept  liis  peisou— God's:  i.e.,  be  partial  for 
the  words  of  others  and  retains  what  is  cun-  Him,  as  when  a  judge  favours  one  party  in  a 

pcing.  Each  chooses  according  to  his  taste,  trial,  because  of  personal  considerations. 
_.ie  connexion  with  v.  12  is,  in  reference  to  contend  f.r  God— viz.,  with  fallacies  and  pre- 
Bildad's  appeal  to  the  "  ancients"  ich.  8.  8.).  possessions  ak'ainst  Job  before  judgment 
You  are  right  in  appealing  to  them,  since  (Jud.  6.  :il.).  Partiality  can  never  please  the 
"  with  them  was  wisdom,"  &c.  But  you  se-  impartial  God;  nor  the  goodness  of  the  cause 
lect  sucla  proverbs  of  tlieirs  as  suit  your  excuse  the  unfairness  of  the  arguments.  9. 
views,  so  I  may  borrow  from  the  same  such  WiU  the  issue  to  you  be  good,  v:)i.en  He 
as  suit  mine.  13.  ancient— Aged  (ch.  15.  10.).  searcTies  ow^i/oii  and  your  arguments?  "VViU 
13.  In  contrast  to,  "with  the  ancient  is  wis-  you  be  regarded  by  Him  as  pure  and  dism- 
dom"  (v.  12,),  Job  quotes  a  saying  of  the  an-  terested?  mock— (Gal.  6.  7.).  Kather,  "can 
cients  which  suits  his  arg:  I  ment,  with  Him  you  deceive  Him  as  one  man?"  <fcc.  10.  If 
(God)  is  (the  true)  wisdom"  (Pro.  8.  14, i:  and  ye  do,  though  secre%,  act  particdly.  (Note 
by  that  "  wisdom  and  strength"  "  He  break-  v.  8;  Ps.  82. 1,  2.i.  God  can  successfully  vin- 
eth  down,"  <fcc.,  as  an  absolute  Sovereign,  not  dicate  His  acts,  and  needs  no  fallacious 
allowing  man  to  penetrate  His  mysteries:  argument  of  man.  11.  make  you  afiaid?— 
man's  part  is  to  bow  to  His  unchangeable  i>;'2..  of  employing  sophisms  in  Hisname(Jer. 
decrees  ch.  1.  21.).  The  Mahomedan  saying  10.  7,  10. .  12.  remembrances  —  "  Provei-lnal 
is,  "  if  God  will,  and  how  God  will."  14.  shut-  maxims,"  so  called  because  ivell-remembercd. 
teth  up— (Isa.  22,  22.).  Job  refers  to  Zophar's  like  unto  ashes— Or,  "  parables  of  ashes;"  the 
"shut  up"  (ch.  11. 10.).  15.  Probably  allud-  image  of  lightness  and  nothingness  (Isa.  44. 
ing  to  the  flood.  16.  (Ez.  14.  9.;.  18.  He  loos-  20.).  bodies— Either,  "entrenchments;"  those 
et'i  the  aui/iorif?/ of  kings— the  "  bond"  with  of  claj',  as  opposed  to  those  of  stone,  are 
which  they  bind  their  subjects  (Isa.  45.  l;  easy  to  be  de.stroyed:  so  the  proverbs,  behind 
Ge.  14.  4;  Dan.  2.  21.).  a  girdle— The  cord,  which  they  entrench  themselves,  will  not 
with  which  they  are  bound  as  captives,  in-  shelter  them,  when  God  shall  appear  to  re- 
stead  of  the  royal  "girdle"  they  once  wore  provethemfortheirinjusticeto  Job.  13.  Job 
(I.sa.  22.  21,),  and  tlie  bond  they  once  bound  would  wish  to  be  spared  their  speeches,  soas 
others  with.  So  "gird,"— put  on  one  the  tends  to  speak  out  all  his  mind  as  to  his  wretched- 
of  a  prisoner,  instead  of  the  ordinary  girdle  ness  iv.  14,',  happen  what  will.  14.  A  pro- 
(Jn.  21.18.).  19.  princes— Rather,  priests,  as  verb  for,  "Wliy  should  I  anxiously  desire  to 
the  Heh.  is  rendered  (Ps.  99.  6.).  Even  the  save  my  lifer  [Eich.]  The  image  in  the 
sacred  ministers  of  religion  are  not  exempt  fir.«t  clause  is  that  of  a  wild  beast,  which  in 
from  reverses  and  captivity,  tlie  nughty—  order  to  preserve  his  prey,  carries  it  in  his 
Rather,  "the  firm-rooted  in  power:  the  teeth.  That  in  the  second  refers  to  men  who 
Arabic  root  expresses  everfloioing  water,  hold  in  the  hand  what  they  want  to  keep  se- 
LUsfBR.]  20.  the  trusty- Rather,  "those  se-  cure.  15.  in  him— So  the  margin  or  Keri 
cure  in  their  eloquence:"  «c.  gr.,  the  speak-  reads.  But  the  textual  reading  or  cetib  is 
ers  in  the  gate  (isa.  .3.  3.'.  [Beza.J  under-  *"?io^,"  which  agrees  best  with  the  context, 
standing— Zit.,  taste,  i.e.,  insiglit  or  spiritual  and  other  passages  wherein  he  says  he  has 
disceri  ment,  which  experience  gives  the  wo /iO))e(ch.6.  11;  7.21;  io.i;0;  19.10.).  "Though 
aged.  The  same  Heb. -word  is  applied  to  Dan-  He  slay  me,  and  I  dare  i^  hiore  hope,  yet  I 
iel's  wisdom  in  interpretation  (Dan.  2.14.1.  will  maintain,"  <fec.,  i.e.,  " "  I  desire  to  vindi- 
21.  Ps.  107.  40  quotes,  iii  its  first  clause,  this  cate  myself  before  Him,  as  not  a  hypocrite. 
v.,  and,  in  its  second,  the  24th  v.  of  the  ch.  [Umbr.  <fe  I^oy.]  16.  He  — Rather,  '*This 
y^eBikener-hthe  strength— lit.,  looseth  the  girdle;  also  already  speaks  in  my  behalf  [lit,  "for 
Orientals  wear  flowiuj;  garments:  when  ac-  my  saving  acquittal,"!  for  an  hypocrite 
tive  strength  is  to  be  put  forth,  they  gird  up  would  not  wish  to  come  before  Him  "  las  I 
their  garments  with  a  girdle.  Hence  here—  do..  [Umbr.]  (See  last  clause  of «  15.).  17. 
"  He  destroyeth  their  power"  in  the  eyes  of  my  declaration— t- is.,  that  1  wish  to  be  per- 
the  people.  22.  (Dan.  2.  22).  23.  Isa.  9.  3;  mitted  to  justify  myself  immediately  before 
Ps.  107.  38,  39,  which  Ps.  quotes  this  ch.  else-  God.  with  your  e;.rs— i.e.,  attentively.  18. 
where.  (See  note  v.  21.).  s  raitene  h— /ii.,  ordered  —  Implying  a  constant  preparation 
leadeth  in,  i.e.,  reduces.  24.  hear —Jnfc/tt-  for  defence  in  his  confidence  of  innocence. 
gence.  wander  in  a  wilderness— Figurative;  19.  if,  &c.— Rather,  Then  would  I  hold  my 
not  referring  to  any  actual  fact.  1  Ms  cannot  tonaue  and  give  up  the  ghost,"  i.e.,  if  any 
be  quoted  to  prrve  Job  lived  after  Israel's  one  can  contend  with  me  and  prove  me  false, 
wanderings  in  the  desert.  Ps.  107.  4,  40,  I  have  no  more  to saj',  "I  wUi  be  silent  and 
quotes  tlu-  passage.  25.  Deu.  28.  29;  Ps.  107.  die."  Like  oui-.  "I  would  stake  my  life  on 
27,  again  quotes  Job.  but  in  a  difi'erent  con-  it."  ITJmbr.I  20.  Address  to  God.  no:  hide 
nexion.  '  —Stand  forth  boldly  to  maintain  my  ca^use. 

CHAPTER  XIII.  21.     Note,  9.  34;  Ps.  39.    10.).     22.  call— A 

Ver.  1-28.  Job's  Reply  to  Zophar  Con-  challenge  to  the  defendant  to  answer  to  the 
TINUED.  1.  all  this— as  to  the  dealings  of  Pro-  charges,  answer— The  defence^  begun,  sneak 
vidence(ch.l2.3.).  3.  Job  wis!;,  s  to  plead  his  —As  plaintiff',  answer— To  the  plea  of  the 
cause  before  God  ch.  9.  34,  :.o,  as  he  is  more  plaintiff'.  Expressions  from  a  trial.  23.  '1  he 
andmoreconvincedof theDo'v'^es.^character  catalogue  of  my  sins  ought  to  be  great,  to 
of  his  would-be  "physicians"  ch.  10.2.).  4.  judge  from  the  severity  with  which  God  ever 
forgers  cf  lies— Ki.,  artful  ttiistcrs  of  vain  anew  crushes  one  already  bowed  dowa. 
speeches.  [Umbr.]  5.  (Pro.  17;  28.).  The  Would  that  He  would  reckon  them  up! 
Arabs  say,  "  the  wise  are  dumb:  silence  is  He  then  would  see  how  much  my  calamities 
wisdom."  7.  deceitfully— Use  fallacies  to  outnumber  them,  sin?— Sing.,  "I  am  un- 
vindicate  God  in  His  dealings;  as  if  the  end  con.scious  of  a  single  particular  sin,  much 
justified  the  means.  Their  "deceitfulness"  less  many."  [Umbk.1  24.  hidest .  .  .  i^ce— 
for  God,  against  Job,  was.  they  assened  lie  A  figure  uom  the  gloomy  impression  caused 
360   fl] 


Job  Passes  from  TTis  Own  to  the 


JOB,  XIY. 


Common  Misery  ofManTcind, 


by  the  sudden  clouding  over  of  the  sun. 
eueiny— God  treated  Job  as  an  enemy  who 
must  be  robbed  of  power  by  ceaseless  suffer- 
ings ch.  7.  17, 21.).  25.  (Lev.  26.  ;-;6;  Ps.  1.  4.). 
Job  compares  himself  to  a  leaf  already  fallen, 
which  the  storm  still  chases  hither  and 
thither,  break— lit.,  s/iafcewi//;,  thy  terrors. 
Jesus  Christ  does  not  "break  the  bruised 
reed  "  (Isa.  42.  3;  27.  8.).  26.  writest— A  judi- 
cial phrase,  to  note  down  the  determined 
piTnishnient.  The  sentence  of  the  condemn- 
ed used  tohe  wrii ten  dovm  (isa.  10. 1;  Jer.  22. 
30;  Ps.  140.  9.).  [Umbr.1  bitter  things— Bit- 
ter punishments,  makest  me  to  possess— Or 
inherit.  In  old  age  he  receives  possession  of 
the  inheritance  of  sin  thoughtlessly  acquired 
in  youth.  "To  inherit  sins"  is  to  inherit  the 
'punishments  inseparably  connected  with 
them  in  Heb.  ideas  (Ps.  25.  7.).  27.  stacks— 
In  n hich  Ihe  prisoner's  feet  were  made  fast 
imtil  the  time  of  execution  (Jer.  20.  •_'.).  look- 
est  uarrowiy— As  an  overseer  would  watch 
a  prisoner,  print— Either  the  stocks,  or  liis 
disease,  marked  his  soles  (Heb.  roots  as  the 
bastinado  would.  Better,  thou  drawest  lor 
diggest  [Ges.J  a  line-  (or  trench  [Ges.]  round 
my  soles,  beyond  which  I  must  not  move. 
[Umbr.]  28.  Job  speaks  of  himself  in  the 
third  person,  thus  forming  the  transition  to 
the  general  lot  of  man  (ch.  14. 1;  Ps.  39.  11; 
Hos.  6.  12.).  I 

CHAPTER  XIV.  I 

Ver.  1-22.  Job  Pa^ises  from  His  Own  to 
THE  Common  Misery  of  Mankind.  1. 
woman— Feeble  and  in  the  E.  looked  down 
upon  Gen.  2.  21).  Man  being  born  of  one  so 
frail  must  be  frail  himself  (Matt.  11.  11.). 
few  days— (Gen.  47.  9;  Ps  90. 10.\  Lit.,  short 
of  days.  Man  is  the  reverse  oifull  of  days 
and  short  of  trouble.  2.  (Ps.  90.  6;  Note,  ch. 
8.  9.).  3.  open  .  .  .  eyes  upon— Not  in  graci- 
ousness;but,  "Dost  thou  sharply  fix  thine 
eyes  upon':"  (Note,  7.  20;  also  1.  7.).  Is  one  so 
frail  as  man  worthy  of  such  constant  watch- 
ing on  the  part  of  God?  Zech.  12.  4.).  me— | 
So  frail,  ihee— So  Almighty.  4.  A  plea  in 
mitigation.  The  doctrine  of  original  sin  was 
held  from  the  first.  "Man  is  unclean  from ; 
his  birth,  how  then  can  God  expect  perfect 
cleanness  from  such  a  one  and  deal  so 
severely  with  me?"  5.  determined— ch.  7.  1; 
Isa.  )0.  23;  Dan.  9.  27;  11.  36.).  6.  Twm—viz., 
thine  eyes  from  watching  him  so  jealously , 
(v.S.)  hireling— (ch.  7. 1.)  scccmplish— Rather, ' 


"  enjoy."  That  he  may  at  least  enjoy  the 
measure  of  rest  of  the  nirelinsc,  who  though 
hard-worked  reconciles  himself  to  his  lot  by 
the  hope  of  his  rest  and  reward.  [Umbe.] 
7.  Man  may  the  more  claim  a  peaceful  life, 
since,  when  separated  from  it  oy  death,  he 
never  returns  to  it.  This  does  not  deny  a 
futm-e  life,  but  a  return  to  the  present  condi- 
tion of  life.  Job  plainly  hopes  for  a  future 
state  [v.  13;  ch.  7.  2.).  Still  it  is  but  vague 
and  trembling  hove,  not  assurance;  except- 
ing the  one  bright  glimpse  in  ch.  19.  2b. 
The,  Gospel  revelation  was  needed  to  change 
feors,  hopes,  and  glimpses  into  clear  and 
definie  certainnes.  9.  scent— ExJialation, 
which,  rather  than  the  humidity  of  water, 
causes  the  tree  to  germinate.  In  the  anti- ; 
thesis  to  vian  the  tree  is  personified,  and  vo-  j 
lition  is  poetically  ascribed  to  it.  like  a: 
planl—"  as  if  newly  planted."  [Umbr.]  Not 
as  if  trees  and  plants  were  a  different  species. 
10.  man  . .  .  man— T^'o  distinct  Heb.  words 
are  here  used;  Gehcr,  a  rnAghty  man;  though 
366    [2] 


mighty,  he  dies:  Adam,  a  man  of  earth:  be- 
cause earthy,  he  gives  up  the  ghost,  wasteth 
—is  reduced  to  nothing:  he  cannot  revive 
in  the  present  state,  as  the  tree  does.  The 
cypress  raid  pine,  which  when  cut  down,  do 
not  revive,  were  the  symbols  of  death  among 
the  Romans.  11.  sea— i.e.,  a  lake,  or  pool 
formed  from  the  outspreading  of  a  river. 
Job  lived  near  the  Euphrates:  and  "  sea"  is 
appUed  to  it  (Jer.  51. 36;  I,«a.  27. 1.).  So  of  the 
Nile  (Isa.  19.  5.).  fail— Utterly  disappeared 
by  drying  up.  The  rugged  channel  of  the 
once  flowing  water  answers  to  the  outstretch- 
ed corpse— ("lieth  down,"  V.  12,)  of  the  once 
living  nan.  12.  heavens  be  no  more— Tliis 
only  implies  that  Job  had  no  hope  of  living 
again  in  the  present  order  of  the  world,  not 
that  he  had  no  hope  of  life  a^ain  in  a  new 
order  of  things.  Ps.  102.  26,  proves  that  early 
under  the  O.  T.  the  dissolution  of  the  pre- 
sent earth  and  heavens  was  expected  ;cf. 
Gen,  8.  22.).  Enoch  before  Job  had  implied 
that  the  "  saints  shall  live  again  Jude,  14; 
Heb.  11.  13-16.).  Even  if,  by  this  phrase.  Job 
meant  "never"  (Ps.  89.29,)  in  his  gloomier 
state  of  feelings,  yet  the  Holy  Ghost  has 
made  him  unconsciously  (1  Pe.  1.  11, 12,)  use 
language  expressing  the  truth,  that  the  re- 
surrection is  to  be  preceded  by  the  dissolu- 
tion of  the  heavens.  In  v.  13-15.  he  plainly 
passes  to  brighter  hopes  of  a  world  to  come. 
13.  Job  wishes  to  be  kept  hidden  in  the 
grave,  until  (TOd's  wrath  aj^ainst  him  shall 
have  passed  away.  So  whilst  God's  wrath  is 
visiting  the  earth  for  the  abounding  apos- 
tasy which  is  to  precede  the  Second  Commg, 
God's  people  shall  be  hidden  against  the  re- 
surrection-glory (Isa.  26.  19-21.1.  set  time— 
A  decreed  time  (ActSjl.7.).  14.  shall  he  live  ?— 
The  answer  impUed  is,  There  is  a  hope  that 
he  shall f  though  not  in  the  present  order  ot 
life:  as  is  shown  by  the  words  following.  Job 
had  denied  v.  1012,'  that  man  shall  live 
again  in  this  present  world.  But  hoping  for 
a  "set  time"  when  God  shall  remember  and 
raise  him  out  of  the  "hiding"  place  of  the 
grave  v.  13,),  he  declares  himself  willing  to 
"wait  all  the  days  of  his  appointed  time  of 
continuance  in  the  grave,  however  long  and 
hard  that  may  be.  "Apioiated  time,"  lit., 
warfare,  hard  service:  implying  the  hardship 
of  being  shut  out  from  the  realms  of  li^ 
light  and  God  for  the  time  he  shall  be  in 
the  grave  (ch.  7.  1.).  change— My  release, 
as  a  soldier  at  his  post  released  from  duty  by 
the  relieving  guard  (Note  10.  17.).  [Umbr. 
&  Ges.]  but  elsewhere  [Ges.]  explains  it, 
renovation,  as  of  plants  in  spring  [v.  7,),  but 
this  does  not  accord  so  well  with  the  meta- 
phor in  "appointed  time"  or  " icarfare." 
15.  viz.,  at  the  resurrection  (John,  6.  28;  Ps. 
17.  15.).  have  a  desire  lo—lit.,  become  pale 
icith  anxious  desire:  the  same  word  is  trans- 
lated "  sore  longedst  after"  (Gen.  31.  30;  Ps. 
84.  2,):  implying  the  utter  unlikelihood  that 
God  would  leave  in  oblivion  the  "creature  of 
His  own  hands  so  fearfully  and  wonderfully 
made."  It  is  objected  that  if  Job  knew  of  a 
future  retribution,  he  would  make  it  the 
leading  topic  in  solving  the  jjroblem  of  the 
permitted  afflictions  of  the  righteous.  But 
1.  "He  did  not  intend  to  exceed  the  limits  of 
what  was  clearly  revealed;  the  doctrine  was 
then  in  a  vague  form  only.  2.  The  doctrine 
of  God's  moral  government  in  this  life,  even 
independentlv  (fine  future,  needed  vindica- 
tion, iti.  Piiither.lea,  thou  wilt  number.  &c.. 


Of  man's  frailty  and  mortality.         JOB,  XIV.  XV. 


Eliphaz  reprovefh  Job. 


18  Behold  now,  I  have  ordered  my  cause; 
I  know  that  I  shall  be  .iustified.     , 

19  Who  "  i«  he  that  will  plead  with  me? 
for  now,  if  I  hold  my  tongue,  I  shall  give 
UD  the  ghost.  ,  .  .. 

20  Only  do  not  two  things  unto  me;  then 
will  I  not  hide  myself  from  thee. 

21  Withdraw  thine  hand  far  from  me; 
and  let  not  thy  dread  make  me  atraid: 

22  Then  call  thou,  and  I  will  answer;  or 
let  me  speak,  and  answer  thou  me., 

23  How  many  are  mine  miqmties  ana 
Bins?  make  me  to  know  my  transgression 

*24  Wherefore  <  hidest  thou  thy  face,  and 
boldest  i  me  for  thine  enemv?  . 

25  Wilt  *  thou  break  a  leaf  dnven  to  and 
frol  and  wiit  thou  pursue  the  dry  stubble? 

26  For  thou  writest  bitter  things  against 
me.  and  *  makest  me  to  possess  the  miqm- 
ties of  my  youth.  ^    i     ,      •     +V,„ 

27  Thou  "*  puttest  my  feet  also  in  the 
stocks,  and  *  lookest  narrowly  unto  aU  my 
paths ;  thou  settest  a  print  upon  the  &  heels 
of  mv  feet.  , .  . , 

28  And  he,  as  a  rotten  thing,  consumetn 
as  a  garment  that  is  moth-eaten. 

CHAPTER  XIV.     .    ^     ^. 
1  Brevity  of  man's  life.    13  Job  waits  for  hu 
change. 

MAN  that  is  bom  of  a  woman  is  i  of  few 
days,  and  »  fuU  of  trouble. 
2  He  0  Cometh  forth  like  a  flower,  and  is 


h  ch.  33.  e. 

Is.  60.  8. 

i  Ps.  13.  1. 

8.17. 

n.  2.  6. 

42.  a 

I  Pa.  25.  7. 


cut  down:  he  fleeth  also  as  a  shaaow,  ana 
continueth  not. 

3  And «  dost  thou  open  thme  eyes  upon 
such  an  one,  and  <*  bnngest  me  into  judg- 
ment with  thee?  ,        ^,.         .     - 

4  2  Who  •  can  bring  a  clean  thmg  out  ot 
an  unclean?  not  one.  -     j   xu 

6  Seeing  his  days  are  determmea,  tne 
number  of  his  months  are  with  thee,  thou 
hast  appointed  his  bounds  that  he  caxmot 

*6  Turn /  from  him,  that  he  may  8  rest,  tUl 
te  shall  accomplish,  as  an  hirehng,  his  day. 

7  For  there  is  hope  of  a  tree,  it  it  he  cut 
down,  that  it  will  sprout  again,  and  that 
the  tender  branch  thereof  will  not  cease. 

8  Though  the  root  thereof  wax  old  m  the 
earth,  and  the  stock  thereof  die  in  the 

%  Yet  through  the  scent  of  water  it  will 
bud,  and  bring  forth  bouglis  like  a  plant. 
10  But  man  dieth,  and  *  wasteth  away; 
yea,  man  ^iveth  up  the  ghost,  and  where 

*ll^As  the  waters  fail  from  the  sea,  and 
the  flood  decaveth  and  drieth  up; 
12  So  man  lieth  down,  and  nseth  not: 
till  0  the  heavens  be  no  more,  they  shaU 
not  awake,  nor  be  raised  out  of  theur 

^ll^fe  that  thou  wouldest  hide  me  in  the 
crave,  that  thou  wouldest  keep  me  secret, 
until  thy  wrath  be  past,  that  thou  wouldest 
appoint  me  a  set  time,  and  remember 

"il'lf  a  man  die,  shall  he  live  again?  All 
the  davs  of  my  appointed  time '» will  I 
wait,  till  my  <  change  come. 

15  Thou  >  shalt  call,  and  I  will  answer 
thee:  thou  wUt  have  a  desire  to  the  work 
of  thine  hands. 

16  For  now  thou  numberest  my  steps 
flost  thou  not  watch  over  my  sin? 

17  lily  *  transgression  is  sealed  up  in  a 
bag,  and  thou  sewest  up  mine  iniqmty, 


CHAP.  14. 

1  short  of 

days. 
aEccl.  2.23. 
b  la.  40.  6. 

Jam.  1. 10. 

1  Pet.  1. 

24. 
e  Pa.  144.  3. 
d  Pa.  143.  a. 
3  Who  wlU 

give? 
«  Oen.  6.  3. 

Pa.  61.  5. 

John  3.  6. 

Rom.  5.  U. 

Eph.  2.  3. 
/  Ps.  39. 13. 

3  ceaie. 

4  is 
weakened, 
or,  cut  off. 

»Ps.  102.26. 

la.  51.  6. 

la.  65. 17. 

Is.  66.  22. 

Acts  3.  21. 

Rom.  8.  20. 

2  Pet.  3.  7. 

Rev.  20.11. 

Bey.  21. 1. 
h  ch.  13.  15. 
i  Pa.  16. 10. 

1  Cor.  16, 

42-58. 
j  ch.  13.  23. 

Ps.  50.  4. 

John  6.  28. 

1  Theig.  4. 

16. 
k  Ho.  13. 12. 
6  &detb. 
6  over- 

Boweat. 

(  Eccl.  9.  6. 

m  Pa.  49. 14. 

"Pro.  14. 32. 

M*t.  8. 12. 


CHAP.  16. 
1  knowledge 

of  wind. 

3  tboumak- 

eat  void. 

3  Or,  speeeh. 

4  teacbeth. 
a  Pro.  8.  25. 
6  Rom.  11.34. 

1  Cor.  2. 11. 
Och.  13.  2. 
d  ch.  32.  6. 
e  1  Ki.  8.  46. 

1  John  1.8. 
/ch.  25.6. 
g  Pa.  14.  3. 
A  Pro.  19. 28. 
t  Gen.  18. 19. 
>  Gen.  10. 25. 
k  Joel  3.  IT. 
I  Pa.  90. 12. 
6  a  sound  of 

fears. 
CTlThesa.  6. 

3. 
n  Fa.  6».  16. 
0  cb.  18.  U. 


18  And  surely  the  mountain  falling  &  Com- 
eth to  nought,  and  the  rock  is  removed 
out  of  his  place. 

19  The  waters  wear  the  stones :  thou 
•  washest  away  the  things  which  grow  out 
of  the  dust  of  the  earth ;  and  thou  destroy, 
est  the  hope  of  man. 

20  Thou  prevaOest  for  ever  agamst  him, 
and  he  passe th:  thou  changest  nis  counte- 
nance, and  sendest  him  away. 

21  His  sons  come  to  honour,  and  '  he 
knoweth  it  not;  and  they  are  brought  low, 
but  he  perceiveth  it  not  of  them. 

22  But  "*  his  flesh  upon  him  shaU  have 
pain,  and  "  his  soul  within  him  shall 
mourn. 

CHAPTER  XV.    .      ,,     „ 
1  Eliphat  rtproves  Job  for  justifying  hxmstlj. 
17  He  proves  the  unquidness  of  wicked  men. 

rPHEN  answered  Eliphaz  the  Temanite, 
■*•  and  said,  .     ,      .    , 

2  Should  a  wise  man  utter  i  vam  know- 
ledge, and  fill  his  belly  with  the  east 

3  Should  he  reason  with  unprofitable  talk? 
or  with  speeches  wherewith  he  can  do  no 
good?  „  „ 

4  Yea,  2  thou  castest  off  fear,  and  re- 
strainest  3  prayer  before  God. 

5  For  thy  mouth  *  uttereth  thine  imqmty, 
and  thou  choosest  the  tongue  of  the  crafty. 

6  Thine  own  mouth  condemneth  thee, 
and  not  I ;  yea,  thine  own  lips  testiiy 
against  thee. 

7  Art  thou  the  first  man  that  was  bom? 
or  "  wast  thou  made  before  the  hills? 

8  Hast  *  thou  heard  the  secret  of  God? 
and  dost  thou  restrain  wisdom  to  thyself? 

9  What  *  kuowest  thou,  that  we  know 
not?  what  understandest  thou,  which  is 
not  in  us?  .     ,  ,      ,  , 

10  With  <»  ns  are  both  the  grey-headed 
and  very  aged  men,  much  elder  than  thy 
father. 

11  Are  the  consolations  of  God  small  with 
thee?  is  there  any  secret  thing  with  thee? 

12  Why  doth  thine  heart  carry  thee  away? 
and  what  do  thy  eyes  wink  at,  . 

13  That  thou  turnest  thy  spint  against 
God,  and  lettest  such  words  go  out  of  thy 

M  What  •  is  man,  that  he  should  be  clean? 
and  he  which  is  bom  of  a  woman,  that  he 
should  be  righteous?  ^      ^  ■    u- 

15  Behold, /he  putteth  no  trust  m  his 
saints:  yea,  the  heavens  are  not  clean  in 

16  How'  '  much  more  abominable  and 
filthy  is  man, '» which  drinketh  iniquity  like 

Tyo  +  pj-  2 

17  I  will  show  thee,  hear  me  ;  and  that 
icWcA  I  have  seen  I  will  declare; 

18  Wliich  wise  men  have  told  ♦  from  theu: 
fathers,  and  have  not  hid  it: 

19  Unto  J  whom  alone  the  earth  was  given, 
and  *  no  stranger  passed  among  them. 

20  The  wicked  man  travailetn  with  pain 
all  his  days, « and  the  number  of  years  ia 
hidden  to  the  oppressor. 

21 A  6  dreadfol  sound  is  in  his  ears:  "» m 
prosperity  the  destroyer  shall  come  upon 

22  He  believeth  not  that  he  shall  return 
cut  of  darkness,  and  he  is  waited  for  of  the 

23  He  **  wandereth  abroad  for  bread,  sav. 
ing.  Where  is  it?  he  knoweth  that'tUe 
day  of  darkness  is  ready  at  his  baud. 


Second  Speech  of  Elwha». 


JOB,  XV. 


and  wilt  not  (as  now)  jealously  watch  over 
my  sin."  Thenceforward,  instead  of  severe 
watching  for  every  sin  of  Job,  God  wUl  guard 
him  against  em*\'y  sin.  *'  Number  . . .  steps," 
i.e.,  minutely  attend  to  them,  that  they  may 
not  wander.  [Umbr.I  (1  Sam.  2.  9;  Ps.  37. 
23.).  17.  s  aledup— (ch.  9.  7.).  Is  shut  up  in 
eternal  oblivion,  i.e.,  Ood  thenceforth  will 
think  no  more  of  my  former  sins.  To  cover 
sins  is  to  completely  forgive  them  (Ps.  22.  l; 
86.  2.).  Purses  of  money  in  the  East  ai'e  usu- 
ally sealed,  sewest  up— Eather,  "coverest:" 
aki;i  to  an  Arabic  word  "  to  colour  over,"  to 
forijet  wholly.  18.  cometh  to  nought— ii^., 
fadeth,:  a  i)oetical  image  from  a  leaf  (Isa.  34. 
4.).  Here  Job  falls  back  into  his  gloomy 
bodings  as  to  the  grave.  Instead  of  '"and 
surely:"  translate  "yet:"  marking  the  transi- 
tion from  his  brighter  hopes.  Even  the  solid 
mountain  falls  and  crumbles  away,  man 
therefore  cannot  "hope"  to  escape  decay  or 
to  live  again  in  the  vresent  world  (v.  19.) .  out 
of  his  place— So  man  (Ps.  103.  16).  19.  Tlie 
Hrb.  order  is  more  forcible.  "  Stones  them- 
selves are  worn  away  by  water."  things 
which  grow  out  of— Rather,  "floods  wash  away 
the  dust  of  tlie  earth."  There  is  a  gradation 
from  " mountains"  to  "rocks"  (v.  18,',  then 
"stones,"  then  last  "dust  of  the  earth;"  thus 
the  solid  mountain  at  last  disappears  ut- 
terly. 20.  prevailest— Dost  overpower  by 
superior  strength,  passeth— Dieth.  changest 
counteuance— The  change  in  the  visage  at 
death.  Differently  (Dan.  5.  9.).  21.  One 
striking  trait  is  selected  from  the  sad  picture 
of  the  severance  of  the  dead  from  all  that 
passes  in  the  world  (Eccl.  9.  5,),  viz.,  the  ut- 
ter separation  of  parents  and  children.  22. 
"Flesh"  and  "soul"  describe  the  whole  man. 
Scripture  rests  the  hope  of  a  future  life,  not 
on  the  inherent  immortality  of  the  soul,  but 
on  the  restoration  of  the  body  with  the  soul. 
In  the  unseen  world.  Job  in  a  gloomy  frame 
anticipates,  man  shall  be  limited  to  the 
tliought  of  his  own  misery.  "Pain  is  by  per- 
sonification, from  our  feelings  whilst  alive, 
attributed  to  the  flesh  and  soul,  as  if  the 
man  could  feel  in  his  body  when  dead.  It  is 
the  dead  in  general,  not  the  wicked,  who  are 
meant  here. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

SECOND  SERIES. 

Ver.  1-35.  Second  Speech  of  Eliphaz. 
2.  a  wise  man— which  Job  claims  to  be.  vain 
knowledge— Heh.,  windy  knowledge:  lit.,  "'of 
wind"  ch.  8.  2.).  In  Eccl.  1. 14,  Ueb.  to  catch 
wind  expresses  to  strive  for  what  is  vain, 
east  wind-Stronger  than  the  previous  "wind." 
For  in  tliat  region  the  East  wind  is  the  most 
destructive  of  winds  ilsa.  27.  8.).  Thus  here, 
— empty  violence,  belly— The  inward  parts,the 
breast  (Pro.l8.8.j.  4.  fear— Reverence  for  God, 
(ch.4.G;Ps.2.11.).  prayer ~MeditationinPs.l04. 
34;  so  devotion.  If  thyviews  were  right.reasons 
Eliphaz,  that  God  disregards  the  afflictions 
of  the  righteous  and  makes  the  wicked  to 
prosper,  all  devotion  would  be  at  an  end. 
5.  The  sophistry  of  thine  own  speeches 
proves  thy  guilt.  6.  No  pious  man  would 
utter  such  sentiments.  7.  i.e..  Art  thou  icis- 
dom  personified?  Wisdom  existed  before 
the  hills,  i.e.,  the  eternal  Son  of  God  (Prov. 
8.  25;  Ps.  90.  2.)  Wast  thou  in  existence  be- 
fore Aflam.  The  farther  back  one  existed, 
the  nearer  he  was  to  the  Eternal  Wisdom. 
8.  secret— Rather,  "Wast  thou  a  listener  m 
t'lie  secret  council  of  God ? "    The  Heb.  means 


The  State  of  Wicked  Men^ 

properly  tM  cushions  on  which  a  divan  of 
counsellors  in  the  E.  usually  .sit.  God's  ser- 
vants are  admitted  to  God's  secrets  (Ps.  25. 
14;  Gen.  18.  17;  John,  15.  15.  .  restrain— 
Pather,  didst  thou  take  away,  or  borrow!, 
thence  {viz.,  from  the  Divine  secret  council) 
thy  wisdom?  Eliphaz  in  this  [v.  8,  9,)  retorts 
Job's  words  upon  himself  ch.  12.  2,  3;  13.  2.). 
9.  in  us— Or  "  with  us,"  Hebraism  for  vx  are 
avxire  of.  10.  On  our  side,  tliinking  with  us 
are  the  aged.  Job  had  admitted  that  wisdom 
is  with  them  (ch.  12.  12.  .  Eliphaz  seems  to 
have  been  himself  older  than  Job;  perhaps 
the  other  two  also  were  so  'ch  32.  6.1.  Job 
in  ch.  .30. 1,  does  not  refer  to  his  three  friends; 
it  therefore  forms  no  objection.  The  Araos 
are  proud  of  fulness  of  years.  11  cm'^ola- 
thns  — viz.,  the  revelation  which  E'iphnz 
had  stated  as  a  consolatory  reproof  to  Job, 
and  which  he  repeats  in  v.  14.  secret— Hast 
thou  some  secret  wisdom  and  source  of  con- 
solation, which  makes  thee  disregard  those 
suggested  by  me?  d.  8.).  Eather,  from  a  du- 
ferent  Heb.  root.  Is  the  word  of  kindness  or 


gentleness  addressed  by  me  treated  by  thee 
as  valueless?    [^Umbr.J,  12.  wink— i 


hy 


do  thy  eyes  evince  pride?  (Prov.  6.  13;  Ps, 
.35.  19.).  13.  i.e.,  Frettest  against  God,  and 
lettest  fall  rash  words.  14.  Eliphaz  repeats 
the  revelation  (ch.  4.  17,)  in  substance,  hut 
using  Job's  own  words  (ch.  14.  1,  Note  on 
"  born  of  a  woman,")  to  strike  him  Mith  his 
owu  weapons.  15.  Repeated  from  ch.  4.  l^; 
"servants"  there  are  "saints'  here,  viz.,  holy 
auL^els.  heavens— Kl,  or  else  answering  to 
"angels"  (ch.  4.  18;  see  Note  there,  and  cIk 
25.  5.).  16.  filthy— In  Arabic  sottr*(Ps.  14.  3; 
53.  3,',  corrupted  from  his  ori.inal  purity, 
drinketli— (Prov.  19.  28.).  17.  In  direct  con- 
tradiction of  Job's  position  (ch.  12.  6,  kc.,) 
that  the  lot  of  the  wicked  was  the  most 
prosperous  here,  Eliphaz  appeals  (1,;  to  his 
own  experience,  (2,' to  the  wisdom  of  the 
ancients.  18.  Rather,  "and  which  as  handed 
down  from  their  lathers,  they  have  not  con- 
cealed. •  19.  Eliphaz  speaks  like  a  genuine 
Arab  when  he  boasts  that  his  ancestors 
had  ever  possessed  the  land  unnuxed  with 
foreigners.  [UmbrJ  His  words  are  in- 
tended to  oppose  Job's  (ch.  9.  24,);  "the 
earth"  in  their  case  was  not  "  given  into  the 
hand  of  the  wicked."  He  refers  to  the  divi- 
sion of  the  earth  by  Divine  appointment 
(Gen.  10.  5,  25.  32.).  Also  he  may  insinuate 
that  Job's  sentiments  had  been  corrupted 
from  original  purity  by  his  vicinity  to  the 
Sabeans  and  Chaldeans.  [Eos.]  20.  travail- 
eth— P^ather,  "  trembleth  of  himself,"  though 
there  is  no  real  danger.  [Umbr.]  i^ndtne 
number  of  his)  years,  &c.— This  gives  the 
reason  why  the  wicked  man  trembles  con- 
tinually, viz.,  because  he  knows  not  the  mo- 
ment when  his  life  must  end.  21.  An  evil 
conscience  conceives  alarm  at  every  sudden 
sound,  though  it  be  in  a  time  of  peace 
("  prosperity,")  when  there  is  no  real  danger 
(Lev.  26.  36;  Prov.  28.  1;  2  Ki.  7.  6.).  22.  dark- 
ness—^•^z.,  danger  or  calamity.  Glancing  at 
Job  who  despaired  of  restoration:  in  contrast 
to  good  men  when  in  darkness  (Mic.  7.  8,  9.). 
waited  for  of— i.e..  He  is  destined  for  the 
sword.  [Ges.]  Rather,  (in  the  night  oi 
danger)  he  looks  anxiously  toivards  the 
sword,"  as  if  every  sword  was  drawn  against 
him.  [Umbr.I  23.  Wandereth  in  anxious 
search  for  bread.  Famine  in  O.  T.,  depicts 
sore  need  (Isa.  6.  13.J.    Contrast  tlie  pious 


Jbb  lemoans  his  ealemities,       JOB,  XVI,  XVTl,  XVIIL 


and  asserts  his  innocence. 


24  Trouble  and  ancruish  shall  make  him  |  b.  c.  1620. 

afraid ;  they  shall  prevail  against  hiin,  as  a  | 

king  ready  to  the  battle.  I  chap.  15. 

25  For  he  stretchcth  out  his  hand  against  P^'-  "•  lo- 
God,  and  stifiigtheneth  himself  against 
the  Almighty. 

26  He  runneth  upon  him,  even  on  his 
neck,  upon  the  thick  bosses  of  his  bucklers ; 
.  27  Because*' he  covereth  his  tace  with  his 
fatness,  and  maketh  collops  of  fat  on  his 


28  And  he  dweUeth  in  desolate  cities,  and 
in  houses  which  no  man  inhabiteth,  which 
are  ready  to  become  heaps. 

29  He  shall  not  be  rich,  neither  shall  his 
substance  continue,  neither  shall  he  pro- 
long the  perfection  thereof  upon  the  earth. 

30  He  shall  not  depart  out  of  darkness: 
the  flame  shall  dry  up  his  branches;  and 
by  «  the  breath  of  his  mouth  shall  he  go 
away. 

31  Let  not  him  that  is  deceived  ♦"  trust  in 
vanity;  for  vanity  shjill  be  his  recompence. 

32  It  shall  be  6  accumjilished  *  before  his 
time,  and  his  branch  shall  not  be  green. 

33  He  shall  shake  otf  his  unripe  grape  as 
the  Aine,  and  shall  cast  off  his  flower  as 
the  olive. 

34  For '  the  congregation  of  hjTocrites 
shall  be  desolate,  and  fire  shall  consume 
the  tabernacles  of  bribery. 

35  They  "  conceiA  e  mischief,  and  bring 
forth  1  vanity,  and  their  belly  prepareth 
deceit. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  Job  reproves  ?iis  frieruit  forttnmercifulness  I  17 

he  asserts  hia  mnoceney. 

T^HEN  Job  answered  and  said. 

21  have  heard  m:iny  such  things:  l  mi- 
Berable  comforters  are  ye  all. 

3  Shall  2  vain  words  have  an  end?  or 
what  embo-ldeneth  thee  that  thou  answer- 
est? 

4  I  also  could  speak  as  ye  do:  if  your  soul 
•were  in  my  souls  stead,  I  coiild  heap  up 

words  against  you,  and  *  shake  mme  head 
at  you. 

5  B\it  I  would  strengthen  you  with  my 
mouth,  and  the  moving  of  my  lips  should 
asswage  your  grief. 

6  Though  I  speak.'my  grief  is  not  asswaged ; 
and  though  I  forbear,  3  what  am  I  eased? 

7  But  now  he  hath  made  me  weary:  thou 
hast  made  desolate  all  my  company. 

8  And  thou  hast  tilled  me  with  wiinkles, 
tvhioh  is  a  witness  against  me:  and  my 
leanness  rising  up  in  me  beareth  witness 
to  my  face. 

9  He  teareth  me  in  his  wrath,  who  hateth 
me:  he  gnasheth  upon  me  with  his  teeth; 
mine  enemy  sharpeneth  his  eyes  ujion  me. 

10  They  have  *  gaped  upon  me  with  their 
mouth;  they* have  smitten  me  upon  the 
cheek  reproachfully;  they  have  <*  gathered 
themselves  together  against  me. 

11  God  *  hath  delivered  me  to  the  ungodly, 
and  turned  me  over  into  the  hands  of  the 
wicked. 

12  I  was  at  ease,  but  he  hath  broken  me 
asunder:  he  hath  also  taken  vie  by  my 
neck,  and  shaken  me  to  pieces,  and  set  me 
ni>  for  his  mark. 

13  His  archers  compass  me  round  about; 
fae  cleaveth  my  reins  asunder,  and  doth 
not  spare  :  he  poureth  out  my  gall  upon 
the  ground. 

14  He  breaketh  me  Avith  breach  upon 
breach;  be  ruimeth  upon  me  like  a  giant. 


q  ch.  4.  9. 
r  l8.  69.  4. 
6  Or,  cut  ofl 


Pa.  66.  23. 
t  U.  33.  14. 
«  Pi.  7. 14. 

Is.  59.  4. 

Ho.  10. 13 
7  Or. 

iniquity. 


CHAP.  16. 

1  Or,  troub- 
lesome. 

2  words  of 
wind. 

a  P3  "2.  7. 
Pa.  1(«  25. 
La.  2.  15. 

3  what  gocth 
from  mo? 

b  P»  22.  13. 
c  Lam.  3. 3D. 

Mic.  6.  1. 
d  Pa.  36.  15. 

4  hath  shut 
me  up. 
ch.  1. 16, 
17. 

e  Pa.  7.  6. 
/ch.  27.  8. 

Ps.  66.  18, 

19. 
0  Bnm.  1.  9. 

1  Thes8.2.5. 

5  in  the  high 

ficornere. 
h  ch.  31.  35. 
Eccl.8.10. 
Is.  45  9. 
Kom.9.  20. 

7  Or,  friend. 

8  years  of 
number. 

4  Eccl.  12.  6. 


CHAP.  17. 

1  Or,  spirit 

«  Pa.  83.  3,4. 

2  lodge. 

A  1  Sa.  1.  6. 
«  Prov.  6.  1. 
d  ch.  30.  9. 

3  Or,  before 
thorn. 

4  Or,  my 
thoughta. 

e  Prov.  4.  is. 

1  Pet.  1.  6. 
/  Pa.  24.  4. 
6  ahall  add 

gtrength. 
9  cli.  6.  29. 
h  ch.  7.  6. 

ch.  0.  25. 
6  tlie  poa- 

aeaaions. 

8  cried,  or, 

called. 
i  2  Cor.  1.  9. 
j  ch.  18.13. 
k  ch.  3.  17. 


CHAP.  13. 
»  ch.  13.  14. 


15  I  have  sewed  sackcloth  upon  my  skin, 
and  *  defiled  my  horn  in  the  dust. 

16  My  face  is  foul  with  weeping,  and  ou 
my  eyelids  is  the  shadow  of  d^ath; 

17  JS'ot  for  any  injustice  in  mine  hands : 
also  my  prayer  is  pore. 

18  O  earth,  cover  not  thou  my  blood,  and 
let/ my  cry  have  no  place. 

19  Also  now,  behold, "  my  witness  is  in 
heaven,  and  my  record  is  6  on  high. 

20  My  friends  6  scorn  me:  but  mine  eye 
poureth  out  tears  unto  God. 

21  Oh  ''  that  one  might  plead  for  a  man 
with  God,  as  a  man  pleadeth  for  his '  neigh- 
bom-! 

22  When  8  a  few  years  are  come,  then  I 
shall »  go  the  way  whence  1  shall  not  re- 
turn. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

1  Job  appeals  from  men  io  God.  6  The  unnureiftil 

dealing  of  men  with  the  afflicted  may  astonish, 

fct«{  not  discourags  the  rigiiteotis.     U  Job's  hope. 

TV/IY  1  breath  is  comipt,  my  days  are  ex- 

■^  ■*-  tinct,  "  the  graves  are  ready  for  me. 

2  Are  there  not  mockers  witli  me?  and 
doth  not  mine  eye  2  continue  in  their 
i  provocation? 

3  Lay  down  now,  put  me  in  a  surety  with 
thee ;  who  is  he  that  "  will  strLke  hands 
with  me? 

4  For  thou  hast  hid  their  heart  from 
understanding:  therefore  shalt  thou  not 
exalt  them. 

5  He  that  speaketh  flattery  to  his  friends, 
even  the  eyes  of  his  children  shall  fail. 

6  He  hath  made  me  also  d  a  byword  of 
the  people;  and  3  aforetime  I  was  as  a 
tabret. 

7  Mine  eye  also  is  dim  by  reason  of  sor- 
row,  and  all  *  my  members  are  as  a  shadow. 

8  Upright  men  shall  be  astoiued  at  this, 
and  the  innocent  shaU  stir  up  himself 
against  the  hypocrite. 

9  The  *  righteous  also  shall  hold  on  his 
way,  and  he  that  hath  /clean  hands  5  shall 
be  stronger  and  stronger. 

10  But  as  for  you  ail,  "  do  ye  return,  and 
come  now:  for  I  cannot  find  one  wise  man 
among  you. 

11  ily  "  days  are  past,  my  purposes  are 
broken  otT,  even  6  the  thoughts  of  my  heart. 

12  They  change  the  night  into  day:  the 
light  is  7  short  because  of  darkness. 

13  If  I  wait,  the  grave  is  m.hie  house:  I 
have  made  my  bed  in  the  darkness. 

14  I  have  8  said  to  corruption,  Thou  art 
my  father;  to  the  worm.  Thou  art  my 
mother,  and  my  sister. 

15  And  where  is  now  my  hope?  as  for  my 
hope,  who  shall  see  it? 

16  They '  shall  go  do^vn  J'  to  the  bars  of  the 
pit,  when  our  *  rest  together  is  in  the  dust, 

CHAPTER  XVm. 
I  Bjldad  reproves  Job  for  prefmnption  and  im- 
patience.   6  Calamitiei  of  the  xuicked. 

fVllEN  answered  Bildad  the  Shuhite,and 
•^    said, 

2  How  long  will  it  he  ere  ye  make  an  end 
of  words?  mark,  and  afterwards  we  will 
speak, 

3  Wherefore  are  we  counted  as  beasts,  and 
reputed  vile  m  your  sight? 

4  He  °  teareth  i  himself  in  his  anger:  shall 
the  earth  be  forsaken  for  thee?  and  shall 
the  rock  be  removed  out  of  his  place? 

5  2  Yea,  <>  the  light  of  the  wicked  shall  b« 
put  out,  and  the  spark  of  his  Are  shall  not 
shine. 


Job  Reproves  His  FHcnds JOB,  XVI. 

man'slot  ch.  6.  20-22.1.  knoweth-Has  the  firm 
conviction.  Contrast  the  same  -word  applied 
to  the  pious  ;ch.  6.  24,26.:.  ready  rt  his  hand 
—An  Arabic  phrase  to  denote  a  thing's  com- 
pldr  reudincsa  and  full  prfixevce,  as  if  in  the 
hand.  24.  prevail  — -  Break  upon  him  sud- 
denly and  terribly,  as  a  king,  A-c.  iProv.6. 
11.;.  25.  stretcheth  .  .  .  hand— Wielding  the 
spear,  as  a  bold  rebel  against  God  (ch.  9.  4; 
Lsa.  i'7.  4.1.  26.  on  his  neck— Bather,  "with 
outstretched  neck,"  mz..  that  of  the  rebel. 
flJMBK.]  (Fs.  76.  5.)  upon  .  .  .  bucl<lers— 
Bather,  "wifh— his  (the  rebel's,  not  God's) 
bucklers."  The  rebel  and  his  fellows  are 
depicted  as  joining  shields  together,  to  form 
a  compact  covering  over  their  heads  against 
the  weapons  hurled  on  them  from  a  fortress. 
[Umbr.  &  Ges.I  27.  The  well  nourished 
body  of  the  rebel  is  the  sij^n  of  his  prosper!' y. 
coilops.—il/ ass' .s  of  fat.  He  pampers  and 
fattens  himself  with  sensual  indulgences. 
Hence  his  rebellion  against  God  (Deu.  32.  15; 
1  ISam.  2. 29.).  28.  The  class  of  wicked  here  de- 
scribed is  thatof  robbers  who  plunder'  cities." 
and  seize  on  the  houses  of  the  banished  citi- 
zens lsa.  13.  20.1.  Eliphaz  chooses  this  class, 
because  Job  had  chosen  the  same  (ch.  12. 
6.;.  heaps— Of  ruins.  29.  Bather,  he  shall 
not  increase  his  riches :  he  has  reached  his 
highest  point:  his  prosperity  shall  hot  con- 
tinue, perfection  —  Bather,  "His  acquired 
wcaHh  —whsit  he  possesses— shaU  not  be  ex- 
tended" &c.  30.  depart— i.  e.,  escape  ,«.  22, 
23.).  branches— ^•  (2.,  his  ofl'spring  ch.  1.  IS, 
19; Ps.  37.  35.1.  dry  up— The  "flame"  is  the 
sultry  Avind  in  the  £.  by  m  hich  plants  most 
full  of  sap  are  suddenly  slirivelled.  His 
mouth  — i.e.,  God's  wrath  (lsa.  11.  4.).  31. 
Bather,  let  him  not  trust  in  var  ity  or  he  will 
be  deceived,  &c.  vanitv  —  That  which  is 
unsubstantial.  Sin  is  its  own  punishment 
(Prov.  1.  31:  Jer.  2. 19.).  32.  lit,  "it  {the  tree 
to  which  he  is  compared  v.  30.  or  else  his 
life,  shall  not  be  filled  up  in  its  time:"  i.e., 
"  he  shall  be  ended  before  his  time."  shall 
not  be  Kreen— Image  from  a  withered  tree: 
the  cMldless  extinction  of  the  wicked.  33. 
Images  of  incompleteness.  The  loss  of  the 
unripe  grapes  is  poetically  made  the  vine 
tree's  own  act,  in  order  to  express  more 
pointedly  that  the  sinner's  ruin  is  the  fruit 
of  his  own  conduct  (lsa.  3. 11;  Jer.  6.  19.).  34. 
Bather,  The  binding  together  of  the  hypo- 
crites iwicked  shall  be  fruitless.  [Umbr.] 
Tabernacles  of  bribery,  viz.,  dwellings  of 
unjust  judges,  otten  reprobated  in  the  O.  T'. 
(lsa.  1.  23.).  The  "fire  of '  iod"  that  consumed 
Job's  possessions  (ch.  l.  16.)  Eliphaz  insinu- 
ates may  have  been  o\\  account  of  Job's 
bribery  as  an  Arab  sheikh  or  emir.  Zb. 
Bitter  irony,  illustrating  the  "unfruitful- 
ness  [v.  34,)  of  the  wicked.  Their  conceptions 
and  birth-givings  consist  solely  in  mischief, 
&c.  (lsa.  33. 11.).  werareth— Hatcheth. 
CHATTEB  XVI. 

SECOND  SEKIES, 

Ver.  1-22.  Job's  Bkply.  2.  (ch.  13.  4.}.  3. 
"Words  of  wind,"  Heb.  He  retorts  uvion 
Eliphaz  his  reproach  (ch.  15.  2.).  smbMdeneth 
— i'i.,  What  wearies  you  so  that  ye  contra- 
dict? i.e..  What  have  I  said  to  provoke  you? 
«fcc.  [Sen.]  Or,  as  better  accords  with  the 
first  clause,  "wherefore  di  ye  weary  your- 
selves contradicting."  [Umbe.]  4.  heap  up 
—Bather,  marshal  together  (an  army  of; 
words,  shake  1  ead— in  mockery:  it  means 
wocidmy,  rather  than  sMking:  nodding  is  not 
368 


For  Uvinerriftilness. 


with  us,  a,?  in  the  East,  a  tesrure  of  sci.tti 
(lsa.  ,37.  22;  Jer.  18.  16:  Matt.  i.'7.  ;;9.  .  5. 
st'engtlien  with  nfiouth— Bitter  iiony.  In  al- 
lusion to  Ehphaz's  boasted  "consolations" 
;ch.  15.  11.).  Opposed  to,  strengthening  with 
the  heart,  i.e.,  with  real  consolation.  Transl. 
"  I  also  (like  you;  could  strengthen  with  the 
moufh,"  i.e.,  with  heartless  talk:  "And  the 
moving  of  my  lii)s  (mere  lip-comfnrt  could 
console"  (in  the  same  fashion  as  you  do. . 
[Umbr.]  "Hearty  counsel"  Prov.  27.  9,)  is 
the  opposite.  6.  eased— /if., What  portion  of 
my  sufieringsl  goes  from  me?  7.  But  luw- 
Bather,  "ah!"  he— God.  c^mrany- Bather, 
"band  of  tntnesses,"  viz.,  those  M'ho  could 
attest  his  innocence,  his  children,  servants. 
<fec.  So  the  same  Heb.  is  translated  next 
V.  Umbr.  makes  his  "band  of  witnesses" 
himself,  for  alas  !  he  had  no  other  to  wit- 
ness for  him.  But  this  is  too  recondite.  8. 
filled  with  wrinkles  —  Bather  (as  also  the 
same  Heb.  word  in  ch.  22.  ifi:  E.  V., 
"  cut  down,"),  "  thou  hast  feHered  me, 
thy  witness,"  [besides  cutting  off  my  "band 
of  witnesses,"  v.  7,'.  i.e.,  hast  disabled  me  by 
pains  from  properly  attesting  my  innocence. 
But  another  "w^itness"  ai'ises  against  him, 
viz.,  his  "leanness"  or  wretched  state  of 
body,  construed  by  his  friends  into  a  proof 
of  his  guilt.  The  radical  meaning  of  the 
Heb.  is  to  draw  together,  whence  flow  the 
double  meanings  to  bind  or  Jetter,  and  in 
Syr.  to  wrinkle,  leanness— meaning  also  lie; 
implying  it  was  a, false  "witness."  9.  Image 
from  a  wild  beast.  So  God  is  represented 
(ch.  10.  16.;.  who  hate'.h  me— Bather,  "and 
pursues  me  hard."  Job  would  not  ascribe 
"hatred"  to  God  (Ps.  50.  22.).  mine  en^my— 
Bather,  he  sharpens,  &c.,  as  an  enemy"  (Ps. 
7. 12.).  Darts  wrathful  glances  at  me,  like  a 
foe  (ch.  13.  24.).  10.  gapet— not  in  order  to 
devour,  but  to  mock  him.  To  fill  his  cup  of 
misery,  the  mockery  of  bis  friends  [v.  10.)  is 
added  to  the  hostile  treatment  from  God  iv. 
9.).  smitten  .  .  .  cheek— fig.,  for  contemptu- 
ous abuse  (Lam.  3.  30;  Matt.  6.  39.).  gath- 
ered tliemselves— "  Conspired  unanimously." 
[ScH.]  11.  turned  me  over— H^.,  cast  me  head- 
long into,  &c.  the  ungodly — viz.,  his  profes- 
sed friends.who  persecuted  him  with  unkind 
speeches.  12.  I  w;<s  at  ease— in  past  times 
(ch.  1.).  by  my  neck— as  an  animal  does  its 
prey  (so  ch.  10.  16.).  shaken- violently;  in 
contrast  to  his  foniier  "ease"  (Ps.  102.  10.). 
Set  me  up  {again},  mark— (ch.  7.  20;  Lam. 
3.  12.).  God  lets  me  always  recover  strength, 
so  as  to  torn  ent  me  ceaselessly.  13.  his 
archers— The  image  of  last  v.  is  continued. 
God,  in  making  me  His  "mark,"  is  accom- 
panied by  the  three  friends,  v  hose  words 
w'ound  like  sharp  arrows,  gall— put  for  a 
vital  part.  So  the  liver  (Lam.  2.  1).).  14. 
The  image  is  from  storming  a  fortress  by 
making  breaches  in  the  walls  (2  Ki.  14.  13.).  a 
giaiiT— a  mighty  warrior.  15.  sev/ed— denot- 
ing the  tight  fiit  of  the  mourning  garment:  it 
was  a  sack  with  arm-holes  closdy  sewed  to 
the  body,  horn— image  from  horned  cattle, 
which  when  excited  tear  the  earth  with  their 
horns.  The  horn  was  the  emblem  ci  poxoer; 
(1  Ki,  22.  11.).  Here,  it  is  "in  the  dust!' 
which  as  applied  to  Joli  denotes  7/ is  humili- 
ation from  former  greatness.  To  throw  one's 
self  in  the  dust  was  a  sign  of  raourning:  this 
idea  is  here  joined  with  that  of  excited  de- 
s]>air,  depicted  by  the  fury  of  a  horned  beast. 
The  Druses  of  Lebanon  still  wear  horns  as 


Eildad  reproves  Job. 


JOB,  XIX,  XX. 


Job  complains  of  his  friendt. 


6  The  lifrht  shall  be  dark  in  his  tabernacle, 
and  his  ^  caudle  shall  be  put  out  with  him. 

7  The  steps  of  his  strength  shall  be  strait- 
ened,  and  his  own  counsel  shall  cast  him 
down. 

8  For  he  is  cast  into  a  net  by  his  own  feet, 
and  he  %valketh  upon  a  snare. 

9  The  gin  shull  take  him  by  the  heel,  a7i<i 
the  robber  shall  prevail  asauist  him. 

10  The  snare  is  *  laid  for  him  in  the 
gromid,  and  a  trap  for  him  in  the  way. 

11  Tenors  "  shall  make  him  alraid  on 
every  side,  and  shaU  5  drive  him  to  his  feet. 

12  Ills  strength  shall  be  hunger-bitten, 
and  <i  destruction  shall  be  ready  at  his  side. 

13  It  shall  devour  the  6  strent^h  of  his 
skin:  even  the  first-bom  of  death  shall  de- 
vour his  strength. 

■  14  His  *  confidence  shall  be  rooted  out  of 
his  tabernacle,  and  it  shall  bring  him  to 
thekingof  teiTors. 

15  It  shaU  dwell  in  his  tabernacle,  because 
it  is  none  of  his:/  brimstone  shall  be  scat- 
tered upon  his  habitation. 

16  His  roots  shall  be  dried  up  beneath, 
and  above  shall  his  branch  be  cut  oflT. 

17  His  ^  remembrance  shall  perish  from 
the  earth,  and  he  shall  have  no  name  in 
the  street. 

.  18  He  7  shall  be  driven  from  light  into 
darkness,  and  chased  out  of  the  world. 

19  He  ''  shall  neither  have  son  nor  nephew 
among  his  people,  nor  any  remaining  in 
his  dwellings. 

20  They  tbat  come  after  him  shall  be  as- 
tonied  at  his  day,  as  they  that  8  went  be- 
fore 9  were  affrighted. 

21  Surely  snch  are  the  dwellings  of  the 
wicked,  and  this  is  the  place  of  him  that 
knoweth » not  God. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
1  Job  complains  of  his  friends'  cruelty  i  W  his  be- 

^_^  lief  %n  the  resurrection. 

'THEN  Job  answered  and  said, 
■*-     2  How  long  will  ye  vex  my  soul,  and 
break  me  in  pieces  with  words? 

3  These  ten  times  have  ye  reproached  me: 
ye  are  not  ashamed  that  ye  i  make  your- 
selves strange  to  me. 

4  And  be  it  indeed  that  1  have  erred, 
mine  error  remaineth  isith  mvself. 

5  If  indeed  ye  ynW.  magnify  yourselves 
against  me,  and  plead  against  me  my  re- 
proach; 

6  Know  now  that  God  hath  overthrown 
me,  and  hath  compassed  me  with  his  net. 

7  Behold,  I  cry  out  of  2  wrong,  but  1  am 
not  heard:  I  cry  aloud,  but  there  is  no 
judgment. 

'  8  He  hath  fenced  up  my  way  that  I  can- 
not pass,  and  he  hath  set  darkness  in  my 
paths. 

9  He  hath  stripped  me  of  my  glory,  and 
taken  the  crown  from  my  head. 

10  He  hath  destroyed  me  on  every  side, 
and  I  am  gone ;  and  mine  hope  hath  he  re- 
moved like  a  tree. 

11  He  hath  also  kindled  his  wrath  against 
me,  and  he  counteth  me  unto  him  as  one  of 
bis  enemies. 

12  His  troops  come  together,  and  raise  up 
their  way  against  me,  and  encamp  round 
about  my  tabernacle. 

13  He  hath  put  my  brethren  far  from  me, 
and  mine  acquaintance  are  verily  estranged 
from  me. 

14  Vijj  kinsfolk  have  failed,  and  my  fami- 
Uar  friends  have  forgotten  me. 


9  Uid  hold 

t  Jer.  9.  3. 
Jer.  10.  25 
1  Thea«.4.5 
2The8».1.8 
Tit.  1.  16. 


CHAP.  19. 

1  Or,  harden 
yourselvee 
■gainat 

2  Or,' 
TioloDce. 

3  my  belly. 
1  Or,  the 

wicked. 

6  the  men  of 

my  secret. 

6  Or,  as. 

7  Who  wiU 
give,  etc. 

8  Or,  After  1 
shall 

thou^ 
this  body 
be  destroy- 
ed, yet  out 
of  rny  flesh 
shall  1  see 
God. 

a  Kora.8.28. 

M's.n.  15. 
1  Cor.  13. 
12. 
1  John  3. 2. 

9  a  stranger. 

10  Or,  my 


Debt  desire 
tfor  that 
dav.l 

11  in'my 

12  Or,  and 
what  root 


CHAP.  20. 

1  my  haste 
is  in  me. 

2  from  near. 

3  cloud. 

i  Or,  The 
poor  shall 
oppress  bis 
children. 

6  in  the 
midst  of 
bit  paUt«. 


15  They  that  dwell  in  mine  house,  and  my 
maids,  count  me  for  a  stranger:  1  am  an 
alien  in  their  sight. 

16  I  called  my  servant,  and  he  gave  me 
no  answer;  I  entreated  him  with  mj 
mouth. 

17  My  breath  is  strange  to  my  wife,  though 

1  entreated  for  the  children's  safce  of  3  mine 
own  body. 

18  Yea,  *  }oung  children  despised  me;  I 
arose,  and  they  spake  against  me. 

19  All  6  my  inward  friends  abhorred  me; 
and  they  whom  I  loved  are  turned  against 
me. 

20  My  bone  cleaveth  to  my  skin  6  and  to 
my  flesh,  and  I  am  escaped  with  the  skin 
of  m  V  teeth. 

21  Have  pity  upon  me,  have  pity  upon 
me,  O  ye  my  friends;  for  the  hand  of  God 
hath  touched  me. 

22  Why  do  ye  persecute  me  as  God,  and 
are  not  satisfied  with  my  flesh? 

23  7  Oh  that  my  words  were  now  written! 
oh  that  they  were  printed  in  a  book! 

24  That  they  were  graven  with  an  iron 
pen  and  lead  in  the  rock  for  ever! 

25  For  "  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth, 
and  that  he  shall  stand  at  the  latter  day 
upon  the  earth: 

26  8  And  thmtgh  after  my  skin  tcorms  de- 
stroy  this  body,  yet  *  in  my  flesh  shall  I  see 
God: 

27  Whom  I  shall  see  for  myself,  and  mine 
eyes  shall  behold,  and  not  9  another; 
1"  thcmgh  my  reins  be  consumed  n  within 
me. 

28  But  ye  should  say,  "W  hy  persecute  we 
him,  12  seeing  the  root  of  the  matter  ia 
found  in  me? 

29  Be  ye  afraid  of  the  sword:  for  wrath 
hringeth  the  punishments  of  the  sword, 
that  ye  may  know  tJi^re  w  a  judgment. 

CHAPTER  XX. 
Zovhar  shows  the  state  and  portion  of  the  vjieJced, 
fpiIEN  answered  Zophar  theJ»aamatliite, 
and  said, 

2  Therefore  do  my  thoughts  cause  me  to 
answer,  and  f  r  this  1 1  make  haste. 

3  I  have  heard  the  check  of  my  reproach, 
and  the  spirit  of  my  understandmg  canseth 
me  to  answer. 

4  Knowest  thou  not  this  of  old,  since  man 
was  placed  upon  earth, 

5  1  nat  the  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is 

2  short,  and  the  joy  of  the  hi-pocrite  biU 
for  a  moment? 

6  Though  his  excellency  mount  up  to  the 
heavens,  and  his  head  reach  unto   the 

3  clouds ; 

7  Yet  he  shall  perish  for  ever  like  his  own 
dung:  they  which  have  seen  him  shaU  say, 
Where  is  he? 

8  He  shall  fly  away  as  a  dream,  and  shall 
not  be  found ;  yea,  he  shall  be  chased  away 
as  a  \1sion  of  the  night. 

9  The  eye  also  rvhich  saw  him  shall  see 
him  no  more ;  neither  shall  his  place  any 
more  behold  him. 

10  4  His  children  shall  seek  to  please  the 
poor,  and  his  hands  shall  resttjce  their 
gooils. 

11  His  bones  are  full  of  the  sin  of  his 
youth,  which  shall  lie  down  with  him  in 
the  dust. 

12  Though  wickedness  be  sweet  m  his 
mouth,  tho-iigh  he  liide  it  under  his  tongue; 

13  Though  he  snare  it,  and  forsake  it  uot^ 
but  keep  it  still » vritliiu  his  mouth; 


Jdthi  Ansrver  Contintied. 


JOB,  xvn. 


Eis  Hope  in  Death.^ 


«n  ornament.  16.  foul— Eather.  "isred,"  i.e..  i  (see  note  16.  21.).  strike  hands— "who  else 
flushed  and  heated.  [Umbk.  &No-x.J  shadow  I  (save  God  Himself)  could  stiike  hands  with 
of  death-i.e..  darkening  through  many  tears  me?"  i.e..  be  my  security  (Ps.  119. 122.).  The 
(Lam.  5.  17.).  Job  here  refers  to  Zophar's  ,  Hebrew  strikes  the  hand  of  him  for  whom 
implied  charge  (ch.  11. 14.).  :Nearly  the  same  I  he  goes  security  (Proy.  6  1.).  4.  their  heart- 
words  occu'  as  to  Jesus  Clirist  (Isa.  53.  9.), '  The  intellect  of  his  friends,  shalt .  . ,  exalt- 
So  V.  10  above  answers  to  the  description  of  i  Rather  imperative,  exalt  them  not.  Allow 
•lesns  Christ  (Ps.  12. 13; Isa.  50.  6;  and  v.  4,  to  j  thein  not  to  conquer  [Umbr.J  (Isa.  6.  9, 10.). 
Ps.  22.  7.).  He  alone  realized  what  Job  as- '  5.  The  Heb.  (or  flatten/  is  smoothness:  then  it 
pired  after,  viz.,  outward  righteousness  of  i  came  to  mean  a  j^rei/ divided  by  (olt,  because 
acts  and  inward  purity  of  devotion.  Jesus  |  a  smooth  stone  was  used  in  casting  the  lots 
Chrisi  as  the  representative  man  is  tjoiified ;  (Deut.lS.S.),  "a  portion"  (Gen.14.21.)..  ihere- 
in  some  degree  in  every  servant  of  God  m  the  j  fore  transl.  "  He  that  delivers  up  hi 


O.  T.    18.  my  blood- 


„ „ slrieiid 

my  undeserved  suf-  as  a  prey  (which  the  conduct  of  my  friends 


fering.  He  compares  himself  to  one  mur-  implies  that  they  would  do),  even  the  eyes,' 
deied,  whose  blood  the  earth  refuses  to!  &c.  [Nov.]  (ch.  ih  20.).  Job  says  this  as  to 
drink  up  until  he  is  avenged  (Gen.  4. 10, 11;  the  sinner's  children,  retorting  upon  their 
Ez.  24.  1,  8;  Isa.  26.  21.)..  The  Arabs  say  that  1  reproach  as  to  the  cutting  off  ot  his  (ch.  5.  4; 
the  dew  of  heaven  will  not  descend  on  a  spot  j  15.  30.).  This  accords  witli  the  O.  T.  dispen- 
watered  with  innocent  blood  (cf.  2  Ham.  1.  sation  of  legal  retribution  (Ex.  20.  5.).  6.  He 
21.).  no  place— no  resting-place.  "May  my  —God.  Tlie  poet  reverentially  suppresses 
cry  never  stop!"  May  it  go  abroad  !  "  Earth"  the  name  of  God,  when  speaking  of  calami- 
in  this  v.  in  antithesis  to  "heaven"  {v.  19.). ;  ties  inflicted,  byeword— (Deut.  28.  37;  Ps. 
May  my  innocence  be  as  well  known  to  ?Hcm,  69.  11.).  My  awful  punishment  makes  my 
as  it  is  even  now  to  God!  19.  Also  now— even  name  execrated  everywhere,  as  if  I  must 
now  when  1  am  so  greatly  misunderstood  on  ,  have  been  superlatively  bad  to  have  earned 
earth,  God  in  heaven  is  sensible  of  my  inno- 1  it.  aforetime  . .  .  tabret— As  David  was  hon- 
cence.  recori.— Heb.,  my  loitness.  Amidst|oured  (lSam.18.  6.).  Eather  from  a  different 
all  his  impatience,  Job  still  trusts  in  God.  Heb.  root^  "I  am  treated  to  my  face  as  an  ob- 
20.  Heb.,  more  forcibly,  "my  mockers— my  ject  of  disgust."    Lit.,  an  objectto  be  spit  upon 

14.).    So  Raca  means 

„ [Umbr.]    7.  (Ps.  6.  7;  31.  9; 

attestation  of  his  innocence  ;  plaintively  Deut.  34.  7.).  members— ?if.,  figures;  aU  the 
with  te  I rful  eye  be  supplicates  for  this.  21.  individual  members  being  peculiar  ^or-ms 
one— Eather,  He  (God).  "O  that  He  would  of  the  body:  opposed  to  "shadow,"  which 
plead  for  a  man  (viz.  me)  against  God."   Job  \  looks  like  a  figure  without  solidity.    8.  asto- 


, forcibly,  "my  mockers— my  , 

friends!"  A  heart-cutting  paradox!  [Umer.]  in  the  Jace  (Nu.__12 
God  alone  remains  to  whom  he  can  look  for  i  (Matt.  6.  22.) 


quaintly  says,  God  must  support  me  against ;  nied— at  my  unmerited  sufferings.  aga,mst 
God:  for  He  makes  me  to  suffer,  and  He! the  hypocrite— The  upright  shall  feel  their 
alone  knows  me  to  be  innocent.  [Umbk.]  i  sense  of  justice  wounded  ( 'wiU  be  mdig- 
So  God  helped  Jacob  in  wrestling  against ;  nant")  because  of  the  prosperity  of  the  wick- 
Himself  (ch.  23.  6;  Gen.  32.  25.).  God  in  Jesus  ,  ed.  By  "  hypocrite"  or  "  ungodly"  he  perhaps 
Christ  does  plead  with  God  for  man  (Eom.  8.  i  glances  at  his  false  friends.  9.  The  strength 
26,  27.).  as  a  man— ^i^.,  the  Son  of  man.  Ajof  religious  principle  is  heightened  by  mi? 
prefiguring  of  the  advocacy  of  Jesus  Christ— ,  fortune.  The  pious  shall  take  fresh  courage 
a  boon  longed  for  by  Job  (ch.  9.  33,),  though  :  to  persevere  from  the  example  of  suffering 


the_  spiritual  pregnancy  of  his  ^ovyu  words, !  Job, 


^, „ ^    , The  image  is  from  a  warrior  acquiring 

designed  for  all  ages,  was  but  little  under-;  new  courage  in  action  (Isa.  40  30,  31;  Pliil.  1. 


stood  by  him  (Ps.  80.  17.).  for  his  neighbourly.).  10.  "Eeturn."  If  you  have  anything 
—Heb.,friend.  Job  himseK  (ch.  42.  8,)  plead-  to  advance  really  wise,  though  I  doubt  it,  re- 
ed as  intercessor  for  his  "friend,"  though  commence  your  speech.  For  as  yet  I  cannot 
'his  scorners"  {v.  20,):  so  Jesus  Christ  the  findone  wise  man  among  you  all.  ll.Onlydo 


Son  of  man  (Lu.23 
15.  1.3-1.5.).    22.  few         .     . 
Le.,  few,  opposed  to  mimberless  (Gen 
CHAPTER  XVII. 
Ver.   1-16.    Job's  Answer  Continued 


34,1 ;  "  for  friends  "  (John. '  not  vainly  speak  of  the  restoration  of  health 

7— lit.,  "  years  of  number'  to  me;  for  "  my  days  are  past."    broken  off— 

o  numberless  (Gen.  34. 30.).  As  the  threads  of  the  web  cut  off  from  the 

"'~  loom  (Isa.  38. 12.).    thoughts— Zii.,po>ses6"io?ts, 

„.    ^  ^„.     . ,  ^^ „„ _^„ I  i.e.,  all  the  feeUngs  and  fair  hopes  which  my 

1.    breath-corrupt— result    of   elephantiasis,  heart  once  nourished.    These  belong  to  the 

But  [Umbr.I  "my  strength  (spirit)  is  spent."  heart,  as  "purposes"  to  the  understanding: 

extinct— Life   is  compared  to   an   expiring  the  two  together  here  describe  the  entire 

light.  "The  light  of  my  day  is  extinguished.^'  inner  man.     12.    They  — viz.,   my  friends 

graves  —  i^kir.,    to   heighten   the   force.    2.  would  change  the  night  into  day,  i.e.,  would 

[IJMBR.JmoreemphaticaUy.  "hadloiUy  not  try  to  persuade  me  of  the  change  of  my 

to  endure  mockery,  in  che  midst  of  their  con-  misery  into  joy,  which  is  impossible,  [Umb.I 

tevtions  I  (mine  eye)  would  remain  quiet."  (ch.  11. 17,)  (but)  the  light  of  prosperity  (could 

"  Eye  continue,"  or  tarry  all  night  (Heb.),  it  be  enjoyed,)  would  be  short  because  of 

is  a  figure  taken  from  sleep  at  night,  to  ex-  the  darkness  of  adversity      Or  better  for 

press  imdisturbed  rest:  opposed  to  (ch.  16.  "  short,"  the  Heb. '  near;    '  and  the  light  of 


20,),  when  the  eye  of  Job  is  represented  as  new  prosperity  should  be  near  in  the  face  of 

"    i  without  rest    3.  (before)  the  darkness  of  death;    i.e.,  they 

^ .„.,  ^pledge  or  security,  i.e.,  be  would  nersuade  me  that  light  is  near,  even 

my  surety;  do  thou  attest  my  innocence,  though  darkness  approaches.    13.  Esther,  if 


pouring  out  tears  to  God 
Lay  down 


Both  I  wait  for  this  gi-ave  (scheol,  or  the  unseen 


since  my  friends  only  niocfc  me  (v.  2.).    ,    ^  ,       ,.         ^  ^.      , 

litigating  parties  had  to  lay  down  a  sum  as  world)  as  my  house,  and  make  my  bed  in  tho 
security  before  the  trial,  put  me  in  surety—  darkness  {v.  14,)  and  say  to  corruption," 
Provide  a  surety  for  me  (in  the  trial)  with  rather,  <o<7iepi(,  oromt'e,  &c.,(y.l5.).  Where, 
thee.  A  presage  of  the  "  surety"  (Heb.  7. 22,),  •  then,  is  my  hope?    [Umbr.]    The  apodosis  ia 


'one  Mediator  between  God  and  man    att?.  15.  14.  Tiiouajrtmy  fatter.  &c.— Express 


art] 


Reply  of  Bildad. 


JOB,  xvin.  XIX. 


Job's  Reply  to  Sildad, 


ing  most  intimate  connexion  (Prov.  7.  4.). 
His  diseased  state  made  him  closely  akin  to 
the  grave  and  worm.  15.  Who  shall  see  it 
fulfilled?  viz„  the  "hope"  (eh.  11. 18,1,  which 
they  held  out  to  him  of  restoration.  16. 
Tliey— viz..  my  hopes,  sliall  be  buried  with 
me.  bars— (Isa.  38.  10.).  Eather,  the  vjastes, 
or  solitudes  of  the  pit  (scheol,  the  unseen 
world.),  rest  together— The  rest  of  me  and  my 
hopes  is  in,  &c.  Both  expire  together.  The 
word  "rest"  implies  that  man's  ceaseless 
hopes  only  rob  him  of  rest. 

CHAl'TKR  XVin. 

SECOND  SERIES. 

Ver.  1-21.  EbplyofBildad.  2.  ye— T/ie 
other  t^vo  friends  of  Job,  whom  Bildad  charges 
with  having  spoken  mere  "  words,"  i.e., 
empty  speeches:  opposed  to  "mark,"  i.e., 
come  to  reason,  consider  the  question  intel- 
ligently:  aid  then  let  us  speak.  3.  bensts— 
AUudiiig  to  what  Job  said  (ch.  12.  7;  so  Isa.  1. 
3.).  vile— Eather,  from  a  Heb.  root  to  stop  tip. 
"Stubborn,"  answering  to  the  stupidity  im- 
plied in  the  parallel  first  clause.  [Umbr.] 
V\  hy  should  we  give  occasion  by  your  empty 
lib 


speeches  for  our  being  mutually  reputed  in 
the  sight  of  J  ob,  and  one  another,  iminteUi- 
gentv  ,ch.  17.  4,  lO.).  4.  Eather,  turning  to 
Job,  "  thou  that  tearest  thyseli  in  anger  ich. 
5.  2.).  be  forsaken— Become  desolate.  He  al- 
ludes here  to  Job's  words  as  to  the  "  rock," 
&c.,  crumbling  away  ich.  14.  18,  19,;;  but  in  a 
different  application.  He  says  biiteily  "for 
thee."  Wert  thou  not  punislied  as  thou  art, 
and  as  thou  art  unwilling  to  bear,  the  eternal 
order  of  the  universe  would  be  disturbed, 
and  the  earth  become  desolate  through  un- 
avenged wickedness.  [Umbr.]  Bildad  takes 
it  for  granted  Job  is  a  great  sinner  (ch.  8.  3-6; '  24.) 
Isa.  24.  5,  6.).  "ShaU  that  which  stands  fast 
as  a  rock  be  removed  for  your  special  accom- 
modation?" 5.  That  {V.  4,)  cannot  be.  The 
decree  of  God  is  unalterable,  the  light  (pros- 
perity) of  tlie  wicked  shall  at  length  be  put 
out.  his  fire— Alluding  to  Arabian  hospitality, 
which  prided  itself  on  welcoming  the  stranger  istence 
to  the  fire  in  the  tent,  and  even  lit  fires  to  14.  22  ^ 
direct  him  to  it.  The  ungodly  shall  be  de- 
prived of  the  means  to  show  hospitality.  His 
dwelling  shaU  be  dark  and  desolate!  6. 
candle— The  lamp  which  in  the  E.  is  usually 
fastened  to  the  ceiling.  Oil  abounds  in  those 
regions,  and  the  lamp  was  kept  burning  all 
night,  as  now  in  Egypt,  where  the  poorest 
wou.ld  rather  dispense  with  tood,  than  the 
night-lamp  (Ps.  18.  28.).  To  put  out  the 
lamp  was  an  image  of  utter  desolation.  7. 
"Steps  of  strength."  Heb.  for.  His  strong 
steps.  A  firm  step  marks  health.  To  be 
straitened  in  steps  is  to  be  no  longer  able  to 
move  about  at  will  Prov.  4.  12 ).  his  own 
counsel- Or  plans  shall  be  the  means  of  Ids 
fall  ich.  5.  13.).  8.  he  walketh  upon— Eather, 
"he  lets  himself  go  into  the  net."  [Umbr. J 
If  the  E.V.  be  retained,  then  understand 
"  snare"  to  be  the  pit-fall,  covered  over  with 
branches  and  earth,  which  when  walked 
upon  give  way  (Ps.  9.  15;  35.  8.).  9.  robber— 
Eather  answering  to  "gin"  in  the  parallel 
clause,  "the  noose  shall  hold  him  fast." 
[Umbr.I  11.  teirors  —  Often  mentioned  in 
this  book  [v.  14;  ch.  24.  17;  &c.).  The  terrors 
excited  through  an  evil  conscience  are 
here  personified.  "  Magor-missabib,"  (Jer. 
20.  3.).  drive  ...  to  his  feet— Eather,  shall 
pursue  (Zi(.,  scatter,  Hab.  3.  14.)  him  close  at 
m&  heels  (tit.,  immediately  after  his  feet, 
36t>    [XJ 


Hab.  3.  5;  1  Sam.  25.  42;  Heb.).  The  image  is 
chat  of  a  pursuing  conqueror  who  scatters 
the  enemy.  [Umbr.J  1^.  The  Heb.  is  brief 
and  bold,  "his  strength  is  hungry."  destruc- 
tiou— i.e.,  a  great  calamity  (Prov.  1.  27.).  • 
ready  at  Ms  side— Close  at  hand  to  destroy  him 
Prov.  19.  29.).  13.  Umbr.  has  "he"  for  "it," 
i.e.,  "in  the  rage  of  hunger  he  shall  devour 
his  own  body:"  or,  his  own  children  (Lam.  4. 
10.).  Eather,  "destruction"  from  the  last 
verse  is  nom.  to  "devour."  strength— Eather, 
"members  "  [lit.,  the  branches  or  a  tree.  .  the 
first-born  of  death— A  personification  full  of 
poetical  horror.  The  first-bom  son  held  the 
chief  place  (Gen.  49.  3,);  so  here  the  chief  est 
{most  deadly)  disease  that  death  has  ever  en-  j. 
gendered  Isa,  14.  30;  "first-born  of  the  > 
poor."— the  poorest.).  The  Arabs  call  fever 
"  dauditer  of  death."  14.  confidence  —  All 
that  the  father  trusted  in  for  domestic  hap- 
piness, children,  fortune,  &c.,  referring  to 
Job's  losses.  rooted  out  —  Suddenly  torn 
away,  it  shall  bring— i.e.,  he  shall  be  brought: 
or.  as  Umbr.  better  has,  "  Thou  (God)  sualt 
bring  him  sloidy."  The  Heb.  expresses,  "to 
stride  slowly  and  solemnly."  The  godless  has 
a  fearfid  death  for  long  before  his  eyes,  and 
is  at  last  taken  by  it.  Alluding  to  Job's 
case.  The  King  of  terrors,  not  like  the 
heathen  Pluto,  the  fabled  ruler  of  the  dead, 
but  Death,  with  all  its  terrors  to  the  ungodly, 
personified.  15.  It— Terror  shall  haunt,  (fee, 
and  not  as  Umbr.  another,  which  the  last 
clause  of  the  verse  disproves,  none  of  hi? — 
it  is  his  no  longer,  brimstone- Probably 
comparing  the  calamity  of  Job  by  the  "fire 
of  God"  (ch.  1.  16,),  toithe  destruction  of 
giulty  Sodom  by  fire  and  brimstone  (Gen.  19. 
16.  "Eoots,"  himself.  "Branch,"  his 
childi-en  (ch.  8.  12;  15.  30;  Mai.  4.  1.).  17. 
street— Men  shall  not  speak  of  him  in  meet- 
ing in  the  highways.  Eather,  in  the  field, 
or  meadow:  the  shepherds  shall  no  more 
mention  his  name.  A  picture  from  nomadic 
life.  [Umbr.]  18.  light  .  .  .  darkness— Ex- 
non-existence.  19.  nephew— So  Isa. 
But  it  is  translated  "grandson" 
Gen.  21.  2A,),  transl.  "kinsman."  20.  after 
.  .  .  before  —  Eather,  "those  in  the  W.— 
those  in  the  E.;"  i.e.,  all  people;  lit.,  those 
behind— those  before;  for  Orientals  m  geo- 
graphy turn  with  their  face  to  the  E.  mot  to 
ihe  N.  as  we,  and  back  to  the  W.;  so  that 
before— E.;behind—'N.  so  Zech.  14.  8.).  day— 
Of  ruin  (Obad.  12j.  affrighted— Seized  with 
terror  (ch.  21.  6;  Isa.  13.  8.).  21.  (jch.  8.  22. 
Marg.). 

CHAPTEE    XIX. 

SECOND  SERIES. 

Ver.  1-29.    Job's  Eeply  to  Bildad.    2. 

How  long,  (fee— Eetorting  Bildad's  words  (ch. 
IS.  2.).  Admitting  the  punishment  to  be  de- 
served, is  it  kind  thus  ever  to  be  liarpmg  on 
this  to  the  sufferer?  And  yet  even  this  they 
have  not  yet  proved.  3.  These— Prefixed  to 
numbers  emphatically  (Gen.  27.  36.1.  ten— 
i.e.,  often  (Gen.  31.  7.).  make  yourselves 
strange— Eather,  siwi  me.  [Ges.]  (See  Mara. 
for  a  difterent  meaning.).  4.  erred— The  Heb. 
expresses  unconscious  error.  Job  was  un- 
conscious of  wilful  sin.  remaineth— ^u.^  pass- 
eth  the  night.  An  image  from  harbourmg  an 
unpleasant  guest  for  the  night.  I  bear  the  con- 
sequences 5.  magnify,  (fee— Speak  proudly 
(Obad.  12;  Ez.  35.  13.).  against  me— Emphati- 
cally rept- ated  (Ps.  38.  16.).  plead  .  .  ,  reproacii 
-'E.V.  makes  this  part  of  the  protasis  "if" 


Jobs  Complaint 


JOB.  XTK. 


of  Ms  Friends'  Cruelty. 

being  understood,  and  the  apodosis  beginning  they  would  speak  against  (abuse)  me." 
att).  6.  JbJetter,  witli  Umbr.,  If  ye  would  be-  I  (Jmer.J  19.  iv.wArd  —  C07ifi dent ial:  lit., 
come  great  heroes  against  me  in  truth,  ye ;  men  of  my  secret  '—to  wnom  1  entrusted 
must  prom  (evince)  against  me  my  guUt,  or  my  most  intimate  coniidence.  2U.  ii,xcreme 
slmme,  ■whi.ch  you  assert,  in  the  il.V.  "re-  nieagreness.  The  oone  seemea  to  sticic  to 
proach'  will  mean  Job's  calamities,  which  I  the  skin,  being  seeji  througti  it,  owing  to  the 


they  ■*  pleaded"  against  him  as  a  ' 
or  proof  ol  guilt.    6.  compassea  .     , 
luding  to  Bildad's  words  ch.  lb.  8  ). 


proach,'  j  flesh  drying  up  and  faning  away  from  the 

nut— Ai- 1  bone.    I'he  Marg.  "as  to  myflesn,"  makes 

Know, 'this  sense  clearer.    The  ii.  y.  however  ex- 


thatitis  not  that  i  as  a  wicked  man  have! presses  the  same;  "A7Ul  to  my  hesn,"  viz., 
been  caught  in  my  "  o^v■tl  net : '  it  is  God  who  j  which  has  fallen  away  from  the  bone,  instead 
has  coiiuassed  me  in  His— why,  1  know  not. !  ot  firmly  covering  it.  skin  ot  my  teeta— 
7.  wrong— Violence:  brought  on  him  iiy  God.  j  Proverbial.  I  have  escaped  with  bare  lile;  I 
no  judgment— Grjd  will  not  remove  my  cala-  i  am  whole  only  v:'th  the  skin  ot  my  teeth,  i.e., 
mit  es,  and  so  vindicate  my  just  cause:  and  my  gums  alone  are  whole,  the  rest  of  the  skin 
my  friends  will  not  do  justice  to  my  past  of  my  body  is  broken  with  sores  (ch.  7.  5;  Ps. 
character.  8.  Image  from  a  benighted  tra- 1 102.  5.j.  Satan  left  Job  speech,  in  hope  that 
Teller.  9.  strippec  .  .  .  cvown— image  from  he  might  therewith  curse  God.  21.  When 
a  deposed  king,  deprived  of  his  robes  and  God  had  made  him  such  a  piteous  speotacie, 
crown:  appropriate  to  Job,  once  an  emir  with  I  his  friends  should  spare  him  the  additional 
all  but  royal  dignity  (Lam.  5.  16;  Ps.  Si).  39.).  i  persecution  of  their  cruel  speeches.  22.  As 
10.  destroyed  ...  on  every  side— "  Shaken  all  I  God- •  has  persecuted  me.  Prefiguring  Jesus 
round,  so  that  I  fall  in  the  dust:"  image: Christ  (Ps.  69.  26.).  That  God  afflicts,  is  no 
from  a  tree  uprooted  by  violent  shaking  from  \  reason  that  man  is  to  add  to  a  sufi'erer's  af- 
everyside.  [Umbb.]  The  last  claiise  accords  fliction  (Zech.  1.  16.).  satisfied  with  my  fish 
with  this  'Jer.  1. 10.). _  mine  hope— As  to  this  ;— It  is  not  enough  that  God  afflicts  my  flesh 


lile  (in  opposition  to  Zophar,  cl 

as  to  the  world  to  come,  {v.  'lo;  ch 

removed  — Uprooted.     11.  enemies 

24:  Lam.  2.  6.).     12.  troops —Calamities  ad 

vance  together  like  hostile  troops  (ch.  10.  17 


11.  18,):  not ; literally  (v.  20,),  butyoumust  "eat  my  fle.sh" 

14.  15.).  ]  meVa.ph.OTicii,\ly  lFs.27. 2,);  i.e.,  utter  the  worst 

(ch.  13.]  calumnies,  as  the  phrase  often  mean-s   in 

Arabic.    23.  Despairing  of  justice  from  his 

friends  in  his  li'e  time,  he  wishes  his  words 


raise  up  .  .  .  way— An  army  must  oas^  wp  a  i  could  be  preserved imperishably  to  posterity, 
way  of  access  before  it,  in  marching  against  a  i  attesting  his  hope  of  vindication  at  the  re- 


surrection, printed— Not  our  modern  print- 
ing, but  engraven,  pen  — Graver,  lead— 
poured  into  the  engraven  characters,  to  make 
~  Kot  on  leaden 
rock"  that  they 
were  engraved.  Perhaps  it  was  the  hammer 
that  was  of  "lead,"  as  sculptors  find  more 
delicate  incisions  are  made  by  it,  than  by  a 
harder  hammer.  rFosTEK.J  (One  Primev. 
Lang.]  has  shown,  that  the  inscriptions  on 
the  rocks  in  VVady-Mokatta,  along  fsraigl's 


city  (Isa.  40.  3.).    13.  brethren— N^taresi  kins 

men,  as  distinguished  from  "acquaintance. 

So  "  kinsfolk  "  and  "  familiar  friends "  [v.  l'4 .  , . 

correspond  in  parallelism.    The  Arabic  pro-  \  them  better  seen.    [XJmbr.J 

verl)  is,  "  The  brother,  i.e.,  the  true  friend  is  \plates;  for  it  was     in  the 

only  known  in  time  of  need."  estr.niged— Ki., ' -^      n„_i-„„„  :i 

turn  away  with  disgust.  Job  attain  uncon- 
sciously uses  language  prefiguring  the  deser- 
tion 01  Jesus  Christ  (ch.  16.  10;  Lu.  23.  49;  Ps. 
38.  1;.).  15.  They  that  dwell,  &c.— Rather, 
sojouni:  male-servants,  sojourning  in  his 
house.  Mark  the  contrast.  The  stranger 
admitted  to  sojourn  as  a  dependent  treats 
the  master  as  a  stranger  in  his  own  house. 

16.  servant  — Born  in  my  house  (as  distin- 
guished' from  those  sojourning  in  it,),  and  so 
altogether  belonging  to  the  family.  Yet  even 
he  disobeys  my  call,  mouih— i.^.,  calling 
aloud;  formerly  a  nod  was  enough.  Now  I 
no  longer  look  for  obedience,  I  try  entreaty. 

17.  stranee— His  breath  by  elephantiasis  bad 
become  so  stronsr^j/aWerea  and  offensive,  that 
his  wife  turned  away  as  estranged  from  him 


iv.   13;  ch.  17.  1.)    children_ 


route  through  the  desert,  record  the  jour- 
neys of  that  people,  as  Cosmas  Indicopleus- 
tes  asserted,  535  a.d.  24.  for  ever— As  long  as 
the  rock  lasts.  25.  Redeemer— Umbr.,  &:c., 
understand  tMs  and  v.  26,  of  God  appearing 
as  Job's  Avenger  bej^ore  his  death,  when  his 
body  would  be  wasted  to  a  skeleton.  But 
Job  uniformly  despairs  of  restoration  and 
vindication  of  his  cause  in  this  lile  (ch.  17. 
15, 16.).  One  hope  alone  was  left,  which  the 
Spiiit  revealed,  a  vindication  in  a  future 
life:  it  would  be  no  full  vindication,  if  his 


body-/ii. ,  belly.  But  "loins "  is  wliat  we  Should 
expect,  not  ''belly,"  (womb)  which  applies 
to  tue  v.'oraan.  The  "  mine"  forbids  it  being 
taken  of  his  wife.  Their  children  besides 
w-ere  dead.  In  ch.  3.  10,  the  same  words 
* '  my  womb  "  mean,  my  motJier's  womb:  there- 
fore tnmsl.  "  and  I  must  entreat  (as  a  sup- 
pliant) the  children  of  my  mother's  womb  ;" 
i.e.,  my  own  brothers.  A  heightening  of 
force,  as  compared  with  last  clause  of  v.  16. 
flTMBR.I  Not  only  must  I  entreat  suppli- 
antly  my  servant,  hnt  my  own  brothers  IPs. 
69.  8.1.  Here  too,  he  unconsciously  fore- 
shadows Jesus  Christ  (John,  7.  5.).  18. 
young  children- So  the  if e?).  means  (ch.  21. 
11.).  Reverence  for  age  is  a  chief  duty  in  the 
E.  Tne  word  means  "wicked"  (ch.  16.  11.'. 
So  Umbr.  has  it  here,  not  so  well.    I  arose— 


f  mine  own  j  soul  alone  were  to  be  happy  %vithout  the  body: 


as  some  explain  (v.  26,)  "  out  oj  the  flesh."  it 
was  his  body  that  had  chiefly  suffered:  the 
resurrection  of  his  body,  therefora.  alone 
could  vindicate  his  cause:  to  see  (lou  with 
his  own  eyes,  and  in  a  renovated  body  (v.  27,), 
would  disprove  the  imputation  of  guilt  cast 
on  him  because  of  the  sufferings  of  his  pre- 
sent body.  That  this  truth  is  not  further 
dwelt  on  by  Job,  or  noticed  by  his  friends, 
only  shows  that  it  was  with  tdm  a  bright 
passing  glimpse  of  0.  T.  hope,  rather  than  the 
steady  light  of  Gospel  assurance:  with  us  this 
passage  has  a  definite  clearness,  which  it  had 
not  in  his  mind  (see  Note  21.  30.).  The  idea 
In  "Redeemer"  with  Job  is  Vindicator  (ch. 
16.  19;  Nu.  35.  27,),  redressing  his  wrongs: 
also  including  at  least  with  ws.  and  probably 
with  him,  tlie  'dea  01  the  oredicted  Bruiser 


Rather,  su))p!v  "if,"  as  Job  was  no  more  in  of  the  Serpents  head.    Traditiun  would  in 
a  state  to  stand  up.    "  If  I  stood  up  (arose)  1  form  him  of  the  prediction,  FosiJiR  shows 
369   [21 


Zophar  describes  the  wicked. 


JOB,  XXI.  xxn. 


b's  reply  to  Zopfxtr. 


14  Yet  his  meat  in  his  bowels  is  turned, 
it  is  thp  pill  ofnsps  within  him. 

15  lie  hath  sw.illDwed  down  riches,  and 
he  shall  vomit  them  up  again:  God  shall 
cast  them  out  of  his  belly. 

16  He  shall  suck  the  poison  of  asps;  the 
viper's  tongue  shall  slay  nim, 

17  He  shall  not  see  "  the  rivers,  « the 
floods,  the  bro(  ks  of  honey  and  butter. 

18  That  which  he  laboured  for  shall  he 
restore,  and  shall  not  swallow  it  down: 
1  according  to  his  substance  shall  the  resti- 
tution be,  and  he  shall  not  rejoice  therein. 

19  Because  he  hath  »  oppressed  and 
hath  forsaken  the  poor;  because  he  hath 
violently  taken  away  an  house  which  he 
builded  not; 

20  Surely  »  he  shall  not »  feel  quietness  in 
his  belly,  he  shall  not  save  of  that  which 
he  desired. 

21  If  There  shall  none  of  his  meat  be  left; 
therefore  shall  no  man  look  for  his  goods. 

22  In  the  fulness  of  his  suiRciency  he  shall 
be  in  straits:  every  hand  of  the  "  wicked 
shall  come  upon  him. 

23  When  he  is  about  to  fill  his  beUy,  God 
shall  cast  the  fury  of  his  wrath  upon  him, 
and  shall  rain  it  upon  him  '  while  he  is 
eating. 

24  He  I*  shall  flee  from  the  iron  weapon, 
and  the  bow  of  steel  shall  strike  nim 
through. 

25  It  is  drawn,  and  cometh  out  of  the 
body;  yea,  the  glittering  sword  cometh  out 
of  his  gall:  •  terrors  are  upon  him. 

26  All  darkness  shall  be  hid  in  his  secret 

g laces:  /  a  fire  not  blown  shall  consume 
im ;  it  shall  go  ill  with  him  that  is  left  in 
his  tabernacle. 

27  The  heavens  shall  reveal  his  iniquity; 
and  the  earth  shall  rise  up  against  him. 

28  The  increase  of  his  house  shall  depart, 
and  his  goods  shall  flow  away  in  the  day 
of  his  wrath. 

29  This  "  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked  man 
from  God.  and  the  heritage  12  appointed 
unto  him  by  God. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

1  ^06  craves  to  be  patiently  heard  because  of  his 
calamities:  he  shows  that  sometimes  the  wicked 
do  so  prosper  that  they  despise  Ood,  etc. 

RUT  Job  answered  and  said, 

■^    2  Hear  diligently  my  speech;  and  let 

this  be  your  consolations. 

3  Suffer  me  that  1  may  speak;  and  after 
that  I  have  spoken,  mock  on. 

4  As  for  me,  is  my  complaint  to  man?  and 
if  it  ivere  so,  why  should  not  my  spirit  be 
1  troubled? 

5  2  Mark  me,  and  be  astonished,  and  lay 
poiir  hand  upon  your  mouth. 

6  Even  when  I  remember  1  am  afraid,  and 
trembling  taketh  hold  on  my  flesh. 

7  Wherefore  do  the  wicked  live,  become 
oldjj'ea,  are  mighty  in  power? 

8  Their  seed  is  established  in  their  sight 
vith  them,  and  their  offspring  before  their 
eyes. 

9  Their  houses  3  are  safe  from  fear,  neither 
is  the  rod  of  God  upon  them. 

10  Their  bull  gendereth,  and  faileth  not; 
their  cow  calveth,  and  casteth  not  her  calf. 

11  They  send  forth  their  little  ones  like  a 
flock,  and  their  children  dance. 

12  They  take  the  timbrel  and  harp,  and 
rejoice  at  the  sound  of  the  organ. 

13  They  spend  their  days  *  in  wealth,  and 
In  a  moment  go  down  to  the  grave. 

370 


B.  C. 1620. 


CHAP.  20. 
o  Jer.  17.  6. 
6  Or,  ilream- 

ing  brooki. 

according 

to  the 


10  Or,  There 
ahiiUbe 
none  left 
for  his 


e  Nu.  11.  33. 

Pb.  78.  30. 
d  Is.  24.  18. 

Jer.  48. 43. 

Amos  6.19. 
ech.18.  11, 
/Ps.21.9. 
g  ch.  27. 13. 

ch.31.2,8. 
12  of  his 


CHAP.  21. 

1  shortened. 

2  look  UDto 
me. 

3  are  peace 
from  fear. 

4  Or.  in 
mirth. 

5  Or,  lamp. 

6  Btealeth 
away. 

7  That  U, 
the  pun- 
ishment of 
his  ini- 
quity. 
Ex.  20.  B. 

8  in  his  very 
perfection, 
or,  in  the 
strength  of 
his  perfeC' 
tion. 

g  Or,  milk 

pails. 
10  the  tent 

of  the 

Uber- 


o  Pro.  le.  4. 
Heb.  9.  27. 
2  Pet.  2.  9 

11  tbeduyof 
wraths. 

12  graves. 

13  watch  in 
the  heap. 


gression. 


CHAP.  22. 
a  Ln.  17,  10. 
1  Or,  if  ho 

profitable, 
doth  his 
good  suc- 
cess depend 
thereon! 

2stripi>pt!  the 
clothes  of 
the  naked, 

(  eh.  U.  17 


14  Therefore  they  say  unto  God,  Ueparl 
from  us;  for  we  desire  not  the  knowkugt 
of  thy  ways. 

15  What  is  the  Almighty,  that  we  should 
serve  him?  and  what  pront  should  we  have, 
if  we  pray  Unto  him? 

IG  Lo,  their  good  is  not  in  their  hand:  the 
counsel  of  the  \vicked  is  far  from  me. 

17  How  oft  is  the  6  candle  of  the  wicked 
put  out?  and  how  <M  cometh  their  destruc- 
tion npon  them?  God  distributeth  sorrows 
in  his  anger. 

18  They  are  as  stubble  before  the  wind, 
and  as  chaff  that  the  storm  6  canietb 
away. 

19  God  layeth  up  7  his  iniquity  for  hit 
children:  he  rewardeth  him,  and  he  shall 
know  it. 

20  His  eyes  shall  see  his  destraction,  and 
he  shall  drink  of  the  wrath  of  the  Almighty. 

21  For  what  pleasure  hMXh  he  in  his  house 
after  him,  when  the  number  of  his  months 
is  cut  off"m  the  midst? 

22  ShaU  any  teach  God  knowledge?  see- 
ing he  judgetn  those  that  are  high. 

23  One  dieth  8  in  his  ftdl  strength,  being 
wholly  at  ease  and  quiet: 

24  His  9  breasts  are  full  of  milk,  and  his 
bones  are  moistened  with  marrow. 

25  And  another  dieth  in  the  bitterness  ol 
his  soul,  and  never  eateth  with  pleasure. 

26  They  shaU  lie  down  aUke  in  the  dust, 
and  the  worms  shall  cover  them. 

27  Behold,  I  know  yoiu-  thoughts,  and  the 
devices  whichye  wrongfully  imagine  against 
me. 

28  For  ye  say.  Where  is  the  house  of  the 
prince?  and  where  are  lo  the  dwelling- 
places  of  the  wicked? 

29  Have  ye  not  asked  them  that  go  by  the 
way?  and  do  ye  not  know  their  tokens, 

30  That  "  the  wicked  is  reserved  to  the 
day  of  destruction?  they  shall  be  brought 
forth  to  11  the  day  of  wrath. 

31  Who  shall  declare  his  way  to  his  face? 
and  who  shall  repay  him  what  he  hath 
done? 

32  Yet  shall  he  be  brought  to  the  12  grave, 
and  shall  is  remain  in  the  tomb. 

33  The  clods  of  the  valley  shall  be  sweet 
unto  him,  and  every  man  shall  draw  after 
him,  as  there  are  innumerable  before 
him. 

34  How  then  comfort  ye  me  in  vain,  seeing 
in  your  answers  there  remaineth  "talse- 
hood? 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
1  Eliphaz  shows  that  God  is  not  profited  by  man's 
goodness:  6  he  accuses  Job  of  divers  sinsi  21  ha 
exhorts  him  to  repentance,  etc. 

'■PHEN  Eliphaz  the  Temanite  answered 
-*■   and  said, 

2  Can  "  a  man  be  profitable  unto  God,  i  as 
he  that  is  wise  may  be  profitable  unto  him- 
self? 

3  Is  it  any  pleasure  to  the  Almighty,  that 
thou  art  righteous?  or  is  it  gain  to  him, 
that  thou  makest  thy  ways  perfect? 

4  Will  he  reprove  thee  for  fear  of  theef 
will  he  enter  with  thee  into  judgment? 

5  Is  not  thy  wickedness  great?  and  thine 
iniqiiities  infinite? 

6  For  thou  hast  taken  a  pledge  from  thy 
brother  for  nought,  and  2  stripped  the  nakea 
of  their  clothing. 

7  Thou  hast  not  given  water  to  the  weary 
to  drink,  and  thou  *  hast  withholden  bread 
from  the  hungry. 


Job's  Belief  in  the  Resurrection. 


JOB.  XX. 


State  and  Portion  oftU  WiclceS, 


CHAPTER  XX. 

STECOND  SJSEIES, 

Ver.  1-29.   Keply  of  zoptiae.   2.  There- 

^  , „^,^j^^ , .„„   „.,,    'fore— ilather.tne  more  exciteaiteel  by  Job's 

Job'sl7cViflceVrmTlV  sense  or  smaiKl  need  I  speech,  tne  more  jor  that  very  reason  shall 


that  the  lall  by  the  serpent  is  represented; 
perfectly  on  the  Tempie  ot  Osiris  at  Ir'hyloe; 
ana  tJie  resurrection  on  the  tomb  ol  the] 
K?yptian  JVlycermus,  dating  4u00  years  baclr. 

J  s  sacrifices  imply  sense  or  S!n  and  need  ... ..  ^  , 

of  atonement,     fcatan  was  the  Jnjnrer  ollmy  reply  be  supplied  by  my  calm  consici- 


Jobs  body:  Jesus  cnrist  his  Vindicator, the  I eration.  Lit.,^  -jNotwithstamlmg;  my  calm 
JLi.vmsone,  who  giveth  life  (John,  5.  21,  26.M  thouL;hts  (as  m  ch.  4.  13,J  shall  Jurmsh  my 
at  tiae  latter  aav-Kather,  "the  Uist,"  the  1  answer,  because  oi  the  excit^ement  (haste) 
peculiar  title  of  Jesus  Christ,  thouph  Job  within  me."  LLTmbk.J  ^.3.  checK  ot  my  re- 
maynot  nave  known  the  pregnancy  of  his '  pioach— t.^..  the  castigaaon  intended  as  a 
own  inspired  words,  and  may  have  under- !  reproach  {kt.,  shame)  to  me.  spirit  ot  ._.  , 
Btood  merely  one  that  ccmes  after  (1  Cor.  15. 1  unaerstanaing— My  rational  spirit;  answering 
45;  Kev.  1. 17.).  Jesus  Llirist  is  the  last.  I'he  j  to  "calm  thoughts  '  [v.  2.1.  In  spite  ol  tliy 
dayof  Jesus  Christ  </ie  tost  rtav  (John,  6.  39.).  reproach  urK'ng  me  to  "hastiness,  1  will 
Btanri— llather,  arise.  As  Cod  is  said  to  answer  in  calm  reason.  5.  hypotiite— a(., 
"raise  up"  the  iMessiah  (Jer.  -.^3.  5;  Dent.  18.  tlip.  ungodly  iPs.  37.  36,  36.).  6.  (isa.  14.  13; 
16.).  earth— Kather,  aust:  often  associated  Obad.  3.  4.).  7.  dung  — In  contrast  to  the 
with  the  bodv  crumbling  away  in  it  (ch.  7, !  haughtiness  of  the  sinner  r.  6,i;  this  strong 
21:  17.  16,):  therefore  appropriately  here.  1  term  expres,?es  disgust  and  the  lowest  degra- 
^^owethatverydwstwherewiih  was  mingled  idation  (Ps.  83.  10;  1  Ki.  14.  10.).  8.  (Ps.  73. 
man's  aecaying  body,  shall  man's  Vindica-  j  20.).  9.  Eather,  "the  eye  followeth  him.  but 
torarise.  "  Arise  above  the  dust."  strikingly  \  can  dii'cern.  him  no  more.  A  sharp  looking 
expresses  that  fact  that  Jesus  Christ  arose ,  is  meant  (ch.  28.  7;  cf.  ch.  7  10.).  10.  seek  to 
first  Himseli  above  the  dvst,  and  then  is  to  i  please-" Atone.to  tlie  poor  Hby  restoring  the 
raise  His  people  above  it  (lCor.15.20.21).  The  1  property  of  which  they  had  been  robbed  by 
Spirit  intended  in  Job's  vvords  more  tlianithe  father.).  [De  W.l  Eetter  than  E.V. 
J ob  fully  understood  (1  Pet.  i .  12.).  Though  I  "  The  children  are  reduced  to  the  humUlat- 
he  seems,  in  forsaking  me,  to  be  as  one  dead:  I  ing  condition  of  "seeking  the  favour  ot  those 
He  now  truly  "iiveth"  in  heaven;  hereafter  very  poor,"  whom  the  father  had  oppressed. 
He  shall  appear  also  above  the  dust  of  earth.  But  Umbr.  translates  as  marg.  his  hands— 
l'her;oelorVindicatorof  blood  was  the  near-  Rather,  their  (the  childrens)  hands  their 
est  kinsman  of  the  slain.  So  Jesus  Christ  goods— The  goods  of  the  poor.  Righteous 
"  ■  retribution!  (Ex.  20.  6.)  11.  (Ps.  25.  7,);  so 
ViUg.  Ges.  has  "full  of  youth;"  viz..  in  the 
fulness  of  his  youthjul  strennth  he  shall  be 
laid  in  the  dust.  But  "  bones '  plainly  alludes 


took  our  flesh,  to  be  our  kinsman.  Man  lost 
life  by  Satan  the  "murderer"  (John  8.  44,^ 
here  Job's  persecutor  (Heb.  2.  14.).  Comp. 
also  as  to  redernvtion  of  the,  inheritance  by 
the  kinsman  of  the  dead  (Euth,  4.  3-5;  £ph. 
1.  14.).    26.  Eather,  "though  after  my  skin 

fis  no  more)  this  (body)  is  destroyed.  "  body  " 
leing  omitted,  because  it  was  so  wasted  as 
not  to  deserve  the  name',  yet  from,  my  flesh 


to  Job's  disease,  probably  to  Job's  own 
words  (ch.  19. 20.).  Umbr.  transl.  "  full  of  Iris 
secret  sins,"  as  iii  Ps.  90.  8;  his  secret  guilt  in 
his  time  of  seeming  riehteousness,  like  secret 
poison,  at  last  lays  him  in  the  dust.     The 


then  the  "  body."    27.  for  myself— I'nr  my 
vantage.as  my  friend,  not  another— Mine  eyes 


(from  mv  renewfd  body,  as  the  starting  E.F.  is  best.  z<ophar  alludes  to  Job  s  own 
point  of  vision  (Song  Sol.  2.  9,);  "looking  out  words  (ch.  17. 16.).  with  hun— His  sin  had  so 
^romthewindows")- shall  I  see  God."  Next  pervaded  his  nature  that  it  accompanies 
clause  proves  bodily  vision  is  meant,  for  it !  nim  to  the  grave:  tor  eternity  the  sinner  can- 
specifies  "  mine  eyes."  [Ros.  2nd  Ed.]  The ;  not  get  rid  of  it  (Rev.  22. 11.).  12.  be—"  Taste 
Heb.,  opposes  "in  my  flesh."  Tlie  "skin"  sweet."  Sin's  fascination  is  like  poison  sweet 
was  the  first  destroyed  by  Elephantiasis,  [to  the  taste,  but  at  last  deadly  to  the  vital  or- 
•    ■■    —    ■  "  '    gansiProv. 20.17;ch.9.17. IS.),  hide. .  .tongue 

—Seek  to  prolong  the  enjoyment  by  keeping 
shall  behold  Him,  but  no  longer  as  one  es-!  the  sweet  morsel  long  in  the  mouth  sov.13.). 
traijorsd  from  me,  as  now.  [Beng.]  though—  14.  turned— The  Heb.  denotes  a  total  change 
Eetter  omitted:  my  reins  (inward  recesses  of !  into  a  disagreeable  contrary  (Jer.  2.  21;  cf. 
the  heart)  are  consumed  within  me,  i.e.,  I  Rev.  10.  9.  lO.).  14.  gall-In  which  the  poison 
pine  withlonging  desire  for  that  day  (Ps.  84. 2;  i  of  the  asp  was  thought  to  lie.  It  rather  is 
119.  81.;.  The  Gentiles  had  but  few  revealed  I  contained  in  a  sack  m  the  inoutJi.  Scripture 
promises:  how  gracious  that  the  few  should  I  uses  popular  language,  where  no  moral 
have  been  so  explicit  (cf.  Nu.24.  17;  Matt. ,  truth  is  thereby  endangered.  15.  He  is 
2.  2.).  28.  Rather,  ye  will  then  (when  the  forced  to  disgorge  his  ill-gotten  wealth.  16. 
Vindicator  cometh)  say.  Why,  &c.  root .  .  .  shall  suck— It  shall  turn  out,  that  he  has 
in  ire— The  root  of  pious  integrity,  which  sucked  the  poison,  &c.  17.  floods  — <i«., 
WAS  the  matt er  a,t  issue,  whether  it  could  he  streams  of  floods,  plentiful  streams  ftowing 
in  one  so  afllicted,  is  found  in  me  [Umbr.]  i  with  milk.  <fcc.  (ch.  29.  6;  Ex.. 3.  17.,.  Honev 
with  many  MSS.  and  versions  reads  "in 'and  butter  are  more  fluid  m  tiie  K  than 
him."  "  Or  how  found  we  in  him  ground  of  \  with  us.  and  are  poured  out  from  jars.  These 
contention."  29.  "Wrath  (the  nassionate  !  "rivers"  or u-aier  &rooA;s are  in  the  sultry  E. 
violence  with  which  the  friends  persecuted  |  emblems  of  prosperity.  18.  Image  from  food 
Job)  bringeth,  &c.:  tit,  is  sin  of  the  sivord.  which  is  taken  away  from  one,  before  he  can 
"    ■  "  Supply.   "I  say  this."  swallow  it.     restitution— (So  Prov.  6.  31.). 


that  ye  may  know-    ._,      _ ...  ,  ,        rr 

judgment— Inseparably  connected  with  the  '  Tlie  parallelism  favours  the  E.V.  rather  th^n 


coiiiingof  the  Vindicator.  The  "wrath"  of  )the  transl.  of  Ges.  "As  a  posses.^^ion  to  be 
God  at  His  appearing  for  the  temporal  vin- 1  restored  in  which  he  rejoices  not."  he  shall 
dication  of  Job  against  the  friends  (ch.  42.7.).,  \  net  reirice-His  enjoyment  of  his  ill-gotten 
is  a  pledge  ol  the  eternal  wrath  at  the  final '  gains  shall  then  be  at  an  end  iv.  ?>.).  19.  on- 
coming to  glorify  the  .^aints  and  judge  their ,  pjessed- Whereas  he  ought  to  have  espon.sed 
enemies  (2  Thess.  l,  6-i0;  Isa,  25.  8.).  '  their  cause  (2  Chr.  16.  lo.).     foiBaken— Left 

^70 


state  <md  Portion  of  the  Wicked. 


JOB,  XXI. 


Tlie  Wicked  Despise  God. 


helpless,  house  —  Thus  leaving  the  poor 
without  shelter  (Isa.  5.  8;  Mie.  2.  2.).  20 
Umbr.  transl.  "  His  inward  parts  know  no 
rest"  from  desires,  his  belly— i.e.,  peace  m- 
wardly.  ijot  save— Kf.,  "not  escape  with  that 
which,"  <fcc.  Alluding  to  Job's  having  beer 
stripped  of  hi-*  all.  21.  look  for— Rither,  Be 
caiise  his  goods,  i.e.,  prosperity  shall  have  no 
enrhfrnnce.     22.    shall  ba- Rather,  "he  is 

Ifetleth/  straitened."  The  next  clause  ex- 
plains in  v.hat  respect,     wicked  —  Bather. 

'the  v/hole  hand  of  the  miserable  whom  he 
had  oppressed  cometh  upon  liim  ; "  viz.,  the 
sense  of  his  having  oppre.<sed  the  poor,  now 
in  turn  conies  with  all  its  power  (hand)  on 
Mm.  This  causes  his  ".straitened"  feeling 
even  in  prosperity.  23.  Rather,  "  God  shall 
cast  (may  God  tend)  [Umbp..]  upon  him  the 
fury,  of  His  wrath  to  Jill  his  belly.'"  wj.ile 
eating— Rather,  "  Shall  rain  it  up m  him /or 
his  food.'"  Fiery  rain,  i.e.,  lightning  (Ps.  11. 
6;  alluding  to  Job's  misfortune  cli.  1.  16.). 
The  force  of  the  in.age  is  felt  by  picturing;  to 
one's  self  the  opposite  nature  of  a  rerreshing 
rain  in  the  desert  [E\.  16.  4;  Ps.  68.  9J.  ?A. 
steel— Rather,  "brass."  Wliilst  the  wicked 
flees  from  one  danger,  he  falls  into  a  greater 
one  from  aa  opposite  quarter.  [Umbr.]  25. 
It  is  drawn— Rather,  "  He  (God)  draweth  (the 
sword.  Josh.  5.  13,)  and  (no  sooner  has  He 
done  so,  than)  it  cometh  out  of  (i.e..  passes 
right  through!  the  (sinner's)  body  "  ,Deu.  32. 
41,  42-  Ezek.  21.  9, 10.).  The  glittering  sword 
IS  a  happy  image  for  lightning,  gall — i.e., 
his  life  (ch.  16.  13.).  "Inflicts  a  deadly 
wound."  terrors  —  Zopbar  repeats  Bildad's 
words  (ch.  17.  11;  Is.  88.  16;  65.  4.).  26.  "All 
d3,rkness,"  i.e.,  everj^  calamity  that  befalls 
the  wicked  shall  be  hid  (in  store  for  him  in 
ifis  (God's  secret  places,  or  treasures  iJude, 
13;  Deu.  32.  34.).  not  blown— Not  kindled  by 
man's  hands,  butby  God's  Isa. :  o,  33;  LXX.  in 
AxEX.  Ms>.  read  "unquenchable  tire"  Mat. 
3.12.).  Tact  is  shown  by  the  friends  in  not 
expressly  mentioning,  but  alludiug  under 
colour  of  general  cases,  to  Job's  calamities; 
here  (ch.  l.  16,)  Umbr.  explains  it,  vncked- 
wes.sisa  "self-iunitiiig  tire  ;"  init  lie  the  prin- 
ciples of  destruction,  ill  .  .  .  tabernacle  — 
Every  trace  of  the  sinner  must  be  obliterated 
(ch.  18.  15.).  27.  All  creation  is  at  enmity 
with  him,  and  proclaims  liis  guilt,  which  he 
would  fain  conceal.  28.  increase— Prosperity. 
Ill  got— ill  gone.  AjW  away— Like  waters  that 
run  diy  in  summer:  using  Job's  own  meta- 
phor against  himself  (ch.  6.  1.5-17;  2  Sain.  14. 
14;  Mic.  1.  4.),  his  wrath  — God's.  29.  ap- 
pointed—Not as  a  matter  of  chance,  but  by 
the  Divine  "decree"  'Marg.)  and  settled 
principle. 

CHAPTER    XXI. 

SECOND  SERIES. 

Ver.  1-34.  Job's  Answer.  2.  consolations 
—If  you  will  listen  calmly  to  me,  this  will  be 
regarded  as  "  consolations;"  alludiLg  to  P^ti- 
phaz'  boasted  "  ci insolations"  (ch.  15.  11,), 
which  Jobfeltmoreas  aggravations  ("niock- 
ings,"  V.  3,1  than  consolations  (ch.  16.  2.).  3. 
lit..  Begin  your  mockings"  (ch.  17.  2.i.  4. 
J^b'.s  difficulty  was  not  as  to  man.  but  as  to 
God,  why  He  so  afflicted  him,  as  if  he  were 
the  guilty  hypocrite  which  the  friends  alleged 
him  to  be.  Vulg.  translates  it,  "  niy  dispu- 
tation." if  it  were— Rather,  since  this  is  the 
case.  5.  lay  .  .  .  hand  upon  .  .  .  mouth— 
(Prov.  30.  32;  Jud.  IS.  19.).  So  the  heathen 
god  of  silence  was  pictured  with  his  hand  I 
370   HI 


on  his  mouth.  There  was  enough  in  Job's 
case  to  awe  them  into  silence  ch.  17.  8.).  6. 
remember  —  Think  on  it.  Can  you  wonder 
that  I  broke  out  in  o  complaints,  when  the 
struggle  was  not  with  men  but  with  the  Al- 
mighty! Reconcile,  if  you  can,  the  ceaseless 
woes  of  the  innocent  with  the  Divine  justi(;e! 
Is  it  not  enough  to  make  one  tremble? 
LUmbr.]  7.  The  answer  is  (Rom.  2.  4;  i  Tim. 
1.  16; Ps.  73.  IS;  Eccl.  8.  Il-i3- Luke,  2.  35  end; 
Prov.  16.  4;  Rom.  9.  22.).  old— Jn  opposition 
to  the  friends  who  asserted  that  sinnera 
are  "cue Ou"  early  ;ch.  8. 12, 14.1.  8.  In  oppo- 
sition to  (ch.  18. 19;  6.  4.).  9.  Lit,  peace  from 
fear:  with  poetic  force.  Their  house  is  peace 
itself  far  removed  from  fear.  Opposed  to 
the  friends'  assertion,  as  to  the  bad  ch.  15. 
21-24; 20.  26-28,),  and  c  mversely,  the  good,  (ch. 
5.  23,  24.).  10.  Rather,  theiv  cattle  conceive. 
The  first  clause  of  the  verse  describes  aa 
easy  conception,  the  second,  a  happy  birth. 
[Umbr.]  11.  "  Send  forth,"  viz.,  out  of  door3, 
to  their  happy  sports  i.nder  the  skies,  like 
a  joyful  flock  sent  to  the  pastures.  Jitue 
tnes  —  Like  lambkins.  children— Son  e- 
what  older  than  the  former.  dance  — 
Not  formal  dances:  but  skip,  like  lambs, 
in  .joyous  and  healthful  play.  12.  take- 
Rather,  lift  up  the  voice  (^ing)  to  the  note 
of.  LUmbr.]  timbrel— Rather,  tambour- 
ine. org.iii  — Not  the  modern  "organ,"  but 
the  "pipe"  (Gen.  4.  21.!.  The  first  clatise 
refers  to  stringed,  the  latter,  to  wind  instru- 
ments; thus,  with  "the  voice"  all  kind.s  of 
mu.sic  are  enumerated.  13.  wealth  —  tUd 
E.V.  for  prosperity,  in  a  moment— Mot  by  a 
lingering  disease.  Great  blessings !  Length- 
ened life  with  prosperity,  and  a  sudden  pain- 
less death  (Ps.  73.  4.).  14.  Therefore- Rather, 
Andyet  they  are  such  as  say,  &c.,  i.e.,  say, 
not  in  so  many  words,  but  virtually,  by  their 
conduct  (so  the  Gergesenes,  Matth.  8.  34.  . 
How  differently  the  godly  (isa.  2.  3.).  ways— 
The  course  oj  action,  which  God  points  out; 
as  in  Psalm  50.  23;  m/xrg.  15.  (cf.  Jer.  2.  lO; 
marg.;  Prov.  30.  9;  Ex.  5.  2.),  what  profit — 
ch.  35.  3;  Mai.  3.  14:  Ps.  73. 13.!.  Sinners  ask, 
not  what  is  right,  but  what  is  for  the  profit  of 
self.  They  forget,  "if  religion  cost  self  some- 
thing, the  want  of  it  will  cost  self  infinitely 
more."  16.  not  in  their  hand  —  But  in  the 
hand  of  God.  This  is  Job's  difficulty,  that  God 
who  has  sinners'  prosperity  igood)  in  His 
hand  should  allow  them  to  have  it.  is— 
Piather,  "may  the  counsel  of  the  wicked  be 
far  from  me  ! "  [Umbr.]  This  naturally  fol- 
lows the  sentiment  of  the  first  cLause;  Let 
me  not  hereby  be  thought  to  regard  wiih 
aught  but  horror  the  ways  of  the  wicked, 
however  prosperous.  17.  Job  in  thiswjiole 
passage  down  to  21  quotes  the  assertion  of 
the  friends,  as  to  the  short  continuance  of 
the  sinner's  prosperity,  not  his  own  senti- 
ments. In  22  lie  proceeds  to  refute  them. 
■  How  oft  is  the  candle"  (lamp'  &c.,  quoting 
Bildad's  .-entiment  (ch.  18.  5,  6,),  in  order  to 
question  its  truth  cf.  Mat.  25.  8.).  how  oft— 
"  God  distributeth,"  &c.,  alluding  to  ch.  20. 
23,  29.).  sorrows— Umbr.  translates  "snares," 
lit.,  cords,  which  lightning  in  its  twining  mo- 
tion resembles  (Ps.  11.  6.).  18.  Job  alludes 
to  alike  sentimcntof  BildaA  (ch.  18. 18,),  using 
his  own  previous  viords  (ch.  13.  25.).  19. 
Equally  questionable  is  the  friends'  asser- 
tion, that  if  tliegodlesshim.'ielf  is  notpuni-h- 
fd.  the  childten  are  ch.  18.  19;  20.  10,  ;  j.ud 
that  God  rewardeth  him  here  for  Ms  iniquity. 


Eliphaz  Acmsefh  Job 


JOB,  xxn. 


of  Divers  Slna. 


nnd  that  he  shall  know  it  to  his  cost.  So 
*'know"  iHos.  9.  7.).  20.  Another  question- 
able assertion  of  the  friends,  that  the  sin- 
ner sees  his  own  and  his  children's  destruc- 
tion in  iiis  life-tiine.  drink— ;rs.  11.  6;  Isa. 
51. 17;  Lam.  4.  21.).  21.  Tlie  argument  of  the 
friends,  in  proof  of  v.  20,  AVhat  pleasure  can 
he  have  from  his  house  (children)  when  he  Is 
dead— ("  after  him  ;'  Eccl.  3.  22.).  wJien  the 
number,  (fee— ;ch.  14.  21.).  Or,  rather,  What 
hath  lie  to  do  with  his  children,  <fcc.?  (so  the 
Heb.  in  Eccl.  3. 1;  8.  6.).  It  is  therefore  ne- 
cessary "his  eyes  should  see  his  and  their 
destruction."  cut  off  ~  Bather,  "Wlien  tlie 
number  of  his  allotted  months  is  fulfilled 
(ch.  14.  5.).  From  an  Arabic  word,  arroiv, 
■which  was  used  to  draw  lots  with.  Hence 
arrozy  —  inevitable  destiny.  [Umbr.]  22. 
JReply  of  Job,  "  In  all  these  assertions 
you  try  to  teach  God  how  He  owjht 
to  deal  with  men,  rather  than  [prove 
that  He  does  in  fact  so  deal  with  them.  Ex- 
perience is  against  you.  God  gives  pros- 
perity and  adversity  as  it  pleases  Him,  not 
as  man's  wisdom  would  have  it,  on  i)rinci- 
ples  inscrutable  to  us."  (Isa.  40.  13;  Rom.  il. 
34. : .  those  . . .  high— The  high  ones,  not  only 
angels,  but  men  Jsa.  2. 12-17.).  23.  Lit,  in 
the  bone  of  his  perfection,  i.e.,  the  full 
strength  of  unira paired  prosperity.  [Umbr.] 
24.  breasts— Rather,  skins  or  vessels  for  fluids. 
[Lee.]  But  TUmbr.]  "stations  or  resting- 
places  of  his  herds  near  water :"  in  opposi- 
tion to  Zophar  'ich.20.  I7,)the  first  clause  refers 
to  his  abundant  substance,  the  second  to 
his  vigorous  health,  moistened— Comparing 
man's  body  to  a  well-watered  field  (Prov.  3. 
8;  Isa.  58.  11.).  26.  (Eccl.  9.  2.).  27.  Their 
wrongful  thoughts  against  Job  are  stated  by 
him  in  v.  28.  They  do  not  honestly  name 
Job,  but  insinuate  his  guilt,  28.  ye  say— re- 
ferring to  Zophar  (ch.  20.  7.).  the  house- 
referring  to  the  fall  of  ttie  house  of  Job's 
eldest  son  (ch.  1. 19, i  and  tne  destruction  of 
M^  family,  prince— The  parallel  'wicked" 
in  the  second  clause  requires  this  to  be  taken 
in  a  bad  sense,  tyrant,  oppressor  Isa.  13.  2,), 
the  same  Heb.  "nobles"— oppressors,  dwel- 
ling-places—Eather,  pavilions;  lit.,  a  tent 
containing  many  dwellings,  such  as  a  great 
emir.  Like  Job, with  many  dependents.would 
have.  29.  Job  seeing  that  the  friends  will 
not  admit  him  as  an  impartial  judge,  as  they 
consider  his  calamities  prove  his  guilt,  begs 
them  to  ask  the  opinion  of  travellers  (Lam. 
1. 12,)  who  hav^  the  experience  drawn  from 
observation,  and  who  are  no  way  connected 
with  him.  Job  opposes  this  to  Bildad  (ch. 
8.  8,)  and  Zophar  (ch.  20. 4.).  tokens— Eather, 
int%mations  (ex.  gr.,  inscriptions,  proverbs, 
signifying  the  results  of  their  ob.«;ervation', 
testimony.  Lit.,  signs  or  proofs  in  confirma- , 
tion  of  the  word  spoken  Isa.7.11.).  30.  Their  i 
testimony  (referring  perhaps  to  those  who  [ 
had  visited  the  region  where  Abraham  who  i 
.enjoyed  a  revelation  then  lived  is,  that  "tlie  | 
wicked  is  -now)  spared  {reserved}  ag.iinst  the  j 
day  of  destruction"  ihereafter.).  The  Heb.  I 
does  not  so  well  agree  with  [Umbr.1  "-in  the  | 
day  of  destruction."  Job  docs  not  deny  sin- ! 
Tiers' future  punishment,  but  their  punish-' 
rnent  in  this  life.  They  have  their  "goodj 
things"  noi'j.  Hereafter  their  lot.  and  that 
of  the  godly,  shall  be  reversed  (Lu.  16.  25.).  I 
Job,  by  the  Spirit,  often  utters  truths,  which 
solve  the  difficulty  under  which  he  laboured. ; 
His  afllictions  mo;-;tiy  clouded  his  faith,  else  i 

m  12] 


he  would  have  seen  the  solution  furnislied 
by  his  own  words.  This  answers  the  oojec- 
tion,  that  if  he  knewol  the  Ptesurrection  in 
ch.  19.  25,  and  future  retribution  (ch.  21. 30,;, 
why  did  he  not  draw  his  reasonings  else- 
where from  them,  which  he  does  nutv  God's 
righteous  government,  however,  needs  to  1  Q 
vindicated  as  to  this  life  also,  and  therefore 
■the  Holy  Ghost  has  caused  the  aigun.env 
mainly  to  turn  on  it,  at  the  same  time  giving 
glimpses  of  a  future  fuller  vindication  ot 
God's  ways,  brought  forth  — not  "carried 
away  safe"  or  *'esc;!,i)e"  ireferringto/Z^is  ?//t), 
as  TJmbr.  has  it.  wratli— itt.,  "wraths,"  i.e., 
multiplied  and  fierce  wrath.  31.  i.e.,  wlio 
dares  to  charse  him  openJy  with  his  bad 
ways  ?  viz.,  in  this  present  life.  He  shall,  i 
grant  {v.  30,),  be  "  repaid"  hereafter.  32.  Yet 
—Rather,  and.  bi ought— with  solemn  pomp 
(Ps.45. 16.).  grave— Kt.,  graves;  i.e.,  the  place 
where  the  ^aves  are.  reraaiii  in— liatlier, 
ivatch  on  the  tomb,  or  sepuh^hral  mound. 
Even  after  death  he  seems  siiU  to  live  and 
wat.-:h  i.e.,  have  his  "remembrance"  pre- 
served) by  means  of  the  monument  o^'er  the 
grave.  In  opposition  to  Bildad  ch.  18.17.). 
33.  As  the  classic  sayin>j  has  it,  "The  earth 
is  light  upon  hnn."  His  repose  siiall  be 
"sweet."  draw— follow.  He  snail  share  the 
common  lot  of  mort.als:  no  worse  ofl"  than 
they  (Heb.  9.  27.).  [Umbr.]  JS'ot  so  well 
(for  it  is  not  true  of  "every  mun.").  ''Moft 
men  follow  in  his  bad  steps,  as  countle'!9 
such  preceded  him."  34.  falsehood— ttf.,  wick- 
edness. Yourl boasted  "consolations'  {ch. 
15.  11,)  are  contradicted  by  fac.\s,  ("vain,") 
they  therefore  only  betray  yoiu"  evil  intent 
("wickedness"'  against  me. 

CHAPTER  XXn. 

THIRD  SERIE.S. 

Ver.  1-SO.  As  before,  Eli ph a  z  Begins. 
1.  Eliphaz  shows,  thai  man's  gooilness  docs 
not  add  to,  or  man's  badness  take  from,  the 
happiness  of  God:  therefore  it  cannot  be  that 
God  sends  prosperity  to  some,  and  calamities 
on  others,  for  his  own  advantage:  the  cause 
of  the  goods  and  iUs  sent  must  lie  in  the  men 
themselves  (Ps.  16.  2;  Lu.  17.  10;  Acts.  17.  25; 
1  Chr.  29.  14.).  So  Job's  calamities  must  arise 
from  guilt.  Eliphaz  instead  of  meeting  the 
facts,  tries  to  show  that  it  couldnot  be  so.  2. 
as  he  that  is  wise— Either,  yea  the  pious  man 
profiteth  himself.  So  "understanding"  or 
"wise"— pious  (Dan.  12.  3,  lO;  Ps.  14.  2.). 
[Mich.]  3.  pleasure— Accession  ol  happiness: 
God  has  pleasure  in  man's  righteousness  it's. 
45.  7,),  but  He  is  not  dependent  on  man's 
character  for  His  happiness.  4.  Is  the  pun- 
ishment inflicted  on  thee  from  fear  of  tJiee, 
in  order  to  disarm  thee?  as  Job  had  impJitd 
(Notes,  7. 12,  -20;  10. 17.).  will  He  enter . . .  into 
judgment?— Job  had  desired  this  (ch.  13.  3. 
21.).  He  ouc;ht  rather  have  spoken  as  (Ps, 
l'i3.  2.).  5.  Heretofore  Eliphaz  had  only  in- 
sinuated, now  he  plainly  asserts  Job's  guilt; 
merely  on  the  ground  of  his  sufTerings.  6. 
The  Climes  alleged,  on  a  harsh  inference,  by 
Eiiiihaz  against  Job  are  such  as  he  Mould 
think  likely  to  be  committed  by  a  rich  man. 
The  Mosaic  law  (Ex.  2  J.  2f.;  Deut.  24. 10,)  sub- 
sequently embodied  the  feeling  that  existed 
among  the  godly  in  Job's  time  against  op- 
pression of  debtors  as  to  their  pledges.  Here 
the  case  is  not  quite  the  same:  Job  is  charged 
with  taking  a  pledge  where  he  had  no  just 
claim  to  it:  and  in  the  second  clause,  that 
pledge  \ths  outer  garment  whiqh  served  tbe 
3B 


Job  txhcyrfed  to  repent. 


JOB,  xxm,  XXIV. 


Job  appeals  to  m<X. 


8  But  ast'ov  3  the  mightvrnan,  he  had  the 
earth ;  aud  the  *hoiiou:ahle  man  dwelt  in  it. 

y  Thou  hast  sent  widows  away  empty,  and 
the  arms  of  the  fatherless  have  been 
broken. 

10  Therefore  snares  are  round  about  thee, 
and  sudden  tear  troubleth  thee; 

11  Or  darknt'ss,  that  thou  canst  not  seo; 
end  abundance  of  waters  cover  thee. 

1-  Is  ''not  God  in  the  height  of  heaven? 
and  behold  5  the  height  of  the  stars,  how 
hi>:?h  they  are! 

lo  And"  thou  sayest,  6 How  doth  God 
know?  can  he  judge  through  the  dark 
cloud? 

14  Thick  clouds  are  a  covering  to  him, 
that  he  seeth  not;  and  he  walketh  iu  the 
circuit  of  heaven. 

15  Hast  thou  marked  the  old  way  which 
wicked  nieu  have  trodden? 

16  Which  were  cut  down  out  of  time, 
^  whose  foundation  was  overflown  with  a 
flood: 

17  Which  said  unto  God,  Depart  from  us: 
and  what  can  the  Almighty  do  8 for  them? 

It*  Yet  he  filled  their  houses  with  good 
(hhiqs:  but  toe  cotmsel  of  the  wicked  is  far 
from  me. 

19  T'u  righteous  see  it,  and  are  glad;  and 
the  innocent  laugh  them  to  scorn. 

20  Whereas  oixr  9 substance  is  not  cut 
down,  but  10  the  remnant  of  them  the  fire 
consumetb. 

21  Acquaint  now  thyself"  with  him,  and 
be  <*  at  peace:  thereby  good  shall  come  un- 
to thee. 

22  Receive,  f  pray  thee,  the  law  from  his 
mouth,  and  lay  up  his  words  in  thine  heart. 

23  If  thou  return  to  the  Almighty,  thou 
Bhalt  be  built  up,  thou  slialt  put  away  ini- 
quity far  from  thy  tabernacles. 

24  Then  shalt  thou  lay  up  gold  12  as  dust, 
and  the  gold  of  t'phu:  as  tne  stones  of  the 
brooks. 

25  Yea,  the  Almighty  shall  be  thy  13  de- 
fence, and  thou  shalt  have  i*  plenty  of 
silver. 

2G  For  then  shalt  thou  have  thy  delight  in 
the  Almightj',  and  shalt  lift  up  thy  face 
onto  God. 

27  Thou  shalt  make  thy  prayer  unto  him, 
and  he  shall  hear  thee,  and  thou  shalt  pay 
thy  vows. 

28  Thou  shalt  'also  decree  a  thing,  and  it 
shall  be  established  unto  thee:  and  the  light 
shall  shine  upon  thy  ways. 

29  When  men  are  cast  down,  then  thou 
shalt  say,  There  is  lifting  up;  and  he  shall 
save  15  the  humble  person. 

30 18  He  shall  dehver  the  island  of  the  in- 
nocent: and  it  is  delivered  by  the  pureness 
of  thine  hands. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
1  Job  longs  to  appear  before  God,  6  m  ecnUdenee 

of  his  meres/.    13  Go'd's  decree  immutable. 
n^HEN  Job  answered  and  said, 
■"-   2  Even  to-day  is  my  complaint  bitter: 
'  uiv  stroke  is  heavier  than  my  groaning. 

3  Oh  that  1  knew  where  1  might  find  him! 
that  I  might  come  even  to  his  seat! 

4  1  would  01  dcr  mp  cause  before  him,  and 
fill  my  mouth  with  "arguments. 

6  1  would  know  the  words  which  he  would 
answer  me.  and  imderstand  what  he  would 
Bay  unto  me. 

G  Vv  ill "  he  plead  against  me  with  his  peat 
power*    No;  but  he  would  put  strength,  in 

KUbt 

sax 


CHAP.  23. 
3  the  niKD  ol 


6  the  head  of 
thesrnrs. 

6  Or.  What. 

7  B  flood  was 
poiu-ed 
upon  their 
foundation. 
Geo.  7. 11. 

8  Or,  to 
them. 

9  Or,  eeUt«. 
lU  Or,  their 

excel- 
lency. 

11  That  i», 
with  God. 

d  Is.  27.  5. 

12  Or,  on 
the  dust. 

13  Or,  gold. 

14  silver  of 

e  Pro.  16.  3. 

15  bim  that 
hath  loff 


liTer  the 
Gen.  18. 


CHAP.  33. 

1  my  hand. 
"  Is.  27.  4. 
6  ch  9.  11. 

2  the  way 
that  ia 
with  me. 

ePs.  17.3. 

Jam.  1.  12. 

1  Pot.  1.  7. 
d  P».  44.  13. 

3  I  have  hid, 

John  4.  32. 

4  Or,  Diy 

appointed 

e  Eom.  9.  19. 
/lTho88.3.3. 


CHAP.  24. 

»  Acts  1.  7. 
)Deu,19.14 


Pro. 


1  Or.  feed 

«  Deu.M.  6, 

10,12.17. 

d  Pro.  28.  28. 

2  utngled 


vintage. 

e  Ex.  22.  26 

Deu  24.12 

th.  22.  U 

V  feci  8.11 

4  setteth  hit 

&C0  in 


7  There  the  righteous  might  dispute  with 
him ;  so  should  I  be  delivered  for  ever  from 
my  .judge. 

8  Beliold,  6 1  go  forward,  but  he  is  not 
there;  and  backward,  but  I  cannot  perceive 
him: 

9  On  the  left  hand,  where  he  doth  work, 
but  I  cannot  behold  him:  he  hideth  him- 
self on  the  right  hand,  that  I  cannot  see 
him: 

10  But  he  knoweth  2  the  way  that  I  take: 
wlien "  he  hath  tried  me,  I  shall  come  forth 
as  gold. 

11  My  ''foot  hath  held  his  steps,  his  way 
have  I  kept,  and  not  declined. 

12  Neither  have  I  gone  back  from  the  com- 
mandment of  his  lips ;  3 1  have  esteemed  the 
words  of  his  mouth  more  than  *  my  neces- 
sary/ood. 

13  But  he  is  in  one  mind,  and  'who  can 
turn  liim?  and  what  his  soul  desneth,  even 
that  he  doeth. 

14  For  he  performeth  the  thing  that  is  /ap- 
pointed for  me:  and  many  such  thUigs  are 
with  him. 

15  Therefore  am  I  troubled  at  his  pre- 
sence: when  I  consider,  I  am  afraid  of  him. 

16  For  God  maketh  my  heart  soft,  and 
the  Almighty  troubleth  me: 

17  Because  I  was  not  cut  off  before  the 
darkness,  neither  hath  he  covered  the  dark- 
ness from  mv  face. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

1  Bin  often  goes  vitpunisfied  in  this  life.    12  0/ 

God's  providence  in  all  things,  etc. 

"WHY.  seeing  "times  are  not 'hidden  fi-om 
' '  the  Almighty,  do  they  that  know  him 
not  see  his  days? 

2  Some  remove  the  ^landmarks:  they  \'io- 
lently  take  away  flocks,  and  ifeed  thereof. 

3  They  drive  away  the  ass  of  the  father- 
less, they  ''take  the  widow's  ox  for  a 
pledge. 

4  They  turn  the  needy  out  of  the  way: 
the  <i  poor  of  the  earth  hide  themselves  to- 
gether. 

5  Behold,  as  wild  asses  in  the  desert,  go 
they  forth  to  their  work;  rising  betimes  for 
a  prey:  the  wilderness  yieldeth  food  for 
them  and  lor  their  children. 

6  They  reap  every  one  his  Scorn  in  the 
field ;  and  ^  they  gather  the  \intage  of  the 
wicked. 

7  They  "  cause  the  naked  to  lodge  without 
clothing,  that  they  have  no  covering  in  the 
cold.  . 

8  They  are  wet  with  the  showers  of  the 
mountains,  and  /  embrace  the  rock  for  want 
of  a  shelter. 

9  They  pluck  the  fatherless  from  the 
breast,  and  take  a  pledge  of  the  poor. 

10  They  cause  him  to  go  naked  without 
clothing,  and  they  take  away  the  sheal/rom 
the  hnngry  ; 

11  W]nch  make  oil  within  their  walls,  and 
tread  their  wine-presses,  and  sutler  thirst. 

12  Men  groan  from  out  of  the  city,  and 
the  soul  of  the  wounded  crieth  out:  ^yet 
God  layeth  not  folly  to  them. 

i  13  They  are  of  those  that  rebel  against  the 
light;  they  know  not  the  ways  thereof,  nor 
abide  in  tne  paths  thereof. 

14  The  iTiuideror  rising  with  the  light  kill- 
eth  the  poor  and  netdy,  and  in  the  night  is 
as  a  thief. 

15  The  eye  also  of  the  adulterer  waiteth 
for  the  twilight,  saying,  ISo  eye  shall  see 

,  me ;  and  *  disguiseth  his  face. 


Job  Acmsed  of  Divers  Sitis. 


JOB,  XXII. 


He  is  Uxhorted  to  Repent. 


poor  as  a  covering  by  day,  and  a  bed  by  i  the  godly  and  ungodly  seed,  as  between  the 
ni?hti  is  represented  as  taken  from  one  who  unfallen  and  restored  Adam  and  Satan  [ad- 
ha< I  not  "chaiiires  of  raiment"  s,  common  con- iversary);  tliis  forms Jhe  groundwork  of  tha 

chs 


;ti:nent  of  wealth  intlie  East)  but  was  poorly- 
clad— '' miked"  Matt.  25.  36;  Ja.  2.  16,):  a  sin 
the  move  heinous  in  a  rich  man  like  Job.  7, 
Hospitality  to  the  weary  traveller  is  regard- 
ed in  the  Ea<t  as  a  primary  duty  (Isa.  21. 14.). 
8.  mighty— J/e&.,  "man  of  arm"  (Ps.  10.  15; 
viz.,J\.ib.).  hojiQivca.h\e—Heb.,accepted  of  coun- 
tenance, (Isa.  S.  3;  2  Ki.  5.  1,)  i.e.,  possessing 
authority.  Eliphaz  repeats  his  charge  (oh. 
15.  28;  so  Zophar,  ch.  20.19,)  that  it  was  by 


book 
that 


Land 2. -Gen. 3.15.).  remnant— all 
is  left"  of  tne  sinner:  repeated  from 


(ch.  20. 26.)  which  makes  [Umbr's.]  rendering 
"glory"  [marg.),  "excellency"  less  probable, 
fire-alluding  to  .Job  (ch.  1. 16;  15.  34;  18. 15.). 
1.  First  is  mentioned  destruction  by  ivater 
(v.  16.);  here,  by  fire  (2  Pet.  3.  5-7.).  21.  Eli- 
phaz takes  it  for  granted.  Job  is  not  yet 
acquainted"  with  God;  lit.,  become  a  cojii- 
payiion  of  God 


Turn  with  famiUar  confid- 


violerice  Job  wrung  houses  and  lands  from  jence  to  God.  and  be— So  thou  slialt  be:  tlia 
the  poor,  to  whom  now  he  refused  relief  2nd  Imperat.  expresses  the  consequence  of 
(y.  7.  9.  .  [MiCH.J  9.  empty— without  their  i  obeying  the  1st  (Ps.  37.  27.).  peace-prosper- 
■wants  being  relieved  (Gen.  31.  42.).  The  ity  and  restoration  to  Job :  true  spiritually 
Mosaic  law  especially  protected  the  widow  also  to  its  (Kom.  6.  1;  Col.  1.  20.).  Gocd— 
and  fatherless  (Ex.  22.  22,);  the  violation  of  it  (1  Tim.  4.  8.).  22.  lay  up— (Psalm  119.  11.). 
in  their  case  by  the  great  is  a  complaint  of  23.  "Built  up"  anew,  as  a  restored  house, 
the  prophets  (Isa.  1.  17.).  arms- supports,  thou  shalt  put  away  —  Rather,  J/ thou  put 
helps,  on  v.hich  one  leans  (Hos.  7. 15.).  Thou  away.  [MiCH.l  24.  Eather.  containing  the 
hast  robbed  them  of  their  only  stay.  Job  protasis  from  the  last  clause  of  v.  23,  If  thou 
replies  in  (ch.  29. 11-16.1.  10.  snares— alluding  regard  the  glittering  metal  as  dust;  lit,  lay 
to  Job's  admission  ;ch.  19.  6;  cf.  ch.  18.  10;  it  on  the  dws<;  to  regard  it  of  as  little  value 
Prov.22.5.).  11.  that— Soi/iattliou.  abundance  las  the  dust  on  which  it  lies.  The  apodosis 
—floods.  Danger  by  floods  is  a  less  frequent '  is  at  v.  25,  Then  shall  the  Almighty  oe,  &c. 
image  in  this  book,  than  in  the  rest  of  the  |  God  will  take  the  place  of  the  wealth,  m 
O.  T.  (ch.  11.  16;  27.  20.).  12.  Eliphaz  says  I  which  thou  didst  formerly  trust,  gold  — 
this  to  prove  that  God  can  from  His  height  i Rather,  "precious"  or  "glittering  metal," 
heholdaU  things;  gratuitously  iw/errmo  that 'parallel  to  "(gold)  of  Ophir,"  in  the  second 
Job  denied  it,  because  he  denied  that  the  |  clause.    [Umbr.  &  Maur.]    Onhir— Derived 


from  a  Heb.  word— dusi,  viz.,  gold  dust. 
Heeren  thinks  it  a  general  name  for  the  rich 
countries  of  the  S.,  on  the  African,  Indian, 
and  especially  the  Arabian  coast,  (where  was 
the  port  Aphar.  El  Ophir,  too,  a  city  of 
Oman,  was  formerly  the  centre  of  Arabian 
commerce.).  It  is  curious,  the  natives  of  Ma- 
lacca still  call  their  mines  Ophirs.  stones  of 
the  brooks— 1/  thou  dost  let  the  gold  of  Ophir 
remain  in  its  native  vaUey  among  the  stones 
of  the  brooks;  i.e.,  regard  it  as  of  little  worth 
as  the  stones,  &c.  The  gold  was  washed  dowa 
by  mountain  torrents  and  lodged  among  the 
stones  and  sand  of  the  vaUey.  25.  Apodosis. 
Yea— Rather,  Then  shall  the  Almighty  be, 
&c.  defence— Eather,  as  the  same  Heb.  means 
in  V.  24  (see  note,)— Thy  precious  metals;  God 
will  be  to  thee  in  the  place  of  riches,  plenty 
of  silver— Puather,  "And  shall  be  to  thee  in 
the  place  of  laboriously  obtained  treasures  of 
silver."  [Ges.]  Elegantly  implying,  it  is 
less  labour  to  find   God  than  the  hidden 


wicked  are  punished  here,  height— if e6. 
head,  i.e.,  elevation  (ch.  11.  8.).  13.  Rather, 
And  yet  thou  'ayest,  God  does  not  concern 
himself  with  ("know")  human  affairs  (Ps.  73. 
11.).  ■  14.  "In  the  circuit  of  heaven"  only, 
3iot  taking  any  part  in  earthly  affairs.  Job^ 
is  alleged  as  holding  this  epicurean  senti- 
ment (Lam.  3.  44;  Isa.  29. 15;  40.  27;  Jer.  23. 
24;  Ez.  8. 12;  Ps.  139.12.).  15.  marked— Rather, 
Dost  thou  keep  to?  i.e.,  wish  to  follow  (so 
Heb.,  2  Sam.  22.  22.).  If  so.  beware  of  sharing 
their  end.  the  old  way— The  degenerate  ways 
Of  the  world  before  the  flood  (Gen.  6. 5.).  16. 
cut  down— Eather,  "fettered,"  as  in  ch.  16.  8; 
i.e.,  arrested  by  death,  out  of  time— Prema- 
turely, suddenly:  fih.  15.  32;  Eccl.  7. 17,)  Lit., 
•whose  foundation  was  poured  out  (so  as  to 
toecome!  a  stream,  or  flood.  The  solid  earth 
passed  from  beneath  their  feet  into  a  flood 
(Gen.  7.  11.).  17.  Eliphaz  designedly  uses 
Job's  own  words  (ch.21. 14,15.).    do  for  them— 

They  think  they  can  do  everything  for  them-  ,_ - —  ,_ 

selves.  18.  "Yet"  you  say  (ch.  21.  16,  see  metals;  at  least  to  the  humble  seeker  :ch. 
Note)  that  it  is  ''He  who  filled  their  houses  28. 12-28.).  But  [Maur.]  "  the  shining  silver.* 
with  good"— "their"  "good  is  not  in  their  26.  lift  up  .  .  ,  face.  &c.— Repeated  from  Zo- 
hand,'  but  comes  from  God.  hut  the  counsel  phar  (ch.  11. 15.).  27.  (Isa.  58.  9. 14.).  pay  thy 
...  is,  (fee— Rather,  may  the  counsel  be,  &c.  vows— Which  thou  hast  promised  to  God  m 
Eliphaz  sarcastically  quotes  in  continuation  the  event  of  thy  prayers  being  heard  :  God 
Job's  words  (ch.  21. 16.).  Yet,  after  uttering  will  give  thee  occasion  to  pay  the  former,  by 
this  godless  sentiment,  thou  dost  hypocriti-  hearing  the  latter.  28.  light— Success.  29. 
cally  add,  "May  the  counsel,"  &c.  19.  Tri-1  Eather,  When  {thy  ways;  from  v.  28,)  are 
nmph  of  the  pious  at  the  fall  of  the  recent  least  down  (foratime,i,thoushalt  (soon  again 
followers  of  the  antediluvian  sinners.  Whilst ,  have  joyful  cause  to)  say.  There  is  liftmg  up 
in  tlie  act  of  denying  that  God  can  do  them  (prosperity  returns  back  to  me.).  [Maur.| 
any  good  or  harm,  they  are  cut  off  by  Him.  he— God.  humble— jHe&.,  him  that  is  of  low 
Eliphaz  hereby  justifies  himself  and  the  I  eyes.  Eliphaz  implies,  that  Job  is  not  so 
friends  for  their  conduct  to  Job:  not  derision  i  now  in  his  affliction;  therefore  it  continues  : 
0-  the  wTetched,  but  joy  at  the  vindication  with  this  he  contrasts  the  blessed  effect  of 
of  God's  v.ays  (Ps.  107.  42;  Eev.  15.  3;  16.  7; 'being  humble  ixnder  it  (James,  4.  6;  and  1 
19.  1,  2.).  20.  The  triumphant  speech  of  the  ,  Pet.  5.  5,  probably  quote  tliis  passage.), 
pious.  If  "substance"  be  retained,  fm?is?.,  j  Therefore  it  is  better,  I  think,  to  take  the 
rather  as  LXX.,  "has  not  their  substance  I  first  clause  as  referred  to  by  "God  resisteth 
been  taken  away,  and  "  <fec.?  But  the  Heb.  is  I  theproud."  When  (men)  are  cast  down,  thou 
rai  her,  "  Truly  our  adversary  is  cut  down."  :  shalt  say,  (behold  the  effects  of)  pride.  Eli- 
LGes.]  The  same  opposition  exists  between '  phaz  hereby  justifies  himself  for  attributing 
371 


Joh'8  Confidence  In  Gocfs  Mercy.     JOB,  XXTTT,  XXTV. TTe  Declares  Fit  Innocence. 

Job's  calamities  to  his  pr'dr.  "(Uveth  trracct( 
the  humble,"  answers  to  (he  second  clause.  30. 
island— V.^:.,  dwelling.  15ut  the  Jlcb.  exi'i-essc^ 
the  ni'uafire  fl  Sam. 4.21, j,  trand.  "Thus  ll( 
(i<)(\)  Hliall  deliver  him  who  was  iiot  (uiilt 


.elf 


■If 


less,"  vi/.,  one,  who  like  .7ol>  hii 
Version  shall  lie  saved,  but  iiol  lice; 
wa.s,  as  Job  so  constantly  .iHiinis  ot  1 
guiltless,  but  liecause  he  livuihlcH  hiii 
21>,':an  ol)li(ine  aitick  on  .(ol),  even  to  the 
last,    and  i-— llather,  "he  (the  one  not  here 
tofore  f-'uiltle^s)  .shall  be  delivered  throuuh 
the  "purity  (.'icfiuired  since  C(jnversion)  of  th.\ 
hands;"  by  thy  intercession  (as  (Jen.  IN.  ■,;(;, 
&c.\    [Matk.J   '{'he irony  is  .strikingly  exhi- 
bited   in     Kiiphaz    uncon.sciously    uttering 
words  which  exactly  answer  to  what  hap 
pened  at  last :  he  and  the  f)ther  two  were 
delivered"  by(;od  accepting  the  interces- 
sion of  Job  for  thr-ni  ch.  42.  7,  h.). 
CIIAI'J'KR  XX  HI. 

Tlllltl)  HKRIK«. 

Ver.  1-17.    Joii'H  Anhvvkh.    2.  to-day— Tm- 
plyiuK.  ))(^rh,ap.s,  that  the  debate  was  carrie<l 
on  throutih  moie  days  than  oiu;  see  Inlrod.  . 
bitter— eii.  7. 11;  10.  1.,'.    my  sirokc— The  Anon' 
of  (Jod  (tninc.  {muro.  ;  ch.  I!t.  '.il ;  I's.  .'i'J.  1.  . 
heaviertli  111— Issolusavy  lh;it  I  cannot  relieve 
nivselfa(le(|uately  byKro.'inin^'.    3.  Tlu:  same 
Wish  as  in  ch.  1,1.  3  cl.  Jjeb.  10.  l!»-'.i2.L    smt 
—The  idea  in  the  llch.  is  a  vdl-iripdntl 
throne  (Ps.  9.  7.).     4.  order— State  mcMiodi 
cally  (ch.  i:t.  is;  Isa.  4:t.  2(!.  .  fill,  A.'c.-  I  would 
have  atiundance  of  arL'uinmtx  to  adduce.    5. 
he-Kmpliatic:  it  littJc  m;illeis  wh;it  man 
may  say  of  me,  if  only   I   know  what  (led, 
judges  of  m(!.    6.  An  obiectinn  suKKCsts   it 
Keif,  whil.st  he  utters  the  wish  >r.  !,.\.     Do  | 
hereby  \vi>h,thath(!  should  plc'ul  ;iKaiusf  me 
■with   His  omnipoleiiceV    far  from  it!  (ch.  !». 
19,  ;J4;  l.i.  'J.\ ;  .iO.  IK.).    8lre;iKtli-So  jis  to  pre 
vail  with  Jlini  :  as  in  Jacoli's  case  (lln.s.  12. 
S,  4.).  UiMMK.  and  Mauh.  better  tr.anslate  as 
in  ch.  4.  20,  (1  only  wish  i.hat  I  lei  "would 
afl<)i(l  U)  me,"  i.e..  Kive  nic  a  p.'iticnt  hc-iriii^; 
as  an  ordin.-i.rv  io<l;;e,  not  nsiu';  Ills  nmiii|io 
teiice,  but,  only  His  divine  kn<iwlcd^c  ul  niv 
innocence.      "/.  tlierc     KjiiIkt,  Then  ;  if  (iod 
Vciidd  ".attend"  to  me  r.(i.,.    ri(<litcou.s-  i.i 
the  ntsnltotmy  (/i.s;,i(^' Aonld  lie.  He  would 
acknowledge   nie  as  riiihtcoiis.      deiivcnd- 
Frfmi  suHjiicion  of  «uilt  on  the  piirt  of  tnii 
Judm.    8.  liut   I   wish  in  v.nn,     h'or  "lu- 
hold,"  &c.     loi-ward  .  .  .  tiackwavd     Kathcr, 
"to  the  E.—U,  the  Jr."     The  Hebrew  kco 
graphers  faced  the  K.,  ■»,.«.,  sun  rise:  not  the 
N.  as  we  do.    So  "  before  '  means  K.:  "  be 
hind."  W.  (So  th(!  llindf.os.)  "  Vnm: hvjore- 
K.:  "Apara."  hrhnid-\\.:  "  Daschin.a,"  thr 
rifihl  hiiiul->^:"  r..ii,ia.'  ^//     N.     A    siniil.ir 
reieiencc  to  sun  rise  appcirs  in  ihc   n;uue  1 
Asia,  ridirisr:   luirope,  sini'^it:  jiure  I'.iiby 
Ionian  i:anies,  as  lU wi,.  sliow.s.    fi.   Rather,    n 
"To  the  N."    work— t  Jod's  Kh'rious  ic/)//,-.s-  ;ire  '  si 
espi;cially  seen  towards  the  N.  re-ion  of  ihc 
Hkv  by  one  in  the  N.  hendsiihere.    Th(>  :n\ 
titln'Sis   i.;  between  «;od   vnrLitiu  .and    yd 
ni'l  beini;  Ik  lit  hi:  ;is  in  ch.   0.    II.   between 
"He  (lorlk  hil,"  and  "  I  ser  Him  vol."     \{  tlie 
i/.//.  be.'ir.s  It,  the  panillelisni  to  the  scicond 
clatr-e 

llMI'.lt 

antiihrsis  to  hrhnhl  wouhl  be  lost,  litrlit 
hiiiid  "In  the  S."  Indeth  —  A|)|iropriately, 
ol  thf  vnr.rnlKii'il  S. ,  then  rek'arded  ;is  unin- 
habitable through  heat  s<:e  <'h.  .'M.  20.).     10, 


cau.se  should  be  known  before  (!od.     'ihe 
omniscient  One  .already  A)((//iv7/(  the  way  in 
iitr  my  iiiii-iinl  ptiiuiples:  His  (ki/( icard  way 
01    ((.nisc    ol    jicls   is   menlioned    in  V.  11. 
So  hi  ■inc.  ch.  1.  21,1;  thonuli  lor  some  inscru- 
table  •  •.•luse    He  .'is  yet  hides  him.^elf  {v.  8, 
'.>.  .     v/lioii— Let  Him  only  but  try  my  cause, 
I  shall,  .\.-c.    11.  hold     \'':\^t  \>y  Tils  slips,    'i  he 
law  is    11  ().  T.  iMietry  regarded  as  11  van, 
<  lod  uoiii;,'  before  us  as  our  ;,'ui(le.  in  whose 
footsteps  we  must  tread  J's.  17.  . '■..).    dtclintd 
-  (I's.  12.-).  f).).    12.  esteemed-  b'atlier,  laid  vp. 
viz.,  as  a  trcas\ire  found  (Matt.  l.'i.  41;  f's. 
110.   11,):  .allutlinK  to  the  words  of  l';ii|)li,';z 
ch.  22.  L'2,),'J'here  w.as  no  need  to  tell  me  so;  I 
have  <ione  so  alre.'idy  (.Icr.  1.^.  Ifi.).    m  cisnny 
—"Appointed  portion"  (of  food  :  asm  I'rov. 
.30.  8.1.      rMKi:.  <V  Mami.  transi.'ite  •"  .Moro 
than  i\f,  loir,"  niv  owii  v.  ill,  in  .antilhti.'-is  to 
"the  words  of  His  nuuilh"    .bilin   (i.   :;s.). 
Proliablv  under  the  ceneral  term,  "what  is 
iii'ponit.d  to  me"    (the   same  //,/..  is  in  ?;. 
14,),   .all  that  niiiiisier^  to  llu!  .■ippetiies   of 
the  body  ami  carnal  will  is  included.     13.  m 
"lie  mind— Notwilh'^tandinK  my  iiinocenco, 
III' is  liiKiUirrdiu  His  purpose  of  pro  vim;  me 
Kuilly  (ch.  0.  12.).     soul- 1 1  is  (/■/■// (I's.  lir>.  :i.). 
Cod's  sovereii^nty.      He   liiis  our  ^'icit  luir- 
po.se  ;  nothinu  is  liaiHh.'iz.'ird  ;  everytlum,'  h.as 
its  iiropcr  pl.'u  (!  with  a  view  to  His  piiiposo. 
14.  many  such— He  has  yet  many  m< ire  .such 
ills  in  store  for  me,  thoii;.'h  hidden  in  His 
breast  (ch.  10.   i::.).      16.  (iod's  decrees,  im- 
)iosviilile  to  ]i(^  re-is'ed,  and  le;iviii  ■  ns  in  the 
dark  ;is  to  what  may  come  next,  ;ire  <;ilenla- 
leiltotill  the  mind  with  holy  awe.  |  1!,\  1;  nks.J 
16.  8oft-l''.aint.     Hath  melted  my  (vuniire. 
Here  npiin  Job's  lanKUaj,'e  is  th.-it  of  Jesus 
•  hrist   (I's.    22.    14.).     17.    liecause     I    was 
not  taken  away  by  death  from  the  evil  to 
come  {lit.,  from  hc.fore  the  face  oj  the  dnrl> 
iK'ss,  Isa.  57.  I.).    Alluding  to  the  words  of 
Kliphaz  (ch.  22.  11,).  "d;irkn<'SM,"  i.e.,  cala- 
mity.    "Cut    off;"   rather,  in    the    Arabic 
sense.  Ihoiifilit  lothi'  Land  of  silnirr ;  n^y  s.ad 
eoii,)'hiinthn>he<liiide;i!h.  IHmi'.u.I  "H.'irk- 
n-ess"   in  the  s<(ond  clause,   not,  tlie   samo 
//W).  word  as  in   the  llrst.   rlovd,  ohsnirity. 
Inste.'ul  of  "  covenn  i  the  i  loud  (of  evil)  from 
my  face,"  lie  "com  is'  hk  with  it  (ch.  22. 11.). 
C'HAI'll  1;   WIV. 
Ver.  1-25.    1.  Why  is  it  that.  Rceinj,'  that 
the  tunes  of  punishment  (Kz(!k.  ;«).  :i;  "  time" 
in  the  same  sen.sei  are  not  liiddeu  from  the 
Almi>,'hty,  they  who   know  Hini  (His  (rue 
worshippers,  ch.  is.  21,)  do  not  see  His  days 
(of  vengeance  ;  Joel,  1.  ir. ;  2  I'et.  .'!.  lo.'  ?    ( »r 
with  Hmi'.u.  resssimiily,  making'  the  pandlel 
cl.auses  more  nicely  o.alaiiced,  Why  .'ire  not 
times  of  piimshmentho;ii(led  uii  ("  hiid  up;" 
ch,  21.  \'.>:  (niroiiihd:  hy  Ihe  .Abniuhty?  /,-;,, 
why  are  tlii'y  not  >i)  .'ippoiiited  as  that  ina.n 
now  sre  Ihoni  ;   as  the  second    clause 
s.     ,lob  does  not  doubt  that  they  are 
ijtpointed  :  nay,   he  asserts  it   (oh.   21.  .'iO,): 
Aliat  he  wishes  is  that  ( io.l  Would   Irt  ;iU 
low  .■.'.   th.ititis  so.     2  ;?4.   Instances  ot  the 
Aicked  doinj,'  the  worst  deeds  nil  h  seeming 
mnunity.     Some  The  wicked.     Ind.iailiS 
-  Ikmndaries   lietween    dille 


nt   pasti 
bitter   suited    by  iranslatiiik',  as  ,' (Deu.  11).  14  ;  I'rov.  22.  2s.).    3.  pledge— Allnd- 
hilh    hiilr  hiuistll;    but  then    the  !  inu  to  ch.  22.  (!.    <>th(!rs  really  do.  and  with 

■' impnnitv,  tli.itwhirh  Ivliphaz  r.'ifselvcliaive.s 

the    .illlieled    .lob    with.     4.    /,//..    t  hev   jmsh 

the  poor.mtof  their  ro.ol  in  nieetii,«  liieui. 

J''iii.,  they  t.ik(>  ;idv,inta:;e  of  them  by  force 

But— Cofrecting himself  for  the  wish  that  hia  and  injustice  (alludiiiK  to  the  cluir«e  "of  iili- 

371    ill 


WlfSxdMencfiao       JOB.  XSIV. Vnpunisl.cd  ffere, 

phaz^  ch.  22.  8 ;  1  Sam.  8.  S.l  poor— In  spirit ;  whole  previous  list  of  sins  Acts.  irrsoT. 
nud  in  circumstances  Matt.  5.  3.!.  hide— jUmbk.  widi^i/r.  reads  by  chaiigiug  a  vowel 
From  the  injustice  of  their  oppressors,  who !  point, "  Regards  not  tlieir  sttpviication."  13. 
have  robbed  them  of  their  all  and  driven 'So  far  as  to  openly  committed  sins  ;  now. 
them  into  vmfrequeuted  places  ;ch.  2i\  la ;  those  done  in  the  dark.    Trans.  "There  are 


3-6;  Prov.  2S. 


5.  wild  asses— ch.  11.  i  those  amons  them  ithe  wicked  who  reliel," 


12.).  Solshmael  is  called  a  wild  ass-man  ;i&c.  light— Both  lit.  and. na.  John. 
Hib.,  (Gen.  W.  12.).  These  Bedouiu  robbers  <  Prov.  2.  13.\  paths  thereof— Pl;\ces  i 
withtheunbridledwilduess  of  the  ass  of  the  light  shines      ""    -'^    *      '      ■ 


3.  19,  •20 : 

where  the 

1-1.  with  the  lig:it— At  early 


desert,  go  forth  thither.  Kobbery  is  their  dawn,  whilst  still  dark,  when  the  traveller 
Lswlejs  "work."*  The  desert,  which  >-ields  in  the  E.  usually  sets  out.  and  the  poor 
no  food  to  otlier  men.  yields  food  for  tlie  labourer  to  his  work;  the  murderous  robler 
robber  and  his  chil  ireu  by  the  plunder  of  lies  in  wait  then  (Ps.  10.  s..  is  as  a  thief— 
caravans.  r;su;g  betimes- In  the  E,  trayel-l  Tliicvcs  in  the  E.  steal  wliilst  men  sleep  at 
ling-  is  begun  very  earl.v.  before  the  heat  night,  rollers  murder  at  earlv  dawn.  The 
comes  on.    6.  Like  the  wild  asses  v.  5.'  they  ^  same  man  who  steals  at  ni4:ht.  when  lidit 

ithe.<e  Bedouiu  robbers)  reap  auetaphoricai-  dawns  not  only  robs,  but  murders  to  escape 
y  their  various  grain  so  the  iff^.  for  "corn"'  detection^   15.  (Prov.  r.  <i ;  Ps.  10.  11.'.    dis- 
ine;ins.\    The  wild  ass  does  not  let  man  pile 
up  in  a  stable  his  mu'd  p^i-ovendcr  (Isa.  30. 
24.);  so  these  robbers  lind  their  food  in  the 


open  air.  at  one  time  in  the  desert  ir.  i\\ 
at  another,  in  the  fields,  the  viutag:e  of  the 
wickei— The  vintace  oi  robbery,  not  of  honest 
industry.  If  we  translate  "  beionying  to  iiie 
wicked,"  theu  it  wiU  impb".  that  ilie  wicked 
alone  have  vineyards,  the  "pious  poor"  ,v. 
4,',  have  none.  "  Gather "  in,  Htb..  is  gatJur 
late:  as  the  first  clause  refers  to  the  early 
harvest  of  corn,  so  t)ie  second  to  the  viutaizo 

Ittft' in  autumn.    7.  Umbr.  imderstauds  it  of  ^ _^ 

the  Bedouin  robbers  who  are  quite  regard-  know  well    are  familiar  with    the  terrors 
less  of  the  comforts  of  life.  "Iney  iHi.s^J/k'  of,"   <S:c.    [Umbr.]    Or.  as  M.\rR.,  "They 


giiiieth— Puts  a  veil  on.  16.  dig  through  • 
Houses  in  the  E.  are  generally  buUt  of 
sun  -  dried  iiuid  bricks  so  Matt.  6.  19.'. 
"Thieves  break  throuch,"  Ut.,d'ia  ihrouoh 
lEzek.  12.  7.\  had  n.aiked  — Kath.er  as  in 
ch.  9.  7.  "Tliey  shut  themselves  up  vin 
their  houses:  lit.,  they  s&tl  up.  for  them- 
selves—For their  own  ends,  viz.,  to  es- 
cape detection,  know  not— i^hun.  17.  Tliey 
shrink  from  the  "morning"  light,  as  much 
as  other  meu  do  from  the  blackest  dark- 
ness, ("the  shadow  of  death."  it  one 
kuow—i.«.,  recognize  them.    Eather,  "Thev 


d,  &c.,  and  uncovered."  itc.    But  know  the  tenors  of  ithis'  darkness,"  viz.,  o"£ 

n  to  ch.  ii.  6,  makes  the  E.V.  pre-  morning,  the  light,  which  is  as  terrible  to 

Frost  is  not  1  them,  as  darkness  i"  the  shadow  of  de.uh") 

's  to   other  men.    16-21.  In   these  verses 


ni^ht 

the  al 

ferab.e  .see  ^v'ote  beiow,  r.  10 

uucoui'.r.on  _at  niglit  in  those  reg  ons  iC 


jiglit 


?n. 


31.40.).  8.  They— The  plundered  travellers.  I  Job  quotes  tlie  opinion  of  his  adversaries, 
cmbi-.ace  the  rock— T'ake  refuge  luider  it  ,Lam.  j  ironicivUj':  he  quoted  them  so  before  ,ch.  21. 
4.  5.  .  9.  fr-m  the  breasi— Of  the  widowed  17-2l.\  In  v.  2J-24.  he  states  his  own  obser- 
mother.  Kidnapping  children  for  slaves.  I  vation  as  the  opposite.  You.  say  "  The  sinner 
Here  Job  passes  from  wrongs  in  the  desert, :  ^^  sicijt.  i.e.,  swiftlj-  passes  away  as  a  thing 
to  those  done  among  the  habitations  of  nien.'fioatiiK  on  the  surface  o.f  the  vaters"  ,Eocl. 
pledge— viz.,  the  garment  of  the  poor  debtor,  li.  l ;  Hos.  10.  7.'.  is  cnrsed-By  tliose  who 
as  next  vei-se  shows.  10.  iXote  ch.  22.  6.).  In  witness  their  "  swift "  destruction,  beholdeth 
V.  7.  a  like  sin  is  alluded  to:  but  there  he  not- "Turnetli  not  to  : "  .n";?.,  for.  He  cannot 
implies  open  robbery  of  garments  in  the.eiyoy  lus  pleasant  possessions  ich 


desert;  htre,  the  more  retiued  robbery  in 
civilized  life,  under  the  name  ot  a  "  pieoge." 


3;>.i.    the  w..y  of  the  viuevaids— Inchuling  hia 
nelds,  fertile  as  viue.vards  ;  opposite  to  "the 


.Having  stripped  the  poor,  they  make  them;  way  of  the  desert."  19.  Arabian  image; 
besides  labour  in  their  harvest-fields,  and  melted  snow,  as  contrasted  with  the  living 
do  not  :illow  them  to  satisfy  their  huncer  with  fountain,  quickly  dries  up  in  the  su:i-burut 
anj-  of  the  very  corn  wliicli  they  au-rv  to  the  sand,  not  ieaviug  a  trace  behind  ch.  6.  lo- 
heap.  "SN'orse  treatment,  than  diat  of  the  ox,  is.).  Tb.e  Heh.  is  terse  and  ellipticsil  to  ex- 
according  to  Deu.  25.4.  J;-(Jiis.  "they  ithe  press  the  swift  and  utter  destruction  of  the 
pporiabourersl  iumgeringcarry  the  sheaves."  godless  :  (so  "tlie  grave— they  have  sinned  !"' 
LUmbk.I  11.  Wach—  They,"  tJ\e  poor,  120.  The  womb  — The  very  mother  that  bare 
**  press  tlie  oil  within  their  walls:'' viz.,  not  him.  and  who  is  the  last  to  "foiget"  the 
only  in  the  open  fields  {v.  10,'.  but  also  in  the  child  that  sucked  her  Jsa.  49.  15,\  shall  dis- 
vcatlenclosed  vinej-jurds  and  olive  gardens  of  miss  Mm  from  her  memory  ,ch.  IS.  17  ;  Prov. 
tlie  oppressor  (Isa.  5.  5.).  Yet  tluy  are  not  10.  7.  .  The  worm  shall  suck;  ue.,  "feed 
allowed  to  quench  their  "thirst"  with  the isweetlj'"  on  him  as  a  delicate  moi-sel  ch.  21. 


grapesand  olives.  Here.  thir.<i>i-  v.  10,  hun 
gry.  12.  Mtu—Eatler,  "mortals"  not  the 
common  Htb.  for  "  meii.'"' ;  so  the  JIasoretic  ,ch 


kediiess  —i.e.,  the  -wicked  ;  abstract 
f .  r  concrete  >as  ch.  o.  10.''.    as  a  tiee— Utterly 

■    "         'm^v      "   Ac    o    cf.3*T^ 


But  the  vow 


vowel  points  read  as  £.  V. 
points  are  modern.  The 
The  diriug:  answering  to  "'  the  wounded  '  in 


[Umbr.]  better,  "As  a  stalf. 


el  A  bivken  statf  is    the    emblem  of  iri-e- 


irable  ruin  Jsa.  14.  5;  Hos.  4.  V2.\    21. 
lie  reason  given  by  the  friends  why  tlie 


the  nexidause,  so  Sur..  Not  merolv  in  the  sinner  deserves  such  a  fate.    b.irreii— With- 
coui^trv  r.  li.' but  also  in  the  citv  there  are  out  sons,  who  might  have  protected  her. 
oppiessedsufferers.whoayfor  help  in  v.ain.  widow— \Vithout  a  husband  to  support  her. 
■      !■(.!,)  oHf  of  the  city  ;' j.f..  tlit^- long  to  get  •:2-25.  Eeplv  of  Job  to  the  opinion  of  the 
'  '      '         utside  of  u    Ex.  l.  li;  friends.     Kxporionce  proves  the  contrary. 
■"    ■     TraiiSl  "  But  He  ,t,iod'  pnilongeth  the  lii'eoc 
at.,  drau-cth  out  at  Jen'ith;  jtar'j.,  Ps.  ;-;c. 
10,  tlie  mighty  with  His  tOod's  power.    He 


OV}: 


for;h  and  be  fr 

2.  23  h    wounded 

SO.  24.)_ 

of   d">v   punisliiug)    their 


By  the  orpre<sor  [Fzek.  rAJa.</.  "  But  He  ,God' pnilongeth  thejiieoc 
layeth  not  foUy— Takes  no  account; 


foib-' 


Scripture ;  ch,  h  -ii.y    This  is  the  gist  of  the  1  ^the  ivicked)  riseth  up  .from  lus  sick  bed 

an  [2] 


God's  power  and  wisdom. 


JOB,  xxv-xxvm. 


Job  protests  Tiis  tineeritjf. 


16  In  the  dark  they  dig  throizgh  houses, 
which  they  had  marked  for  themselves  in 
the  day-time:  f^  they  know  not  the  light. 

17  For  the  morning  is  to  them  even  as  the 
shadow  of  death:  if  one  know  them,  they 
are  in  the  terrors  of  the  shadow  of  death. 

18  He  is  swift  as  the  waters;  their  portion 
is  cursed  iu  the  earth:  he  beholdeth  not  the 
way  of  the  vineyards. 

19  Drought  and  heat  ^  consume  the  snow 
waters ;  so  doth  the  grave  those  which  have 
Binned. 

20  The  womb  shall  forget  him;  the  worm 
shall  feed  sweetly  on  him:  »he  shall  be  no 
nK)re  remembered;  and  wickedness  shall  be 
broken  as  a  tree. 

21  He  evil-entreateth  the  barren  that 
beareth  not,  and  doeth  not  good  to  the 
widow. 

22  He  draweth  also  the  mighty  with  his 
power:  he  riseth  up,  6  and  no  man  is  sure 
.•of  life. 

23  Though  it  be  given  him  to  be  in  safety, 
whereon  he  resteth,  yet  ?  his  eyes  are  upon 
their  ways. 

24  They  are  exalted  for  a  little  while,  but 
8  are  gone  and  brought  low ;  they  are  9  taken 
out  of  the  way  as  all  other.,  and  cut  off  as 
the  tops  of  the  ears  of  corn. 

25  And  if  it  be  not  so  now,  who  will  make 
me  a  liar,  and  make  my  speech  nothing 
woi-th? 

CHAPTER  XXV. 
Bildad  declares  the  sovereignty  of  God,  before 

whom  man  cannot  be  justified. 
fHEN  answered  Bildad  the  Shuhite,  and 
"^   said, 

2  Dominion  and  fear  are  with  him;  he 
maketh  peace  in  his  high  places. 

3  Is  there  any  number  of  his  armies?  and 
upon  whom  doth  not  "his  light  arise? 

4  How  *  then  can  man  be  justilied  with 
God?  or  how  can  he  be  clean  t/tat  is  born  of 
a  woman? 

5  Behold  even  to  the  moon,  and  itshineth 
not;  yea,  the  stars  are  not  pure  in  his 
sight: 

6  How  much  less  man,  that  is  *  a  worm; 
and  the  son  of  man,  which  is  a  worm? 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
1  Job  reproves  the  uncharitable  spirit  of  Bildad. 

6  God's  ■poyjer  infinite  and  unsearchable. 
"DUT  Job  answered  and  said, 
^^  2  How  hast  thou  helped  him  that  is 
without  power?  how  savest  thou  the  aim 
thot  hath  no  strength? 

3  How  hast  thou  counselled  him  that  hath 
no  wisdom?  and  hoiv  hast  thou  plentifully 
declared  the  thing  as  it  is? 

4  To  whom  hast  thou  uttered  words?  and 
whose  spirit  came  from  thee? 

5  Dead  things  are  formed  from  under  the 
waters,  i  and  the  inhabitants  thereof. 

6  Hell  "  is  naked  before  him,  and  destruc- 
tion hath  no  covering. 

7  He  *stietcheth  out  the  north  over  the 
emiJty  place,  and  hangeth  the  earth  upon 
nothing. 

8  He  *=  bindeth  up  the  waters  in  his  thick 
clouds;  and  the  cloud  is  not  rent  under 
them. 

9  He  holdeth  back  the  face  of  his  throne, 
and  spreadeth  his  cloud  upon  it. 

10  lie  <i  hath  compassed  the  waters  with 
boiuids,  2  until  the  day  and  night  come  to 
an  ctirt. 

11  The  pillars  of  heaven  tremble  and  are 
astoimhed  at  his  reproof 


CHAP.  24. 

h  John  3.  20. 
8  Tioleatly 

take. 
i  Pro.  10.  7. 

6  Or,  he 
trustoth 
EOt  his 
own  life. 

7  That  is, 
God's. 
Heb.  4. 13. 

8  are  not. 

9  closed  up. 


CHAP.  25. 
a  Jam.  1. 17. 


CHAP.  28. 

1  Or,  with 
the  inha- 

a  Pe.  Vii.  8. 
Pro.  15. 11. 
b  Pa.  24.  2. 
e  ProT.  30. 4. 
d  Jer.  5.  22. 

2  until  the 
end  of  light 
with  dark- 

»  Ex.  14.  21. 
la.  51.  15. 
Jer.  SI.  ii5. 

3  pride,  or, 
Kahnb. 

/•Ps.  33.  6. 


CHAP.  87. 

1  added  to 
take  up. 

<»  ch.  34.  5. 

2  made  my 
Boul  bitter. 

3  That  is, 
the  breath 
which  God 
gave  him. 

6  ch.  13.  15. 
e  ch.  2.  3. 
d  Acts  24.15. 

4  from  my 

«]Mi»t.i6.26. 


h\x. 


20. 


/  ch,  35. 12. 

Ps.  13.  41. 

Pa.  109.  7. 

Pro.  1.  28. 

Jer.  14.  12. 

Ek).  8. 18. 

Mic.  3.  4. 

Jam,  4,  3, 
g  ch.  22.  29. 
6  Or,  being 
in  the 
hand,  etc. 
ft  Esth.  9. 10, 
i  Pa,  J8.  64. 
}  Pro,  28.  8. 

Eccl.  2.  20, 

*  Lam,  2.  6. 

I  Nu.  20.  26, 

6  in  tieeing 

he  would 


12  He'divideth  the  sea  with  his  power, 
and  by  his  understanding  he  smitetn 
through  3  the  proud. 

13  By /his  Spirit  he  hath  garnished  the 
heavens ;  his  hand  hath  formed  the  crooked 
serpent. 

14  Lo,  these  are  parts  of  his  ways:  but 
how  little  a  portion  is  heard  of  him?  but 
the  thunder  of  his  power  who  can  under- 
stand? 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

1  Job  protests  his  sincerity.    8  The  hypocrite  with- 

out hope. 

TVfOREOVER  Job  i  continued  his  par- 
■^■^  able,  and  said, 

2  As  God  liveth,  "  who  hath  taken  away 
my  judgment;  and  the  Almighty,  who  hath 

2  vexed  my  soul; 

3  All  the  while  my  breath  is  in  me,  and 

3  the  spirit  of  God  is  in  my  nostrils, 

4  My  lips  shall  not  speak  wickedness,  nor 
my  tongue  utter  deceit. 

5  God  forbid  that  I  should  justify  you:  tiU 
I  die  *  I  will  not  remove  mine  integrity  fi'om 
me. 

6  My  righteousness  I '  hold  fast,  and  wili 
not  let  it  go:  "^my  heart  shall  not  reproach 
tne  *  so  long  as  I  live. 

7  Let  mine  enemy  be  as  the  wicked,  and 
he  that  riseth  up  against  me  as  the  un- 
righteous. 

8  For  *  what  is  the  hope  of  the  hypocrite, 
though  he  hath  gained,  when  God  taketh 
away  his  soul? 

9  Will  /  God  hear  his  cry  when  trouble 
Cometh  upon  him? 

10  Will  !>  he  delight  himself  in  the  Al- 
mighty?  wiU  he  always  call  upon  God? 

11  I  will  teach  you  6  by  the  hand  of  God: 
that  which  is  with  the  Almighty  wiU  I  not 
conceal. 

12  Behold,  all  ye  yourselves  have  se^n  it; 
why  then  are  ye  thus  altogether  vaini 

13  This  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked  man 
with  God,  and  the  heritage  of  oppressors, 
which  they  shall  receive  of  the  Almighty. 

14  If  h  his  children  be  multiplied,  it  is  for 
the  sword:  and  his  otfspiing  shall  not  be 
satisfied  with  bread. 

15  Those  that  remain  of  him  shall  be 
buried  in  death;  and  'his  widows  shall  not 
weep. 

16  Though  he  heap  up  silver  as  the  dust, 
and  prepare  raiment  as  the  clay; 

17  He  may  prepare  it,  but  i  the  just  shall 
put  it  on,  and  the  innocent  shall  divide  the 
silver. 

18  He  buildeth  his  house  as  a  moth,  and 
as  *  a  booth  that  the  keeper  maketh. 

19  The  rich  man  shaUlie  down,  but  he 
shall  not  be  '  gathered:  he  openeth  his  eyes, 
and  he  is  not. 

20  Terrors  take  hold  on  him  as  waters,  a 
tempest  stealeth  him  away  in  the  night. 

21  The  east  wind  carrieth  him  awav,  and 
he  departeth;  and  as  a  stonn  hmietn  him 
out  of  his  place. 

22  For  God  shall  cast  upon  him,  and  not 
spare:  6  he  would  lain  flee  out  of  liis  hand- 

23  Men  shall  clap  their  bauds  at  him,  and 
shall  hiss  Mm  out  of  his  place. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
1  There  is  a  knowledge  of  natural  things,  12  6ul 

ivisdom  is  an  excellent  qift  of  God. 
CURELY  there  is  i  a  vein  for  the  silver, 
*^  and  a  place  for  gold  where  they  tine  it. 
2  Iron  is  taken  out  of  the  2  eaith,  and  Lraaa 
is  molten  out  of  the  stone. 


SUdads  Reply. 


JOB,  XXV.  XXVL 


JoVs  Reply. 


although  lie  had  civen  up  hope  of  (lit.,  when  gion  of  the  dead.    Replinim  here,  and  Pro, 


21. 10;  Isa.  14.  9,  is  from  a  Heb.  root,  vi  eaning 


lie  no  longer  believed  in)  life"  (Deu. 

23.  Lit.,  He  (God  omitted  as  often:  ch.  3.! to  he  weak,  hence  deceased;  in  ^^en.  14.  o, 

20;  Eccl.  9.  9:  reverentially)  giveth  to  him  it  is  applied  to  the  Canaanite  gian's;  per- 

(the  wicked,  to  be    in  satety,  oi  

yet  — .Job  means,  How   .strange 

should  so  favour  them,  and  yet  have  his  witli  Jehovah  IUmbr.]  ;  or  as  the  imagina- 


in  satety,  or  security,  haps  in  derision,  to  express  their  we  ikvess, 
tow  .strange  that  God  in  spite  of  their  gigantic  size,  as  compared 
lem,  and  yet  have  his  with  Jehovah  IUmbr.]  ;  or  as  the  imagina- 
eyes  all  the  titr.e  open  to  their  wicked  ways  ! ,  tion  of  the  living  magnifies  apparitions,  tlie 
(Frov.  15.  3;  Fs.  73.  4.).  24.  Job  repeats  wiiat ;  term  originally  was  applied  to  ghosts,  and 
he  said  (ch.  21.  13,),  that  sinners  die  in  ex- j  then  to  giants  in  general.  [Magee.I  from 
aitert  positions,  not  the  paintul  and  lingering  |  under^XJMBR.  .joins  this  with  the  previous 
death  we  might  expect,  but  a  q^iich  and  easy  j  word,  tremble  from  beneath  I'so  I^a.  14.  9.). 
death.  Join  "  for  a  while  "  Willi  "  are  gone,"  But  the  Masoretic  text  joins  it  "  under  the 
not  as  E.  V.  Transl.  "  A  moment— and  they  |  waters."  Thus  the  place  of  the  dead  will  b8 
are  no  more !    They  are  brought  low,  as  all  i  represented  as  under  the  waters  Ps.  18.  4, 5,): 


gthers)  gather  up  their  feet  to  die  "  (so  the 
fib.  of  "  are  taken  out  of  tlie  way."  A  na- 
tural death  Gen.  49.  33.).  ears  of  coin— In  a 
ripe  and  full  age,  not  prematurely  (ch.  6. 26,). 
25.  (soch.  9.  24.). 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

THIRD  SKRIES, 

Ver.  1-6.    Bildad's  Eeply.    He  tries  to 
ihow  Job's  rashness  (ch.  23, 


md  the  waters  as  under  the  earth  iPs.  24.2,), 
M.'i.GEE  well  transl.  thus,  "  The  souls  of  tlia 
dead  tremble;  (the  places)  under  the  waters, 
and  their  inhabitants."  TTius  the  Masoretic; 
connexion  is  retained;  and  at  the  same  time 
the  parallel  clauses  are  evenly  balanced. 
"The  inhabitants  of  the  places  under  the 
waters"  are  those  in  Gehenna,  the  lower  of 


ments  borrowed  from  Eiiphaz  (ch.  15.  15,) 
with  which  cf.  ch.  11.  17.  2.  P  iwer  and 
terror,  i.e.,  terror-inspiring  po^  er.  peace  in 
His  high  places— Implying  thai  His  power  is 


!,  by  argu-jthe  two  parts  into  which  Sheol,  according  to 
-1,    ,f   ,-  I    ^]jg  Jews,  is  divided:  they  answer  to  "de- 
struction," i.e.,  the  place  of  the  wicked  ia 
V.  6,  as  "Rephaim"  [v.  5,)  to  "  HeU"  (Sheol), 
[v.  6.)    Sheol  comes  from  a  Heb.  root— ask. 


such  on  high  as  to  quell  all  oi  position,  not  i  because  it  is  insatiable  (Prov.  27.  20,);  or  ns/j 
merely  there,  but  on  earth  als.  .  The  Holy  as  a  loan  to  he  returned,  implying  Sheol  is 
Ghost  here  shadowed  forth  (  ospel  truths  but  a  temporary  abode,  previous  to  the  re- 
(Col.  1.  20;  Eph.  1. 10.).  3.  armies— Angels  and  surrection;  so  for  E. F." formed :"  LXX.  and 
stars  (Isa.  40.  26;  Jer.  33.  22;  Gen.  15. 5;  count-  Chaldee  transl.  shall  be  horn,  or  born  again, 
less  Dan.  7. 10.).  His  ligtit— (Jam.  1. 17.).  4.  i  implying  the  dead  are  to  be  given  back  from 
(ch.  4.17,18;  14.4-  15.14.>.  5."Lodkur>  even]Sheol&ndbornagaininto  anew  state.  [Ma- 
unto  the  moon  (ch.  15. 15.).  "  Stars  here  gee.]  6.— (ch.  38. 17;  F 
answer  to  "saints"  (angels)  there 
moon"  here,  to  "the  heavens"  there. 

the  "stars,"  the  most  dazzling  object  to  ing— from  God's  eyes.  7.  Hint  of  the  true 
man's  eye,  and  the  angels,  of  which  the  stars  theory  of  the  earth.  Its  suspension  in  empty 
are  emblems  (ch.  4. 18;  Rev.  9.  1,),  are  imper-  space  is  stated  in  the  2nd  clause.  The  N.  in 
feet  in  His  sight.  Theirs  is  the  light  and  particular  is  specitied  in  the  1st,  being  be- 
purity  of  but  creatures;  his,  of  the  Creator.  |  lieved  to  be  the  highest  part  of  the  earth  (Isa. 
6.  (ch.  4. 19-21;  15. 16.).  worm  ...  worm— Two  14.  13.).  The  iS^.  hemisphere  or  vault  of 
distinct  J/e&.  words.    The  first,  a  worm  bred  i /leaweit  is  included;  often  compared  to  a 


,  . .  Ps.  139.  8;  Prov.5.  11. 

the  ;  struction— T/ie  abode  ofdestruction,i.e.,  of  lost 
Even  i  souls.    Heh.  Abaddon  (Rev.  9.  ll.i.    no  cover- 


putridity;  alluding  to  man's  corruption 
ffhe  second,  a  crawling  worm;  implying  that 
man  is  weak  and  grovelling. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

THIRD  SERIES. 

Job's  Reply.  2,  3.  without  wower ...  no 
strength  ...  no  wisdom— The  negatives  are 
used  instead  of  the  positives,  powerlessness, 
&.C.,  designedly  (so  Isa.  31.8;  Deut.  32.21.). 
Granting  I  am,  as  you  say  (ch.  18.  7;  15.  2,', 
povKrlessrtess  itself,  &c.  How  hast  thou  help- 
ed such  a  'one  1  savest— supportest.  plenti- 
fully .  . .  the  thing  as  it  is— Rather,  "aound- 
antly— wisdom."  Bildad  had  made  great 
pretensions  to  abundant  ivisdom.  How  has 
he  shown  it  ?  4.  For  whose  instruction  were 
thy  word-^  meant?  If  for  me,  I  know  the 
subject  (God's  omnipotence)  better  than  my 
instructor:  (w.  5-14,)  is  a  sample  of  Job's 
knowleilge  of  it.  whose  spirit— not  that  of 
Gorl  ff^li.  32.  8,  :  nay  rather,  the  borrowed 
sentiment  of  Eiiphaz  (ch.  4.  17-19;  15. 14-10.). 
5-14.  As  before  in  chap.  9.  and  12.,  Job  had 
shown  iU.  11  self  not  inferior  to  the  frieiids  in 
auilicy  to  describe  God's  greatness,  so  now 
he  describes  it  as  manifested  in  Hell  the 
world  of  the  dead)  5,  6;  on  earth  7;  in  the  sky 
8-11;  the  sea  12;  the  heavens  13.  Dead  things 
a^e  formed— Rather,  ■■ 
(Rephaimi  tremble.' 


'  The  souls  of  the  dead ,  ror. 
Not  only  does  God's  l 


stretched  out  canopy  (Ps.  104.  2.).  The 
chambers  of  the  S.  are  mentioned  (ch.  9.  9,), 
i.e.,  the  S.  hemisphere,  consistently  with  the 
earth's  globular  form.  8.  in  .  . .  clouds— as  if 
in  airy  vessels,  which  though  light  do  not 
burst  with  the  weight  of  water  in  them 
(Prov.  30.  4.).  9.  Rather,  He  encompasseth  or 
closeth.  God  makes  the  clouds  a  veil  to 
screen  the  glory  not  only  of  His  person,  but 
even  of  the  exterior  of  His  throne  from  pro- 
fane eyes.  His  agency  is  everywhere,  yet 
Himself  invisible  (Ps.  18.  11;  104.  3.).  10. 
Rather.  "  He  hath  drawn  a  circular  bound 
roimd  the  waters"  (Prov.  8.  27;  Fs.  104.  9.). 
The  horizon  seems  a  circle.  Indication  ia 
given  of  the  globular  form  of  the  ea-rth. 
until  the  day,  &c.— To  the  confines  of  li^iiit 
and  darkness.  When  the  light  lalls  on  our 
horizon,  the  other  hemisphere  is  dark. 
Umbr.  &  Maur,  transl.  "  He  has  most 
pertcctbj  [lit.  to  perfection'  drawn  the  bo'  nd 
(taken  from  the  1st  clause)  between  light  .and 
darkness"  (cf.  Gen.  1.  4.  6,  9.) :  where  the 
boiiufling  of  the  light  from  darkness  is  simd- 
lafly  brought  into  proximity  with  the  bound- 
ing of  the  v/aters.  11.  pillars— poetically  for 
the  mountains  which  seem  to  bear  up  the 
sky  (Ps.  104.  32.).  astonished— viz.,  from  ter- 
Personification.  His  reproof— (Ps.  i04. 
The  Uiunder,  reverberating  from  cli9I 


power  exist,  as  Bildad  .says   ch.  '^5.  2.1,  "in  i  to  clift'  iHab.  3.  lo;  Nah.  1.  5.).    12.  divideth- 
high  places"  (heaven),  but  reaches  to  the  re- 1  (Ps.  74.  U.i.   Perhaps  at  creation  (Gen.  1.  d, 
372 


The  "HoDe  0/  fhe  Bvpomle. 


ch.l9.25;20.u;Fs.62.  8.).  11- 
nieans  He  23.  These  words  are  contrary  to  Job's  previ- 


Joh  Protests  His  Sirtcerity. JOB.  XXVIL 

10..     Tlie  nnral  el   clause   favours  Umbr.  ,  be  aj^  hypocrite 
•'He   stilleih."     But   the   Heh. 

moves.  Probably  such  a  "moving"  is  meant :  ous  sentiments  (Notes,  ch.  21. 22-33;  24. 22-25.). 
as  that  at  the  amcaginrj  of  the  flood  by  the  They  therefore  seem  to  be  Job's  statement, 
wind  which  "God  made  to  piss  over"  it :  notsomuchofhisownsentiments,  asofwhat 
((^en.  8.  i;  Ps.  104.  7.).  the  proud— Rather,  I  Zophar  would  have  said.had  he  spoken  when 
its  pride,  viz.,  of  the  sea(ch.9.]  3.  .  13.  Umbr.  .  his  turn  came  (end  of  ch.  2C.}.  So  Job  stated 
less  simply.  "By  His  breath  He  maketh  j  the  friends'  opinion  (ch.  21.  17-21;  24.  18-21.). 
the  heavens  to  revive:"  viz.,  His  wind  dissi- ;  The  objection  is,  why,  if  so,  does  not  Job  an- 
pates  the  clouds,  which  obscured  the  shining  swer  Zophar's  opinion,  as  stated  by  himself? 
stars.    And  so  the  next  clause  in  contrast.  The  fact  is,  it  is  probable  that  Job  tacitly,  by 


His  hand  doth  .^trande, ' 
N.  constellation,  the  dragon 


^cures  the  [giving,  in  ch.  28..  only  a  general  answer,  im- 
Pagan  astro- 1  plies,  that  in  spite  of  the  wicked  often  dying. 


nomy  typified  the  flood  trying  to  destroy  the  ]  as  he  said,  in  prosperity,  he  does  not  mean 
ark  by  1  he  dragon  constellaiion  about  to  de- 1  to  deny  that  the  wicked  are  in  the  vuiin 
vour  the  moon  in  its  eclipsed  crescent-siuq^e  i  dealt  with  according  to  right,  and  that  Hod 
like  a  boat  (ch.  3.  8, ."''(' rt?.).  But  better  as  herein  vindicates  His  moral  goverj)ment 
JE.  V.  (Ps.  33.  6.1.  crookea  — Implyiu;:  the  even  here.  Job  therefore  states  Zophar's 
dbUque  course,  of  the  stars,  or  the  ecliptic. :  argument  more  strongly  than  Zophar  would 
•"Fleeing"  or  "swilt"  [Umbr.]  (Isa.  27.  1.),  have  done.  But  by  comparing  v.  13,  with 
Tills  particular  constellation  is  made  to  re-;ch.  20.  29  i"portion,"  "heritage."),  it  wUl  be 
present  the  splendour  nt  all  the  stars.    14.  seen,  it  is  Zophar's  argument,  rather  than 


parts— Rather,  "only  the  exti-eme  hound 
aries  of.  &c.,  and  how  faint  is  the  whisper 
tiiat  we  hear  of  Him  !"    thunder— The  enrir 


his  own,  that  Job  states.  Granting  it  to  be 
true,  implies  Job,  you  ought  not  to  use  it  as 
an  arguij;ent  to  criminate  me.    For  (ch.  2S.), 


fulness.    In  antithesis  to  "whisper"  (1  Cor.  |  the  ways  of  Divine  wisdom  in  afflirling  the 


13.  9, 10. 12.) 


CHAPTER  XXVTI. 


godly  are  inscrutable:  all  that  is  sure  to  man 
lis,  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  wisdom j'l'.  28.). 


Ver.  1-23.  It  \\as  now  Zophar's  turn  to  ;  by  the  hand— Rather,  concenmi^  the  hand  of 
SPeak.  But  as  he  and  the  other  two  were  i  God,  viz.,  what  God  does  in  governing  men. 
silent,  virtually  admitting  defeat,  after  a)  with  the  Almighty— The  counsel  or  pnnciyle 
pause  Job  proceeds.  1.  parable— Applied  j  which  regulates  God's  dealings.  12.  "Ye 
in  the  E.  to  a  figurative  sententious  embo- 1  yourselves  see."  that  the  wicked  often  are 
dimeiit  of  wisdom  in  poetic  form,  a  gnome '  afflicted  (though  often  the  reverse  ch.  21.  33.). 
(Ps.  49.  4.).  contiraied  — proceeded  to  put  (But  why  do  you  "vainly"  make  this  an  ar- 
forth:  implying  elevation  of  discourse.  2. 'gumentto  prove  from  my  afflictions  that  I 
(1  Sam.  20.  3.).  tak°n  awav  .  .  .  judgment— { am  wicked?  13.  (Note,  ■??.  11.).  14.  His  fa- 
words  unconsciously  foreshadowing  Jesus  '  mily  only  increases  to  perish  by  sword,  or 
Ciirist  (Isa.  53.  8;  Acts.  8.  33.'.    God  mil  not  Ifamine  (Jer.  18.  21;  ch.  5.  20.  ,  the  converse. 


give  Job  his  riiht.  by  declaring  his  inno 
cence.  vexed— F^b.  meufe  bitter  (Ruth.l.  20  ) 
3.  Implyin^i  Job's  knowledge  of  the  fact  that 
the  living  soul  was  breathed  into  man  by 
God  (Gen.  2.  7.).  "All  the  while."  But 
Maur.  "as  yet  all  my  breatli  is  in  me    (not^ 


withstanding  my  trials):"  the  rei 
can  speak  so  boldly.    4.  (ch.  6.  2S,  30.) 


15.  Those  that  escape  war  and  famine  ,_. 
14J,  shall  be  buried  hy  the  deadly  plague-^ 
"death"  (ch.  18.  13;  Jer,  15.  2;  Rev.  6.  8.). 
The  plague  of  the  middle  ages  was  called 
"the  black  death."  Buried  by  it  implies, 
that  they  would  have  none  else,  but  the 


why  1 1  death  plague  itself  (poetically  person 


onifiedL 
"deceit"  would  be,  tf  he  were  to  admitguilt,  { have  none,  his— Rather,  their  widows.  Tran- 


■iiy 
Tl 


he  i  to  perform  their  funeral  rites,  i.  e. 


against  the  witness  of  his  conscience,     5. 

justify  you— ap))iove  of  your  views,    mine  I  Polygamy  is  not  implied.    16.  dust 
integrity— which  you  deny,  on  accoimt  of  | —Lnases  of  multitudes  (Zech.  9.  3.). 
my  misfortunes.  6.  Rat  her,  "my  heart"  (con- 1  changes  of  raiment  are  a  chief  con? 
'not  one  ol 


science)  reproaches 


(con- 
;y  days,'' 


sitions  from  Sing,  to  Plur.  are   frequent. 

Many 

nges  of  raiment  are  a  chief  constituent 

of  wealth  in  the  E,    17.  Introverted  par-al- 


I   do  not  repent  of  any  of  my  days  Idism.    My  Introd.    Of  the  four  clauses  in 
since  I  came  into  existence.     [Maurer.J  ,  the  two  verses,  1  answers  to  4,  2  to  3 


7.  Let . .  .  be— Let  mine  enemy  be  accounted 
as  wicked,  i.e..  He  who  opposes  n  y  ss-ever- 
ation  of  innocence  must  be  re-'arded  as  actu- 
ated I  y  criminal  hostility.  Not  a  curse  on 
his  enemies.  8.  "What  hope  hath  the  hypo- 
crite, notwithstanding  all  his  gams,  when?" 
&c.  "Gained"  is  antithetic  to  "taketh 
away."  L^mbr's.  translation  is  an  unmeanin; 


Matt.  7.  6.).  18.  (ch.  8.  14;  4.,  19.).  The 
transition  is  natural  from  "raiment"  (■y.16,), 
to  the  "  house  "  of  the  "  moth  "  in  it,  and  of 
ix,,  when  in  its  larva  state.  The  moth  ivorm's 
/toiwe  is  broken  whenever  the  "raiment"  is 
shaken  out,  so  frail  is  it.  booth— A  bough- 
formed  hut  which  the  guard  of  a  vineyard 
raises  for  temporary  shelter  (Isa.  1.  8.).    19. 


tautology.  "When  God  cuts  oft',  when  He  ' gathered— Buried  honourably  (Gen.  25.  8;  2 
tahth  aivav  hU  life."  taketh  away— Lii..  iKi.  22.  20.).  But  Umbr.,  agreeably  to  i).  18, 
dmi's  out  the  soul  from  the  body,  which  is, ;  which  describes  the  short  continuance  of  the 
as  it  \\  ere,  its  scabbard  ch..  4.  21;  Ps.  104.  2'.);  sinner's  prosperity,  "  He  layeth  himself  rich 
Dan. 7. 15.).  Job  says,  headmits  wiiatBildad  in  his  bed,  and  nothing  is  robbed  jrom  him, 
said  ch.  8. 13.)  and  Zophar  (ch.  20.  .5.).  But  he  he  openeth  his  eyes,  and  nothing  more  is 
says,  the  very  fact  of  his  still  calling  upon  |  there."  If  E.  V.  be  retained,  the  first  clau-se 
God  {v.  1 0.)  amidst  all  his  trials  which  a  hypo- '  probably  means,  rich  though  he  be  in  dying, 
crlfe  would  not  dare  to  do,  shows  he  is  no  [he  shall  not  be  honoured  with  &juueral; 
"hypocrite."  9.  (Ps.  66. 18.).  10.  Alluding  to  the  second,  When  he  opens  his  eyes  in  tfie 
ch.'J2.2<).  always  call— he  may  do  so  in  times  of  i  uns^eenworld,  it  is  only  to  see  his  destruction. 
prosperity,  in  order  to  be  thought  religious.  LXX.  read  for  "  not  gathered,"  He  does  not 
But  he  will  not,  as  I  do,  call  on  God  in  cala- ;  proceed,  i.e.,  goes  to  his  bed  no  more.  So 
mities  verging  on  death.  Therefore  I  cannot  i]\L\.UB.  20.  (ch.  18.  11;  22.  ll,  21.).  Like  a 
372   [I] 


Job's  Sveecli  Continued, 


sudden  violent  flood  dsa.  8.  7, . 
conversely  (Fs.  32.  6.).    21.  (ch 


JOB,  XXVIIL The  Excellency  of  Wisdom. 

Jer.  47.  2,):  ided  in  cneiss.    Tlie  ancients  distinguished 
21.  ]S;  15.  2;  two  kinds  :  1.  The  real,  oi'  transparent  blue  : 


Ps.5s.  9.).    22.  ci'st— viz.,  thunderbolts  ch.  2.  That  improperlyso  called,  opaque,  with 


23.  clap  lands  I  gi 
".  15;  Nah.ilc 


6.  4;  7.  20;  16. 13;  Ps.  7.  12,  13). 
—for  joy  at  his  downfall  (Lam 
3. 19.).    iiiss— deride  Jer.  25.  9.). 
toBildad's  words  (ch.  18.  ^S.\ 

CHAPTER  XXVin. 
Ver.  1-2S.  Job's  sSpebx'H  CoNTiNtrED. 
In  ch.  27.,  Job  had  tacitly  admitted,  that 
the  statement  of  the  friends  was  often  true, 
that  God  vindi.cated  His  justice  by  pun- 
ishing the  x.icked  here:  but  still  the  af- 
fliction of  the  godly  remained  unexplained. 
Man  lias,  by  skill,  brought  the  precious 
inet.ils  froni  their  concealment.  JBut  the 
Divine  Whsdom,  which  governs  human  af- 
fairs, he  cannot  similarly  discover,  12,  &c. 
However,  the  image  from  the  same  metals 
(ch.  23. 10.),  implies  Job  has  made  some  way 


old  spots,  i.e.,  lapislaznli.     To  the  latter. 

_.  ^„.  ^ ,. coking  like  cold  dust  Umbr.  refers  "du.st 

Job  alludes  of  cold."  E.V.  better,  "The  sto7h\<i  of  the 
earth  are,  &c.,  and  the  clods  of  it  [Vuh/.)  are 
gold  :"  the  parallel  clauses  are  thus  neater. 
7.  fowl  —  Kather,  ravenous  hvd,  or  enole, 
which  is  the  most  sharp-sighted  of  .birds 
(Isa.  46.  11.).  A  vulture  will  spy  a  carcass  at 
an  amazing  distance.  The  miner  penetrates 
the  earth  by  a  way  unseen  by  birds  of  keenest 
sight.  8.  lion's  whelps— Xii.,  the  sovs  of  pride, 
i.e.,  the  fiercest  beasts,  passed— The  Meb. 
imphes  the  proud  gait  of  the  lion.  The 
miner  ventures,  where  not  even  the  fierce 
lion  dares  to  go  in  pursuit  of  his  prey.  9. 
rock  — Flint.  He  puts  forth  his  hand  to 
cleave  the  hardest  rock,    by  the  rcots- From 


towai  ds  solving  the  riddle  of  his  life,  viz., !  their  foundations,   by  undermining  thera. 


that  afiiictionis  to  him,  as  the  refining  fire  to 
gold,  vein  —A  mine,  from  which  it  goes 
forth.  Hcb.,  i.e.,  is  dug.  place  for  gold  —  A 
place  where  gold  may  be  found,  icJucli,  m.en 
refine.  Not  as  E.  V.,  "  A  place— w/ie re,"  &c. 
(Mai.  3.  3.).  Contrasted  with  gold  found  in 
tlie  bed  and  sand  of  rivers,  which  does  not 
need  refining ;  as  the  gold  dug  from  a  mine 
does.  Golden  ornaments  have  been  found 
in  I  gypt,  of  the  times  of  Joseph.    2.  biass 


10.  He  cuts  channels  to  drain  off  the  waters, 
which  hinder  his  mining ;  and  when  the 
waters  are  gone,  he  is  able  to  see  the  precious 
things  in  the  earth.  11.  floods—"  He  retrains 
the  streams  from  icei j-i'Ug ;"  a  poetical  ex- 
pression for  the  trickling  subterranean  rills, 
which  impede  him  :  answering  to  the  first 
clause  of  v.  10;  so  also  the  two  latter 
clauses  in  each  verse  corres)  ond.  12.  Can 
man  discover  the  Divine  Wisdom  by  which 


i.e.,  cower:  for  brass  is  a  mixed  meta.  of  i  the  world  is  governed,  as  he  can  the  treasures 
copper  and  zinc,  of  modern  invention.  Iron  I  hidden  in  the  earth  ?  Certainly  not.  Divine 
is  less  easily  discovered,  and  wrought,  than  "Wisdom  is  conceived  as  a  person  {v.  12-27J 
copiier  :   tlierefoie  copper  was  in  common  distinct  from  God  (v.  23;  also  in  Prov._ 


copper 
ise  long  before  iron.    Coppi 
'cadmium"   by  Pliny  [^^ 


stone  is  called  23,  27.).    The  Almighty  Word,  Jesus  Christ, 
AT.  Hist.  31.  1  ;|we  know  now,  is  that  Wisdom.    The  order 


by  Pliny  U\_^_.   .., __      .  .  .         ^        , 

36.  21.1.  Iron  is  fitly  said  to  be  taken  out  of  i  of  the  world  was  origmated  and  is  niam- 
the  "earth"  idust,).  for  ore  looks  like  mereltained  by  the  breathing  forth  (Fpint)  of 
earth.  3.  "Man  makes  an  end  of  dark- 1  Wisdom,  unfathomable  and  uni.urchaseable 
De?s,"  by  exploring  the  darkest  depths  (with  by  man.  In  verse  28,  the  only  aspect  of  it, 
torches.),  all  nenection— Eatlier.  carries  out  v/hich  relates  to,  and  may  be  understood  by, 
his  search  to  t)ie  utmost  perfection  ;  most '  man,  is  stated,  understanding— Insight  into 
thoroughly  searches  ihe  stones  of  darkness  1  the  plan  of  the  Divine  goverment.  13.  Man 
and  of  the  shadow  of  death  (thickest  gloom,),  t  can  fix  no  price  upon  it.  as  it  is  nowhere  to 
i.e.,  the  stones,  whatever  they  be,  end)edded  I  be  found  in  man's  abode  (Isa.  38. 11.).  Job 
in  the  darket,t  bowels  of  the  earth  (Umbr.]  implies  both  its  invaluable  worth,  and  the 
(ch.  26.  10.).  4.  Three  hardships  in  mining  :  impossibility  of  buying  it  at  any  price.  15. 
1.  "A-stream  (flood)  breaks  out  at  the  side  Not  the  usual  word  for  "gold  :"  from  ai?e&. 
of  the  stranger ;"  viz.,  the  miner,  a  strange  \  root,  to  shut  up  with  care ;  i.e.,  purest  gold 
«eio-co?)7cr  into  places  heretofore  unexplored;  j  (i  Ki.  6.  20,  Marg.].  weighed— The  precious 
his  surprise  at  the  sud^len  stream  breaking  metals  were  weighed  out  before  coining  was 
out  ?),  side  him  is  expressea(i;.F.,,/rom/7ie'm- 1  known  (Gen.  23.  16.).  16.  god  of  Ophir— The 
habitant:  2.  "Forgotten  (unsupported;  by  (most  precious  (Note,  22.  24  ;  Ps.  45.  9.'.  onyx 
the('ootthey7ian6f,viz.,byropes,indescend-  — (Gen.  2.  12.).  More  valued  formerly  than 
ing.  Inthe  Heb.,  "Lo  there"  precedes  this  now.  The  term  is  Greek,  meaning  thumb 
clause,  graphically  placing  it  as  it  before  the  nail,  from  some  resemblance  in  colour.  The 
eyes.  Th&  tcafers are  inserted  by  jE.F.,  .^4 re  Arabic  denotes,  of  two  colours,  white  pre- 
dricd  up,  ought  to  be,  "hang,"  "are  sus-.ponderating.  17.  crystal— Or  else  glass,  if 
pended."  E.V.  perhaps  understood,  waters  |  then  known,  very  costly.  Yvm.  a  root,  to  be 
of  whose  existence  man  was  previously  un- 1  transparent,  jewels  —  Eather,  vts^cls.  18. 
conscious,  and  near  which  he  never  trod;  Ped  coral  (Fzek  27.  16.).  18.  pearls- ii<., 
andyet  man's  energy  is  such,  that  by  pumps,  k(-/ioi  is  Jrozcn.  Probably  crystal;  and  v. 
&c.,  he  soon  causes  them  to  "  dry  up  and  go  '  17  v  ill  then  be  glass,  rubies— Umbk.  tnrnsl. 
away."  [!So  Heuder.]  3.  "Far  away  from  ;  pears  (see  Lam.  4.  l;Prov,  3.  15.).  TheUrira 
men,  they  move  with  uncertain  step:"  they:  and  Thummim,  the  means  of  consulting 
stagger  :  not  "  they  are  gone."  [Umbr.]  5.  Its  1  God  by  the  twelve  stones  on  the  high  priests? 
fei  tile  surface  yields  food:  and  yet  "beneath  I  breastplate,  "the  stones  of  the  sanctuary" 
itisuirnedupasitwerewithfire."  SoPlin.  '  (Lam.  4.  l.  ,  have  their  counterpart  in  this 
Hist.  Nat.  33,  observes  on  the  ingrati-  cliapter  ;  the  precious  stones  symbolizing  the 
tude  of  man  who  repays  the  debt,  he  owes  ;  "  light"  and  "yierfection"  of  the  Divine  wis- 
tlie  earth  for  food,  by  digging  out  its  bowels. '  dom.  19.  Ethiopia-C'Us/i  in  the  Hcb.  Either 
"  F.re  "  was  used  m  mining.  [UiMbr.]  E.  V.  i  I.thiopia,  or  the  S.  of  Arabia,  near  the  Tigris. 
is  simpler,  which  means  precious  stones  20.  Verse  12  repeated  with  great  force.  21. 
•wMch  glow  like  fire;  and  so  v.  6  t'vUows  1^  one  cmi  tell  vshence  or  where,  seeing  it,  &c, 
natii  ally  (Ezek.  28.  14.).    6.  Rapphires  are,  fowls— The  gift  of  divination  was  assigned 


lallv 


found  in  alluvial  soil  near  rocks  and  embed- '  by  the  lieathen  especially  to  birds. 
ST2  m 


Theu 


The  eitceUenoy  of  wisdom. 


JOB,  XXIX,  XXX. 


Job  deplores  his  eaZamitiet. 


3  He  setteth  <in  end  to  darkness,  "and 
Bearcheth  out  all  perr'ection:  the  stones  of 
darkness,  and  the  shadow  of  death. 

4  The  flood  breaketh  out  from  the  inhabi- 
tant; even  the  ivaters  forgotten  of  the  foot: 
they  are  dried  up,  they  are  gone  away  from 
men. 

5  As  for  the  earth,  out  of  it  cometh  bread 
and  under  it  is  turned  up  as  it  were  fire. 

6  The  stones  of  it  are  the  place  of 
Sapphires ;  and  it  hath  3  dust  of  eold. 

7  There  is  a  path  whi'^h  no  fowl  knoweth, 
and  which  the  wdtme's  eye  hath  not  seen: 

8  The  lion's  whelps  have  not  trodden  it 
nor  the  tierce  lion  passed  by  it. 

9  He  putteth  forth  his  hand  upon  the 
♦  rock ;  he  overtumeth  the  mountains  by 
tiie  roots. 

10  He  cutteth  out  rivers  among  the  rocks ; 
arid  his  eye  seeth  every  precious  thing. 

li  He  bindeth  the  floods  5  from  oveiHow- 
ing-  and  the  thing  that  is  hid  bringeth  he 
forth  to  light. 

12  But  *  where  shall  wisdom  be  found? 
and  where  is  the  place  of  understanding? 

13  Man  kuowcth  not  the  "  price  thereof ; 
neither  is  it  found  in  the  land  of  the  living. 

14  The  <i  depth  saith.  It  is  not  ia  me;  and 
the  sea  saith,  /( is  not  with  me. 

15  b  It  *  catmot  be  gotten  for  gold,  neither 
shall  silver  be  weighed /or  the  price  there- 
of. 

16  It  cannot  be  valued  with  the  gold  of 
Ophir,  with  the  precious  onyx,  or  the 
Bapphu-e. 

17  The  gold  and  the  crystal  cannot  equal 
it;  and  the  exchange  of  it  shall  not  be  for 
J  jewels  of  fine  gold. 

18  No  mention  shall  be  made  of  8  coral,  or 
of  pearls:  for  the  price  of  wisdom  is  above 
rybies. 

19  The  topaz  of  Ethiopia  shall  not  equal 
it,  neither  shall  it  be  valued  with  puie 
•gold. 

20  Whence  then  cometh  wisdom  ?  and 
where  is  the  place  of  understanding? 

21  Seeing  it  is  hid  from  the  eyes  of  all 
living,  and  kept  close  from  the  fowls  of  the 
»air. 

22  Destruction  and  death  say.  We  have 
heard  the  fame  thereof  with  our  ears. 

23  God  /  undersTandeth  the  way  thereof, 
and  he  knoweth  the  place  thereot. 

24  For  he  looketh  to  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
and"  seeth  imder  the  whole  heaven; 

25  To  "  make  the  weight  for  the  winds; 
and  he  weigheth  the  waters  by  measure. 

26  When  he  » made  a  decree  for  the  rain, 
and  a  way  for  the  lightning  of  the  thunder; 

27  Then  did  he  see  it,  and  lo declare  it;  he 
prepared  it,  yea,  and  searched  it  oat. 

28  And  ;'  unto  man  he  said,  Behold,  *  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  that  is  wisdom;  and  to 
depart  from  evil  is  understanding. 

CHAPTER  XXTX. 
Job  bemoans  himself  when  he  rtmembers  his  for- 
mer prosperity  and  hoitour. 

■jyi OREOVEK  Job  i  continued  his  para- 
ble,  and  said, 

2  Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months  past,  as  in 
the  days  when  God  preserved  me ; 

3  When  "  his  2  candle  shiued  upon  my 
head,  and  when  by  his  light  I  walked 
through  darkness; 

4  As  1  was  i,n  the  days  of  my  youth,  when 
tthe  secret  of  God  icas  upon  my  tabernacle ; 

5  When  the  Almighty  was  yet  with  me 
when  my  children  were  arbcAit  me:  i 

373 


CHAP.  28. 
a  Eccl.  1. 13 

3  Or,  gold 

4  Or,  flint. 

6  from  weep- 
ing. 
b  Eecl.  7.  24 
c  Pro.  3.  15. 
d  Ro.  U.  33 
8  FinegoM 
•hall  not 
be  t-iven 


of  fln* 
gold. 

8  Or, 
RAmoth. 

9  Or,  heavdn. 
/Acts  16.  18. 

Heb.  4.  13. 
g  Pro  15.  3. 
ft  Ps.  135.  7. 
i  ch.  i3.  25. 

10  Or,  num- 
ber it. 

7  Den.  29.  29. 

2  Tim.  3.16. 
*  Don.  4.  6. 

P..  111.  10. 

Pro.  1.  7. 

Pro.  9.  10. 

Ecc.  12. 13. 


CHAP.  29. 

L  added  to 

a  ch.  18.  6. 
Or,  lamp. 

6  Ps.  25.  14. 
Gen.  49  11 
Deu.  32  13 
Deu.  33.24 
ch.  20.  17. 

d  P»  81.16. 
Tith  me. 

4  the  voice 
of  the 
i>oble»  wai 
hid. 

Pa.  137.  6. 
/  Ps.  72. 12. 

Pro.  21.  13 

Pro.  24.  U 
P  Deu.  24. 13 

1».  59.  17. 

Eph.  B.  14. 
ANu.  10  31 
-;  Pro.  2V>.  7. 

5  thojaiT. 

the 


*  ch.  IS.  16. 
7  opened. 
I  Pb.  1.  3. 

Jer.  17.  8. 
e  new. 
m  Gcn,49.24. 
changed. 


night, 
men  of  DO 


6  When  "  I  washed  my  steps  with  butter, 
and  ^  the  rock  poui'ed  3  me  out  rivers  of 
oil! 

7  When  I  went  out  to  the  gate  through 
the  city,  ivken  I  prepared  my  seat  in  the 
street: 

8  The  young  men  saw  me,  and  hid  them- 
selves :  and  the  aged  arose,  and  stood  up. 

9  The  princes  refrained  talking,  and  laid 
their  hand  on  their  mouth. 

10  *  The  nobles  held  their  peace,  and  their 
'  tongue  cleaved  to  the  roof  of  their 
mouth. 

11  When  the  ear  heard  me,  then  it  blessed 
me ;  and  when  the  eye  saw  me,  it  gave  mt- 
ness  to  me: 

12  Because  /  I  delivered  the  poor  that 
cried,  and  the  fatherless,  and  him  that  had 
none  to  h<ilji  him. 

13  The  blts.sing  of  hun  that  was  ready  to 
perish  came  upon  me  :  and  I  caused  the 
widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy. 

14  I  ^  put  on  righteousness,  and  it  clothed 
me:  my  judo'ment  was  as  a  robe  and  a 
diadem. 

15  I  was  '*  eyes  to  the  blind,  and  feet  was 
I  to  the  lame. 

16  I  ivas  a  father  to  the  poor:  and  •  the 
cause  vjhich  I  knew  not  1  searched  out. 

17  And  I  brake  5  the  jaws  of  the  wicked, 
and  6  plucked  the  spoil  out  of  his  teeth. 

18  Then  I  said, ;  I  shall  die  in  my  nest, 
and  I  shall  multiply  my  days  as  the  sand. 

19  My  *  root  was  '  spread  out  '  by  the 
waters,  and  the  dew  lay  all  night  upon  my 
branch. 

20  My  glory  was  8  fresh  in  me,  and  "*  my 
bow  was  9  renewed  in  my  hand. 

21  Unto  me  men  gave  ear,  and  waited, 
and  kept  silence  at  my  counsel. 

22  After  my  words  they  spake  not  again; 
and  my  speech  dropped  upon  them. 

23  And  they  waited  for  me  as  for  the  rain; 
and  they  opened  their  mouth  wide  as  for 
the  latter  rain. 

24  If  1  laughed  on  them,  they  believed  it 
not ;  and  the  light  of  my  countenance  they 
cast  not  down. 

25  I  chose  out  their  way,  and  sat  chief, 
and  dwelt  as  a  king  in  the  army,  aa  one 
that  comforteth  the  mourners. 

CHAPTEK  XXX. 
I  Job'$  honour  turned  into  extreme  contempt;  Ifi 

his  prosperity  into  calamity. 
T5  UT  now  they  that  are  l  younger  than  I 
^-^   have  me  in  derision,  whose  fathers  I 
would  have  disdained  to  have  set  with  the 
dogs  of  my  flock. 

2  I'ea,  whereto  might  the  strength  of  their 
hands  profit  me,  in  whom  old  age  was  per- 
ished? 

3  For  want  and  famine  thoy  were  2  solitary; 
fleeing  uito  the  wilderness  3  in  former  time 
desolate  and  waste. 

4  Who  cut  up  mallows  by  the  bushes,  and 
juniper  roots  for  their  meat. 

5  They  were  driven  forth  from  among 
men,  (they  cried  after  them  as  after  a 
thief;) 

6  To  dwell  in  the  cliffs  of  the  valleys,  in 
*  caves  of  the  earth,  and  in  the  rocks. 

7  Among  the  bushes  they  brased;  vmder 
the  nettles  they  were  gathered  together. 

8  They  were  children  of  fools,  yea,  chil- 
dren of  6  base  men ;  they  were  vUer  than 
the  earth. 

And  now  am  I  their  gong;  yea,  I  am 
their  byword. 


^oh  Bpmoaneth  himself 


JOB.  XXIX. 


of  Ms  Former  Prosperity. 


2.  13.).    Olives  amidst  rocks  yield  the  best 
Oil  ir     '  ■  '   "      -     -    -- 


rapid  fii'jht  heavenwards  and  keen   sight, 

origiuiited  the  superstition.  Job  may  allude  oil.  Oil  in  the  E.  is  iised  for  food,  light, 
to  It,  Not  even  the  boasted  divination  of  anointing,  and  medicine.  7-10.  The  great 
birds  has  an  insi'.,'ht  into  it  (Eccl.  lo.  20.).  1  influence  Job  had  over  young  and  old,  and 
But  it  may  merely  mean,  as  verse  7,  It  escapes  noblemen,  tbrou^'h  .  .  .  street  —  Ilather, 
the  eye  of  the  most  keen-sighted  bird.  22. 1  When  I  went  out  of  my  house,  in  the  coun- 
i.e.,  theabode-iofftesirwdionandofthedead. !  try  (see  ch.  l.,  prologue)  to  the  gate,  (ascend- 
•*Jjeath"putforSheol(ch.30.  23;26. 6,  Note  :  ing)  up  to  the  city  (which  was  on  elevated 
Ps.  9.  13.).  We  have  (only)  heard— The  report  ground,),  and  when  I  prepared  my  (judicial) 
of  her.  We  have  not  seen  her.  In  the  land  of  1  seat  in  tlie  market-ptace.  The  market-ijlace 
the  living  {v.  13,)  the  workings  of  Wisdom  j  was  the  place  of  judgment,  at  the  gate  or 
are  seen,  though  not  herseli.  In  the  regions !  propyloja  of  the  city,  such  as  is  fouud  in 
of  the  dead,  she  is  only /leard  of,  her  actings;  the  remains  of  Nineveh  and  Persepoiis 
on  nature  not  being  seen  (Eccl.  9.  10.),  23.  (Isa.  59.  14;  Ps.  65. 11;  127.  5.).  8.  hid— Not  lit. 
God  hath,  and  is  Himself  wisdom.  24.  lEather,  Stepped  backioarcls,  reverentially. 
*'  Seeth  (all  that  is)  under,"  &c.  25.  God  has ;  Theaged,  who  were  already  seated,  arose  and 
adjusted  the  weight  of  the  winds,  so  seem-  remained  standing  iHeb.l  until  Job  seated 
ingly  imponderable,  lest,  if  too  weighty,  or  |  himself.  Oiiental  manners.  9.  fch.  4.  2  ; 
too  light,  injury  should  be  caused.  He  Note,  21.  5.).  "Eefrained,"  stopped  in  the 
measureth  out  the  waters,  fixing  their  middle  of  their  speech.  10.  Marg.,  roice— 
bounds,  with  wisdom  as  His  counsellor 7iid,  i.e.,  hushed  (Ezek.  3.  20.1.  "Tongue 
(Prov.  8.  27-31 ;  Isa.  40.  12.).  26.  The  decree  ,  cleaved,  &c..  i.e.,  awed  bv  my  presence  the 
regulating  at  what  time  and  place,  and  in  emirs  or  sheikhs  were  silent.  11.  blcEsed— 
whfit  quanuty  the  rain  should  fall,  a  way  Extolled  my  vii-tues  (Prov.  31.  28..  Omit 
—Through  the  parted  clouds  (ch.  38. 25;  Zech.  [  me  after  *'  heard ;"  whoever  heard  of  me  in 
10.  1.),  27.  declare  — Manifest  her,  viz.,  in 'general,  not  in  the  market-place,  (7-l'i,), 
His  works  {Ps.  19.  1,  2.).  So  the  approval  i  praised  me.  gave  witness— to  my  lionourable 
bestowed  by  the  Creator  on  His  works  (Gen.  character.  Imare  from  a  court  of  justice 
1. 10.  31.)  ;  cf.  the  "rejoicing"  of  wisdom  at  i  (Luke 4. 22.).  "Theeye"— i.e., faceto face;  ami- 
the  same  (Prov.  8.  30  ;  which  Umbk.  transl.  thesis  to  "ear"— i.e.,  report  o/me.  12-17.  The 
"T  vms  the  skilful  artificer  by  his  side"  31.).  \  grounds  on  which  Job  was  praised  \v.  ll,), 
j>rf pared— Not,  created,  for  wisdom  is  from! his  helping  the  afflicted  (Ps.  72.  12,/  who 
everlasting  (Prov.  8.);  but  "  established  "  j  cried  to  him  for  help,  as  a  judge,  or  as  one 
Her  as  Governor  of  the  world,  searched! possessed  of  means  of  charity.  Transl.lhQ 
oi^t— Examined  her  works  to  see,  whether  j  fatherless  who  had  none  to  help  him.  13. 
she  v/as  adectuate  to  the  task  of  govern-  So  far  was  I  from  sending  "widows" away 
ing  the  world.  [  Maur.  1  28.  Eather,  empty  (ch.  22.  9.).  ready  to  perish— (Prov.  31. 
But  unto  man,  &c.,  My  wisdom  is  that  6.).  14.  (Isa.  61. 10;  1  Chron.  12. 18,)  Marg. 
whereby  all  things  are  governed:  Thy  wis-  judgment— Justice,    diadem— TJara.    Puither, 


dom  is  in  fearing  God  and  shunning  evil. 
and  in  feeling  assured  that  my  wisdom  al- 
ways acts,  aright,  though  thou  dost  not  un- 
derstand the  principle  which  regulates  it : 
ex.  gr.,  in  alHicting  the  godly  (John  7.  17.). 
The  friends,  therefore,  as  not  comprehend- 
ing the  Divine  Wisdom,  should  not  infer 
JoIj's  guilt  from  his  sufferings.  Her^  alone 
in  Job  the  name  of  God,  "Adonai"  occurs, 
iordormasifiT-,  often  applied  to  Messiah  in 

O.  T.     Appropriately  here,  in  speaking  of  fatherless,"  as  Eliphaz  asserts  (ch 
the  Word  or  Wisdom,  by  whom  the  world  was  a  "fatlier"  to  such,    the  cau 
was  made  (Prov.  8. ;  John  1.  ;Ecclus.  24.). 
CHAPTEE  XXIX. 
1.  Job  pauses  for  a  reply.     None  being 
anade ;  he  proceeds  to  illustrate  the  mysteri- 
•ousness  of  God's  dealings,  as  set  forth  (ch. 
28.)  by  his  own  case.    2.  preserved  me— From 


turban,  head-dress.  It  and  the  full  flowing 
outer  mantle  or  "  robe,"  are  the  prominent 
characteristics  of  an  Oriental's  grandee  or 
high-priest's  dress  'Zech.  3.  6.).  So  Joble 
righteousness  especially  characterized  him. 
15.  Lit.,  the  blind  [Den.  27. 18,):  lame  (2  Sam. 
9.  13);  fig.,  also  the  spiritual  sui>pi)rt  which 
the  more  enlightened  gives  to  those  less  so 
!ch.  4.  3;  Heb.  12.  13;  Num.  10.  31.).  16.  So 
far  was  I  from  "breaking  the  arms  of  the 
22.  9,\  I 
cause  which  I 
knew  not— Eather— 0/  hjm  v^hom.  I  knew  not, 
the  stranger  (Prov.  29.  7;  [UiiER.]  contrast 
Luke,  18.  1,  &c.)  Applicable  to  oum^sgiving 
(Ps.  41.  1,);  but  here  primarily,  jitdi(i((i  con- 
scientiousness (ch.  31.  13.).  17.  Image  from 
combating  with  wild  beasts  (ch.  4.  ll;  Ps.  3. 


calamity.   3.  caudle— When  His  favour  shone  :  7.).    So  compassionate  was  Job  to  the  op' 
on  me,  (Note,  IS.  6;  Ps.  18.  28.).     darkness  .pressed,  so  terrible  to  the  oppressor!  jaws— 
By  His  safeguard  I  passed  secure  through  '  Job  broke  his  power,  so  that  he  could  do  no 


dangers.  Perhaps  alluding  to  the  lights 
carried  before  caravans  in  nightly  travels 
through  deserts.  [Nov.]  4.  your;h  — iii., 
autumn;  the  time  of  the  ripe  fruits  of  my 
prosperity.    Applied  t5  youth,  as  the  Orien 


more  hurt,  and  tore  from  him  the  spoil, 
which  he  had  torn  from  others.  18.  I  said 
-In  my  heart  (Ps.  ;iO.  6.).  in  —  Eather. 
*'  With  my  nest : "  as  the  Seconal  clause  refers 
to  long  life.    Instead  of  my  family  dying 


talists  began  their  year  with  autumn,  the  before  me.  as  now,  I  shall  live  so  long  as  to 
most  temperate  season  in  the  E.  secret—  diewith  them  :  proverbial  for  long  li!e.  Job 
When  the  intimate  friendship  of  God  rested  did  realize  Ms  hope  (ch.  42.  16.).  Hov,•e^  er, 
on  my  tent  (Prov.  3.  .32;  Ps.  31.  20;  Gen.  18. 17; '  In  the  bosom  ofmy  family,  gives  a  good  seme. 
John,  15. 15.1.  Theifti&.oftenmeansadiwwUNum.  24.  21;  Obad.  4).  Use  "nest"  for  o 
for  deliheration.  6.  butter— Eather,  cream,  'secure  dwelling,  sand— 'Gen.  22.  17;  Ilab.  1. 
lit.,  thick  milk.  Wherever  I  turned  my  steps  9.i.  But  LXX.,  and  FWfir.,  and  Jewish  in- 
the  richest  milk  and  oil  flowed  in  to  me  terpreters,  favour  the  transl.,  "the  plitenix- 
abund.mtly.  Image  from  pastoral  life.  Li-  bud."  "Nest"  in  the  paallel  clg-use  sup- 
tcralwastdngof  the feetinmilkisnotmeant,  ports  the  reference  to  a  bird.  "Sand'  fox 
as  the  second  clause  shows  ;  Marg.  icith  me,  midtitude,  applies  to  men,  rather  than  to 
i.e.,  near  my  path,  wherever  X  walked  (Deu.  i  years.  The  laytli  was,  that  the  Phoenis 
.  373  . 


Jof-'s  Ho'>->OMr  turned 


JOB,  XXX, 


into  Extreme  Contempt, 


sprang-  from  a  uest  of  myrrh,  made  by  his 
faUier  btfore  death,  and  that  he  then  came 
from  Aralia  Job's  country)  to  Heliopohs 
(the  city  of  the  Sun)  in  Egypt,  once  in  every 
foo  years,  and  there  burnt  his  father. 
[Heeodot.  2.  73.]  Modern  research  has 
sh.own  that  this  was  the  Etryptian  mode  of  re- 
presenting hieroglyphically  aparticular  chro- 
nological era  or  cycle.  The  death  and  revival 
every  600  jears.  and  the  reference  to  the 
s^in  implies  such  a  grand  cycle  commencing 
afresh  from  the  same  point  in  relation  to 
the  sun,  from  which  the  previous  one 
started.  Job  probably  refers  to  this.  19. 
Lit-,  opened  to  the  waters.  Opposed  to  ch. 
IS.  16.  Vigorous  health.  20.  My  renown, 
like  my  bodily  health,  was  continually 
f  csh.  bow— iffetaphor  from  war,  for.  My 
strength,  which  gains  me  "renown,"  was 
ever  renewed  iJer.  49.  35.).  21.  Job  reverts 
with  peculiar  pleasure  to  his  former  dignity 
in  assemblies  (v.  7-10.).  22.  not  ag?.in— Did 
not  contradict  me.  dropped— Affected  their 
minds,  as  the  genial  raiu  does  the  soil  on 
wliich  it  gently  drops  (Amos,  7.  16  ;  Deu.  32. 
2;  Song,  4.  11.).  23.  Image  of  v.  22  continued. 
O-'hey  waited  for  my  salutary  counsel,  as  the 
dry  soil  does  for  the  refreshing  rain,  opened 
.  .  .  mouth -Pan^d /or;  Oriental  image  (Ps. 
119.  131.).  The  "early  rain"  is  in  autumn 
and  onwards,  while  the  seed  is  being  .'■own. 
The  "latter  rain"  is  in  March,  and  brings 
forward  the  harvest,  which  ripens  in  May  or 
Jr,ne.  Betv.een  the  early  and  latter  rains, 
some  rain  falls,  but  not  in  such  quantities  as 
those  rains.  Between  March  and  October 
no  rain  falls  (Deu.  11.  14  ;  James  6.  7.).  24. 
When  I  relaxed  from  my  wonted  gravity  (a 
virtue  much  esteemed  in  the  E.)  and  smiled, 
they  could  hardly  credit  it,  and  yet,  not- 
withstanding my  condescension  they  did  not 
cast  aside  reverence  for  my  gravity.  But 
the  parallelism  is  better  in  Umbr.'s  transl., 
*'I  milled  kindly  on  those  who  trusted  not," 
i.e.,  in  times  of  danger  I  cheered  those  in 
despondency.  "  And  they  could  not  cast 
down  (by  their  despondency)  my  serenity  of 
countenance"  (flowing  from  trust  in  God, 
(Prov.  16.  15;  Ps.  104.  15.)  The  opposite 
phrase  (Gen.  4.  5,  6.).  "Gravity"  cannot 
well  be  meant  by  "light  of  countenance." 
25.  I  cluse.  .  .their  way  — i.e.,  I  willingly 
went  up  to  their  assembly  (from  my  country 
residence,  v.  7.).  in  .  .  .  army— As  a  king 
supreme  in  the  midst  of  his  army,  comfort- 
eih  .  .  .  mourners- Here  again  Job  uncon- 
sciously foreshadows  Jesus  Christ  (Isa.  61. 
2  3.1.  Jt)b's  afflictions,  as  those  of  Jesus 
Christ,  were  fitting  him  for  the  office  here- 
after (Isa.  60.  4  ;  Heb.  2.  IS.).  _ 
CHAPTER  XXX. 
Ver.  1-31.  1.  younger— Kot  the  three  friends 
(ch.  15.  10  ;  31.  4,  6,  7.).  A  general  descrip- 
tion ;  1-8,  the  lowness  of  the  persons  who 
derided  him ;  9-15,  the  derision  itself. 
Formerly  old  men  rose  to  me  (ch.  29.  8.). 
Isow  not  only  nw  juniors,  who  are  bound  to 
reverence  me  (Lev.  19.  .';2,),  but  even  the 
mean  and  hase-horn  actually  deride  me: 
oppcsed  to,  "  smiled  upon  "(ch.  29.  24.).  This 
goes  lartJier  than  even  the  "mockery"  of 
Job  by  relations  and  friends  (ch.  12.  4 ;  16. 
10,  20 ;  17.  2,  6  ;  19.  22.).  Orientals  feel  keenly 
any  indignity  shown  by  the  young.  Job 
si>eaks  as  a  rich  Arabian  emir,  proud  of  his 
descent,  dogs— Regarded  with  disgust  in 
the  E.  as  unclean  (i  Sam.  17.  43 ;  frov.  26. 
°.73  [ij 


11.).  They  are  not  allowed  to  enter  a  hou.se, 
but  run  about  wild  in  the  open  air,  living  on 
offal  and  chance  morsels  (Ps.  59. 14, 16.).  Here 
again  we  are  reminded  of  Jesus  Christ  (Ps.  22. 
16.).  Their  fathers,  my  co-evals,  were  so 
mean  and  famished  that  I  would  not  have 
associated  them  with  (not  to  say,  set  them 
over)  my  dogs  in  guarding  my  flock."  2.  If 
their  fathers;  could  be  of  no  pro  ft  to  me, 
much  less  the  sons,  who  are  feebler  than 
their  sires  :  and  in  whose  case  the  hope  of 
attaining  old  age  is  utterly  gone,  so  puny  are 
they  (ch.  5.  i6.).  []\'Iauk.]  Even  if  they  had 
"  strength  of  hands,"  that  could  be  now  of 
no  use  to  me,  as  all  1  want  in  my  i^resent 
affliction  is  sympathy.  3.  solitary— Zyii.,  hard 
as  a  rock ;  so  transl.  rather,  dried  up,  ema- 
ciated with  hunger.  Job  describes  the 
rudest  race  of  Bedouins  of  the  desert. 
[Umbr.1  fl°eing-So  LXX.  Better,  as  S]/n, 
Arab,  and  Vulg.,  "g^iav^ers  of  the  wilder- 
ness." What  they  gnaw,  follows  in  v.  4.  iu 
former  time— Lit.,  the  "  yesternight  of  de>ola,- 
tion  and  waste"  (the  most  utter  desolation : 
Ezek.  6.  14,);  i.e.,  those  deserts  frightful  as 
niuht  to  man  and  even  there /rom  time  im- 
wer?)  orial.  I  think  both  ideas  are  in  the  word 
darkness  [Ges.]  and  antiquity  [Umbr.]  ilsa. 
30.  33.,  Marg.).  4.maIlows— Bather,  sa^^n•ort. 
winch  grows  in  deserts  and  is  eaten  as  a  salad 
by  the  poor.  [Maur.]  by  the  lushes— Among 
the  bushes,  juniper  —  Bather,  a  kind  of 
broom,  spartnim'  junceum  [Linn.],  still 
called  in  Arabia,  as  in  the  Heb,  of  Job, 
Retem,  of  wliich  the  bitter  roots  are  eaten 
by  the  poor.  5.  thej  cried— i.e.,  a  cry  is 
raised,  &c.  Expressing  the  contempt  felt 
for  this  race  by  civilized  and  well-born 
Arabs.  When  these  wild  vagabonds  make 
an  incursion  on  villages,  they  are  driven 
avvav,  as  thieves  would  be.  6.  They  are 
lorced  "  to  dwell."  '  clifis  of  valleys— Bather, 
"in  the  gloomy  (Zi*.,  gioom  of)  valleys,"  or 
ivadvs.  To  dwell  in  valleys,  is,  in  the  E.,  a 
m.ark  of  wretchedness.  The  Troglodytes,  in 
parts  of  Arabia,  lived  in  such  dv  ellings  as 
caveSj^&c.  7.  brayed— Like  the  w  ild  ass  (ch. 
0.  6,)  f^r  food.  The  inarticulate  tones  of  this 
uncivilized  rabble  are  but  little  above  those 
of  the  beast  of  the  field,  gathered  together 
—Bather,  sprinkled  here  and  there.  Lit., 
poured  out,  graphically  picturing  their  dis- 
orderly mode  01  encampment,  lying  up  and 
down  behind  the  thorn-bushes,  nettles— Or 
brambles.  [Umbr.!  8.  tools— i.e.,  the  im- 
pious and  abandoned  (1  Sam.  26.  25.).  base 
—  Nameless,  low-born  rabble,  viler  than, 
(fee— Bather,  they  were  driven  or  beaten  out 
of  the  land.  The  Horites  in  Mount  Seir 
(Gen.  14.6,  with  which  cf.  Gen.  36. 20, 21 ;  Deut. 
2.  12,  22,)  were  probably  the  abor  gines, 
driven  out  by  the  tribe  to  which  Job's  an- 
cestors belonged  ;  their  name  means  IVoglo- 
dytae.  or  diodlers  in  caves.  To  these  Job 
alludes  here,  v.  1-8.  and  Gen.  24. 4-8,  which  cf. 
together.  9.  (ch.  17.  6.).  Strikingly  similar 
to  the  derision  Jesus  Christ  underwent 
(Lam.  3. 14 ;  Ps.  69. 12.).  Here  Job  returning 
to  the  sentiment  in  v.  1.  It  is  to  such  I  am 
become  a  song  of  "  derision."  10.  m  my  face 
—Rather,  refrain  not  to  spit  (in  deliberate 
contempt'  before  my  face.  To  spit  at  all  in 
presence  of  another  is  thought  in  the  E.  in- 
sulting, much  more  when  done  to  mark  "ab- 
horrence." Cf.  the  further  insult  to  Jesus 
Christ  (Isa.  50.  6;  Matt.  26.  07.).  11.  He.  i.e., 
God :  antithetical  to  tftey,  E.V.,  here  followg 


J'oVs  Prosperity  is  turned 


JOB.  XXSL 


Into  CaTainUyt 

the  marginal  reading  (Keri)  "My  cord  ;"| deliverance,  death  — as  in  ch.  28.  22,  the 
Image  from  a  bow  unstrung  ;  opposed  to  ch.  |  realm  of  the  dead  (Heb.  9.  27;  (Jen.  3. 19.). 
29.  20.  The  text  (Chetib;  "His  cord,"  or  1 24.  Expressing  Job's  faith  as  to  the  state 
"  reins,"  js  better :  "yea,  each  lets  loose  his  |  after  death,  Tl  lugh  one  must  go  to  the 
reins." 
brood. 


Umbr.]    12.  youth— Rather,  a  (low)  |  grave,  yet  He  will  no  more  afflict  in  the  ruin 

0  rise  on  the  right  hand  is  to  accuse,  \  of  the  body  (so  Heb.  for  grave. :  there,  if  one 

as  that  was  the  ijosition  of  the  accuser  in  1  has   cried  to  Him  when  being  destroyed 


"  JUm 
.  Tori 


court  (Zech.3. 1;  Ps.  lo9.  6.).  push  .  .  .  feet 
—Jostle  me  out  of  the  way  ich.  24.  4.).  ways 
of— i.e.,  their  ways  of  (i.e.,  with  a  view  to  my) 
destruction.  Image,  as  in  ch.  19, 12,  from  a 
besieaing  army  throwing  up  a  way  of  ap 


Ihe  "  stretching  of  His  hand  \  to  punish 
after  death,  answers  antithetically  to  the 
raising  "the  cry"  of  prayer  in  the  second 
clause.  Maur.  gives  another  transl.  which 
accords  with  the  scope  of  v.  24-31 ;  if  it  be 


proacb  for  itself  to  a  city.    13.  Image  of  an  natural  for  one  in  iiffliction  to  ask  aid,  why 


assailed  fortress  continued.  Tlaey  tear  up 
the  path,  by  which  succour  might  reach  me. 
set  forward— (Zech.  1. 15.).  they  have  no  helper 
—Arabic  proverb  for  contemijtible  persons. 
Yet  even  such  afflict  Job.  14.  waters— iSo  2 
Sam.  5.  20.).  But  it  is  better  to  retain  the 
image  of  «.  12,13.    "They  came  ;upon  me) 


should  it  be  considered  (by  the  friends) 
wrong  in  my  case?  "Nevertheless  does  not 
a  man  in  ruin  stretch  out  his  hand"  (implor- 
ing help,  V.  20 ;  Lam.  1.  17.)  ?  If  one  be  in  his 
calamity  (destruction)  is  there  not  therefore 
a  "cry"  (for  aid.)?  Thus  in  the  parallelism 
cry"  answers  to  "stretch— hand;"  "in  his 


as  through  a  wide  breach,"  viz. .  made  by  the  j  calamity,"  to  "  in  ruin."    The  iiegative  of  the 


besiegers  in  the  wall  of  a  fortress  fisa.  30,  13, 
[Maur.]  iathe(lesolation--"Amidstthe  crash" 
of  falling  masonry:  or  "with  a  shout  like  the 
crash"  of,  &c.    15.   they— Terrors,     soul  — 
Bather,   my  dignity.     [Umkr.]    welfare  — 
Prosperity,    cloud— ch.  7.  9;  Isa.  44.  22.).   16- 
23.  Job's  outward  calamities  affect  his  mind, 
poured  out--In  irrepressible  complaints  tPs.  42. 
4;  Josh.  7.  5.).   17.  In  the  Heb.,  night  is  poeti- 
cally personified,  as  ch.  3.  3  :  "  night  pierceth 
jny  bones,  so  that  they  faU)  from  me  "  (not 
as  E.V.,  "in  me,")  see  v.  30.    sinews— So  the 
Arabic,  veins,  akin   to  the  Heb.;   rather, 
gnawers,  as  in  v.  3  (Note,),  viz.,  mv  gnawing 
pains  never  cease.    Effects  of  elephantiasis. 
18.  of  my  disease— Rather,  "of  God"  (ch.  23. 
B.).    garment  changed— From  a  robe  of  hon- 
our to  one  of  mourning,  literally  (ch.  2.  8; 
Jon.  3.  6,)  and  metaphorically.   [Umbr.]  Or 
rather,  as  Sch.,  following  up  v.  17,  My  outer 
garment  is  changed  into  affliction;  i.e.,  af- 
fliction has  become  my  outer  garment.,  it 
also  bindeth  me  fast  round  (my  throat)  as 
the  collar  of  the  inner  coat;  i.e.,  it  is  both 
xny  inner  and  outer  garment.    Observe  the 
tiistinction  between  the  inner  and  outer  gar- 
anents.     The  latter  refers  to  his  afflictions 
from  without,  (v.  1-13,) :  the  former  his  per- 
sonal afflictions  (v.  14-23.).     Umbr.  makes 
""God"  subject  to  "bindeth,"  as  in  v.  19.  19. 
God  is  poetically  said  to  do  that,  which  the 
mourner  had  done  to  himself  (ch.  2.  8.). 
"With  lying  in  the  ashes  he  had  become,  like 
them,  in  dirty  colour.     20.  stand  up— The 
reverential  attitude  of  a  suppliant  before  a 
king  (1  Ki.  8. 14;  Luke.  18.  11-] 3.).    not— Sup- 
plied from  the  first  clause.    But  the  inter- 
vening affirmative  "stand"  makes  this  el- 
lipsis unlikely.     Rather,  as  ch.  16.  9  (not 
only  dost  thou  refuse  aid  to  me  "  standing" 
as  a  suppliant,  but)  thou  dost  regard  me  with 
afroxon:  eye  me  sternly.    22.  lifcest  ...  to 
wind— As  a  "  leaf,"  or  "stubble"  (ch.  13.  25.). 
The  moving  pillars  ofisand,  raised  by  the 
■wind  to  the  clouds,  as  described  by  travel- 
lers, would  happily  depict  Job's  agitated 
spirit,  if  it  be  to  them  that  he  alludes,    dis- 
solvest  .  .  .  substance— The  mara.  Heb.  read- 
ing iKeri,):  "mywealth,"orelse  "wisdom," 
i.e.,  sense  and  spirit;  or  "my  hope  of  de- 
liverance."   But  the  text  (Chetib)  is  better. 
Thou  dissolvest  me  (with  fear,  Ex.  15.  15,)  in 
ihe  crash  (of  the  whirlwind  ;  as  v.  14,  Note.:. 
[Maur.].     Umbr.  transl.  as  a  verb,  "  Thou 
lerripest  me."    23.  This  shows  ch.  19.  25  can- 
not be  reetricted  to  Job's  hope  of  a  temporai 
373   t2i 


first  clause,  is  to  be  supplied  in  the  second, 
as  in  V.  25  ;ch.  28. 17.).  25.  May  1  not  be  al- 
lowed to  complain  of  my  calamity,  and  beg 
relief,  seeing  that  I  myself  sympathized  with 
those  "in  trouble"  {lit.,hardofday-  those  who 
had_a  hard  time  ot  it.).  26. 1  maybe  allowed 
to  crave  help,  seeing  that,  "when  I  looked 
for  good  (onaccount  of  my  piety  and  charity), 
yet  evil,"  <fcc.  liglit— (ch.  22.  28.).  27.  bowels 
—Regarded  as  the  seat  of  deep  feeling  (Isa. 
16.  11.).  boiled— Violently  heated  and  agita- 
ted, prevented— Old  English  for  unexpectedly 
came  upon  me,  surprised  me.  28.  mourning 
—Rather,  I  move  about  blackened,  though 
not  by  the  sun ;  i.e.,  whereas  many  are  black- 
ened by  the  sun,  I  am,  by  the  heat  of  God's 
wrath  (so  "boiled,"  v.  27,J;  the  elephantiasis 
covering  me  with  blackness  of  skin  [v.  30,),  as 
with  the  garb  of  mourning  (Jer.  14.  2.).  This 
striking  enigmatic  form  of  Heb.  expres- 
sion occurs,  Isa  29.  9.  stood  up— As  an  inno- 
cent man  crying  for  justice  in  an  assembled 
court  [V.  20.).  29.  dragons  .  .  .  owls— Rather, 
jackals,  ostriclus,  both  of  which  utter  dismal 
screams  (Mic.  1. 8,)  ;in  which  respect,  as  also  in 
their  living  amidst  solitudes,  the  emblem  of 
desolation.  Job  is  their  brother  and  com- 
panion, i.e.,  resembles  them.  "Dragon," 
Heb.,  Tannim,  usually  means  the  crocodile ; 
so  perhaps  here,  its  open  jaws  lifted  towards 
heaven,  and  its  noise  making  it  seem  as  if  it 
mourned  over  its  fate.  [Bo.]  30.  upon  me 
—Rather,  as  in  17  (Note),  my  skin  is  black 
(and  falls  away)  from  me.  my  bones- {ch.  19. 
20;  Ps.  102.  6.).  31.  orgau— Rather,  pipe  (ch. 
21.  12,);  "My  joy  is  turned  into  the  voice  of 
weeping"  (Lam.  6.  15.).  These  instruments 
are  properly  appropriated  to  joy  (Isa.  30.  29, 
32,),  which  makes  their  use  now  in  sorrow  the 
sadder  by  contrast. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 
Ver.  1-40.  1.  Job  proceeds  to  prove,  that 
he  deserved  a  better  lot.  As  in  ch.  29.,  he 
showed  his  uprightness  as  an  Emir,  or  ma- 
gistrate, in  public  life,  so  in  this  chapter  he 
vmdicates  his  character  in  private  life.  14. 
He  asserts  his  guarding  against  being  allur- 
ed to  sin  by  his  senses.  1.  think— Rather, 
cast  a  (lustful)  look.  He  not  merely  did  not 
so,  but  put  it  out  of  the  question  by  coven- 
anting with  his  eyes  against  leading  him  into 
temptation  (Prov.  6.  25;  Matt.  5.  28.).  2.  Had 
I  let  my  senses  tempt  me  to  sin,  "  what  por- 
tion would  there  have  been  to  me,  i.e.,  mnst 
I  have  expected)  from  (lit.  of)  God  above. 
and  what  inheritance  from  {lit.  of)  ILeAl- 


J'db  deplores  Us  caXamitles, 


JOB,  XXXL 


Job  protests  his  integrity. 


10  They  abhor  me,  they  flee  far  from  me, 
9  and  spare  not  "  to  spit  in  my  face. 

11  Because  he  *  hath  loosed  my  cord,  and 
afflicted  me,  they  have  also  let  loose  the 
bridle  before  me. 

12  Upon  my  right  hand  rise  the  youth; 
they  push  aV\-av  my  feet,  and  '  they  raise 
op  ag-^in8t  uje  the  ways  of  their  des  traction. 

13  They  mfer  my  path,  they  set  forward 
my  calamity,  they  have  no  helper. 

14  They  came  upon  «ie  as  a  wide  breaking 
in  of  waters:  in  the  desolation  they  rolled 
themselves  upon  me. 

15  Terrors  are  turned  upon  me:  they  pur- 
sue 7  my  soul  as  the  wind;  and  my  welfare 
passeth  away  as  a  cloud. 

16  And  now  my  soul  is  poured  out  upon 
me ;  the  days  of  affliction  have  taken  hold 
upon  me. 

17  My  bones  are  pierced  in  me  in  the  night 
season;  and  my  sinews  take  no  rest. 

18  By  the  great  force  o/  my  disease  is  my 
garment  changed:  it  bmdeth  me  about  as 
clie  collar  of  my  coat. 

19  He  hath  cast  me  into  the  mire,  and  I 
am  become  like  dust  and  ashes. 

20  I  cry  unto  thee,  and  thou  dost  not  hear 
me:  I  stand  up,  and  thou  regardest  me 
not. 

21  Thou  art  8  become  cruel  to  me:  with 
e  thy  strong  hand  thou  opposest  thyself 
against  me. 

'II  Thou  liftest  me  up  to  the  wind;  thou 
causest  me  to  ride  upon  it,  and  dissolvest 
my  10  substance. 

23  For  I  know  that  thou  wilt  bring  me  to 
death,  and  to  the  house  appointed  for  aJl 
living. 

24  Howbeit  he  will  not  stretch  out  his 
hand  to  the  u  grave,  though  they  cry  in  his 
destruction. 

25  Did  <*  not  I  weep  12  for  him  that  was  in 
trouble?  was  not  my  soul  is  grieved  for  the 
poor? 

26  When  •  I  looked  for  good,  then  evil 
came  unto  me;  and  when  I  waited  for  light, 
there  came  darkness. 

27  My  bowels  boiled,  and  rested  not;  the 
days  of  affliction  prevented  me. 

.28  I  went  mourning  without  the  sun :  I 
stood  up,  and  I  crieof  in  the  congregation. 

29  I  am  a  brother  to  dragons,  and  a  com- 
panion to  1*  owls. 

30  My  skin  is  black  upon  me,  and  my 
bones  are  burnt  with  heat. 

31  My  harp  also  is  turned  to  mourning, 
and  my  organ  into  the  voice  of  them  that 
weep. 

CHAPTER  XXXI, 
Job's  lolemn  protestation  of  his  integritt/. 

T  MADE  a  covenant  mth  mine  "  eyes ;  why 
■*-  then  should  1  think  upon  ft  maid? 

2  For  what  portion  of  God  is  tliere  from 
above?  and  what  inheritance  of  the  Al- 
mighty from  on  high? 

3  Is  not  destruction  to  the  wicked?  and  a 
strange  punishment  to  the  workers  of  iu- 
i(iuity? 

4  Doth  6  not  he  Bee  my  ways,  and  count 
all  my  steps? 

5  If  I  have  walked  with  vanity,  or  if  my 
foot  hath  hasted  to  deceit; 

6  1  Let  me  be  weighed  in  an  even  balance, 
that  God  may  know  mine  integrity. 

7  If  my  step  hath  turned  out  of  the  way, 
and  "  nime  heart  walked  after  mine  eyes, 
and  if  any  blot  hath  cleaved  to  mine 
hands; 

87« 


CHAP.  ao. 

B  and  with- 


o  Mat.  26. 67. 

6  ch.  IS.  18. 
e  ch.  19.  12. 

7  mv  princi- 
pal one. 

8  turned  to 
be  cruel. 

9  the 
strength  of 
thj  hand. 

10  Or, 
wisdom. 

11  heap. 

d  Ko.  12. 16. 

12  for  bim 
that  TTU 
bu-dof 
day. 

13  burned. 

2  Cor.  11. 

29. 
»  Jer.  8.  16. 
UOr, 

ottricbei. 


CHAP.  31. 

a  ilat.  6.  28. 
62Chr.l6.9. 

ch.  B4.  21. 

ProT.  5.  21. 

ProT.  16.  3. 

Jer.  32.  19. 

1  let  bim 
weigh  ms 
in  balance! 
of  justice. 

e  Nu.  15.  39. 
Hat.  6.  29. 

d  ch.  31.  19 
Pro  14.  B) 
Pro.  22.  i: 
Mai.  2.  lu 

2  Or,  did  he 
not  fashion 


8  Then  let  me  sow,  and  let  another  eat; 
yea,  let  my  otTspring  be  rooted  out. 

9  If  mine  heart  have  been  deceived  by  a 
woman,  or  if  1  have  laid  wait  at  my  neigh- 
bour's door; 

10  Then  let  my  wife  grind  tmto  another, 
and  let  others  bow  down  upon  her. 

11  For  this  is  an  heinous  crime ;  yea,  it  is 
an  iniquity  to  he  punished  by  the  judges. 

12  For  it  is  a  fire  that  consumeth  to  de- 
struction, and  would  root  out  all  mine 
increase. 

13  If  I  did  despise  the  cause  of  my  man- 
sen-ant,  or  of  my  maid-servant,  when  they 
contended  with  me: 

14  What  then  shall  I  do  when  God  riseth 
up?  and  when  he  visiteth,  what  shall  I 
answer  him? 

15  Did  <*  not  he  that  made  me  in  the  womb 
make  him?  an^  ^  did  not  one  fashion  us  in 
the  womb? 

16  If  I  have  withheld  the  poor  from  their 
desire,  or  have  caused  the  eyes  of  the  widow 
to  fail: 

17  Or  have  eaten  my  morsel  myself  alone, 
and  the  fatherless  hath  not  eaten  thereof; 

18  (For  from  my  youth  he  was  brought  up 
with  me,  as  with  a  father,  and  I  have  guidea 
3  her  from  my  mother's  womb ;) 

19  If  I  have  seen  any  perish-  for  want  of 
clothmg,  or  any  poor  without  covering; 

20  If  his  loins  have  not  blessed  me,  and  ij 
he  were  not  warmed  with  the  fleece  of  mj 
sheep; 

21  If  I  have  lifted  up  my  hand  against  th« 
fatherless,  when  I  saw  my  help  in  the 
gate; 

22  Then  let  mine  arm  fall  from  my 
shoulder  blade,  and  mine  arm  be  broken 
from  *  the  bone. 

23  For  destruction /rom  God  was  a  terror 
to  me,  and  by  reason  of  his  highness  1  could 
not  endure. 

24  If  I  have  made  gold  my  hope,  or  have 
said  to  the  fine  gold.  Thou  art  my  confi. 
dence ; 

25  If  I  rejoiced  because  my  wealth  was 
great,  and  because  mine  hand  had  6  gotten 
much; 

If  •  I  beheld  6  the  sun  when  it  shined. 


or  the  moon  walking  tin  brightness; 

,   or  8"  my  m 

hand 


27  And  my  heart  "hath  been  secretly  en- 
8  my  mouth  hath  kissed  my 


ticed. 


28  This  also  were  an  iniquityto  he  punished 
hy  the  judge:  for /I  should  have  denied  the 
God  that  is  above. 

29  If  I  rejoiced  at  the  destruction  of  bim 
that  hated  me,  or  lifted  up  myself  when  evil 
found  him; 

30  Neither  ^  have  I  suffered  9  my  mouth  to 
sin  by  wishing  a  curse  to  his  soul ; 

31  If  the  men  of  my  tabernacle  said  not. 
Oh  that  we  had  of  ms  flesh!  we  cannot  be 
satisfied; 

32  The  ft  stranger  did  not  lodge  in  the 
street:  but  1  opened  my  doors  loto  the 
traveller; 

33  If  I  covered  my  transgressions  n  aa 
Adam,  by  hiding  mine  iniquity  in  my 
bosom: 

34  Did  I  fear  a  ^eat  multitude,  or  did  the 
contempt  of  families  terrify  me,  that  I  kept 
silence,  and  went  not  out  of  the  door? 

35  Oh  that  one  would  hear  me!  12  behold, 
my  desire  is,  that  the  Almighty  would  an- 
swer  me,  and  that  mine  advdtsary  had 
written  a  book; 


JoVs  Protesfation 


SOB.JLXKL 


of  his  Integrttv* 


mighty,"  <fec.  [Maur.  ',  (ch.  20.  29;  27. 13.).  3.  ror  from  God  mi^ht  have  befallen  me  'had  1 
Answer  to  the  question  in  v.  2.  strange—  done  so) :  mere  /ear  not  being  the  motive, 
extruordinarv.  4.  Doth  not  He  see,  fcc?  highness— majestic  might,  endure— I  could 
Knowing  this.  I  could  only  have  expected  have  availed  nothing  against  it.  24,  25.  Job 
"destruction"  {v.  3,),  had  I  committed  ihis  asserts  his  freedom  Iroin  trust  in  money  (I 
sin  {Prov.  5,  21.i.  5.  Job's  abstinence  from  lim.  6.  17.).  Here  he  turns  to  his  duty  to- 
evil  deeds,  vrnity— 1\«.,  falsehood  (Ps.l2.2.i.  wards  God,  as  before  he  had  spoken  of  his 
6.  Parenthetical.  Transl.,  "O  that  (iod  duty  towards  himself,  and  his  neifihbour. 
would  weigh  me,  hc.Jken  would  He  know,"  Covetousness  is  covert  idolatry,  as  it  trans- 
Arc.  7.  Connected  with  v.  6.  the  v/ay— of  fers  the  heart  from  the  Creator  to  the  crea- 
God  (ch.  2:j.  11;  Jer.  5.  5.).  A  godly  life,  ture  (Col.  3.  5.).  In  v.  26,  27,  he  passes  to 
heart .  .  .  after .  .  .  eyes— If  my  heart  coveted,  i  overt  idolatry.  26.  If  I  looked  unto  the  Sun 
what  my  eyes  beheld  (Eccl.  ii.  9;  Josh.  7. 21.). !  (as  an  object  of  wor-ship).  because  he  shined; 
hands— (Ps.  24.  4.).  8.  Apodosis  to  V.  5  and  7;  or  to  the  Moon  because  she  walked,  &c. 
the  cixrses  which  he  imprecates  on  him  .self,  Sabaism  (from  tsaba,  the  heavenly  hosts) 
if  he  had  done  these  things  (Lev.26.16;  Amos,  was  the  earUest  form  of  false  worship.  God 
9.  14  :  Ps.  128.  2.).  cffspring— Eather.  %vhut  I  is  hence  called  in  contradistinction  "Lord 
-plant,  my  harvests.  9-12.  Job  asserts  his  ofSabaoth."  The  sun,  moon,  and  stars,  the 
innocence  of  adultery,  deceived— hath  let  briglitest  objects  in  nature,  and  seen  every- 
itself  be  seduced  ,Prov.  7.  8,  &c. ;  Gen.  39.  where,  were  suppo-ed  to  be  visible  repre- 
7-12.).  laid  wait— until  the  husband  went  sentatives  of  the  invisible  (vod.  They  had 
out.  10.  grind— turn  the  handmill.  Be  the  no  temples,  but  were  worshipped  on  high 
most  abject  slave  and  concubine  (Isa.  47.  2;  places  and  roofs  of  houses  (Ezek.  8. 16;  Deut. 
2  Sam.  12.  11.).  11.  In  the  earliest  times  4.19;  2  Ki.  23.  5, 11.).  The  if t*.  here  for  "sun" 
punished  with  death  (Gen.  38.  24.1.  ^o  in  i?,  light.  Probably  %/it  was  worshipped  as 
later  times  Deut.  22.  22.).  Heretofore  he  (the  emanation  from  God,  before  its  embo- 
had  spoken  only  of  sins  against  conscience;;  diments,  the  sun,  &c.  This  worship  pre- 
now,  one  against  the  community,  needing  vailed  in  Chaldea;  wherefore  Job's  exemp- 
the  cognizance  of  the  judge.  12.  (Prov.  6.  j  tion  from  tlie  idolatry  of  his  neighbours  was 
27-35;  8.  6-2o,  26,  27.).  Iv'o  crime  more  pro- 1  the  more  exemplary.  Our  "' Sun-day,  Mon- 
vokesGod  Xo  sienA  desiniction  as  a  consum-  d&y"  or  Moon-day,  bear  traces  of  Sabaism. 
ing  fire,  none  so  desolates  the  soul.  13-23,  27.  enticed— away  from  God  to  idolatry. 
Job  affirms  his  freedom  from  imfairness  to-|  kissed  .  . .  hznd.— Adoration,  lit.,  means  this. 
v.ards  Iris  servants;  from  harshness  and  op-  In  worshipping  they  used  to  kiss  the  hand, 
pression  towards  the  needy,  despise  the  cause  ;  and  then  throw  the  kiss,  as  it  were,  towards 
—refused  to  do  them  justice.  14, 15.  Paren- ,  the  object  of  worship  (l  Ki.  19. 18;  Hos.  13.2.). 
tlietical;  the  reason  why  Job  did  not  despise ,  28.  The  Mosaic  law  embodied  subsequently 
the  cause  of  his  servants.'  7 ratiil,  What  i  the  feeling  of  the  godly  from  the  earliest 
then  (had  I  done  so)  could  I  have  done,  when  |  times  against  idolatry,  as  deserving  judicial 
God  arose  (to  call  me  to  account) ;  and  when ;  penalties:  being  treason  against  the  Supreme 
He  visited  (came  to  enquire  ,  what  could  I  King  (Deut.  13.  9;  17.  2-7;  Ezek.  8.  14-18.). 
have  answered  Him?  15.  Slaveholders  try  to  i  This  passage  therefore  does  not  prove  Job  to 
defend  themselves  by  maintaining  the  orini- ;  have  been  subsequent  to  Moses.  29.  lifted 
nal  inferiority  of  the  slave.  But  (Mai.  2.  10;  up  myself— in  malicious  triumph  (Prov.  17. 
Acts, 17.26;  Eph.6.9,)  make  the  common  origin !  6  ;  24. 17 ;  Ps.  7.  4.)_  30.  mouth— 2ii.,  palate; 
of  mastersandservantstheargumentforbro- 1  ch.  6.  30,  Note.)  wishing— ttt.,*' so  as  to  de- 
therly  love  being  shown  by  the  former  to  the  mand  his  (my  enemy's)  soui,  i.e.,  life  by  a 
latter.  16.  to  fail— in  the  vain  expectation  1  curse."  This  verse  parenthetically  confirms 
of  relief  ch.  11.  20.).    17.  Arabian  rules  oi\v.  30.    Job  in  the  patriarchal  age  of  the  pro- 


mise, anterior  to  the  law,  realizes  the  Gos- 
pel Spirit,  which  was  the  end  of  the  law  (cf. 
Lev.  19.  18;  Deut.  23.  6,  with  Matt.  6.  43,  44.). 
31.  i.e..  Job's  household  said,  O  that  we  had 
Job's  enemy  to  devour,  we  cannot  rest  satis- 
(see  ch.  29.16.).  |  fied  till  we  have !  But  Job  refrained  from 
sh  (ch.  29.  13.).  even  wishing  revenge  (1  Sam.  26.  8  ;  2  Sam. 


hospitality  require  the  stranger  to  be  helped 
first,  and  to  the  best.  18.  Parenthetical : 
asserting  that  he  did  the  contrary  to  the 
things  in  v.  16, 17.  he— the  orphan,  guided 
her— viz.,  the  widow,  by  advice  and  protec- 
tion.   On  this  and  "a father"  '        '  ' 

19.  perish— i.e.,  ready  to  perisl 

20.  loins— the  parts  of  the  body,  benefitted  by  '  16.  9,  10.).  So  Jesus  Christ  (Lu.  9.  54,  55.;. 
Job.  are  poeticahy  described  as  thanking  i  But,  better  (see  v.  32.)  <ransJ..  "Who  can 
him.  the  loins  before  naked,  when  clad  by  show  {lit.,  give)  the  man  who  was  not  satis- 
me,  wi.shed  me  every  blessiug.  21.  "  When  fied  with  the  flesh  (meat)  provided  by  Job?"* 
(i.e.,  becausei  I  saw,**  that  I  might  calculate  ,  He  never  let  a  p<jpr  man  leave  his  gate  with- 
on  the  "help"  of  a  powerfvl  party  in  the  j  out  giving  him  enough  to  eat.  32.  traveller 
court  of  justice— ("gate"),  if  I. should  be  sum-  —lit.  way,  i.e.,  wayfarers;  so  expressed  to  in- 
moned  by  the  injured  fatherless.  22.  Apo-lclude  all  of  every  kind  i2  Sam.  12.  4.).  33. 
dosis  to  vs.  13, 16, 17, 19,  20,  21.  If  1  had  done  I  Ad&m— Transl.  by  Umbk.  "as  men  do"  (Hoa. 
those  crimes,  I  should  have  made  a  bad  use  6.  7,  where  see  Marg.).  But  E.  V.  is  more 
of  my  influence  (my  arm. /irmm(wcJ!/,i;.  21.):  natural.  The  very  same  word  for  "hiding" 
therefore,  if  I  have  done  them  let  my  arm  is  used  in  Gen.  3. 8, 10.  of  Adam  hiding  him- 
(literaUy)  suffer.  Job  alludes  to  Eliphaz's :  sell  from  God.  Job  elsewhere  alludes  to 
charge  ,ch.  22. 9.\  The  first  "arm"  is  rather  the  flood.  So  he  might  easily  know  of  the 
""  ■      "         fall,  through  the  two  links  which  connect 


the  shoulder.  The  second  "  arm  "  is  the  fore- 
arm, from  the  hone— Lit.  a  reed :  hence  the 
upper  arm.  above  the  elbow.  23.  For— i.e.. 
the  reason  why  Job  guarded  against  such 


Adam  and  Abraham  (about  Job's  time)  via, 
Methuselah,  and  Shem.  Adam  is  represei^ 
tative  of  fallen  man's  propensity  to  concealr 


pr 
sins.    Fear  of  'God,  though  he  could  escape  ment  (Prov.  28. 13.).    It  was  from  God  thai, 
man's  judgment  (Gen.  39.  9,)  Umbr.  more!  Job  did  not  "hide  his  iniquity  in  his  bo- 
spiiitedly  <rai!si.   Yea,  destruction  and  tef- 1  som,"  as  on  the  contrary  it  was  from  God 
174 


Elihu  rsproves  Ms  friends. 


JOB,  XXXII,  xxxm. 


and  reasons  vMU  Job, 


86  Siirely  I  would  take  it  upon  my 
shoulder,  and  bind  it  as  a  crown  to  me. 

37  1  would  declare  unto  him  the  number 
of  my  steps;  as  a  prince  would  I  go  near 
nntohim. 

38  If  my  land  cry  against  me,  or  that  the 
furrows  likewise  thereof  13  complain; 

39  If  I  have  eaten  n  the  fruits  thereof 
without  money.or  have  i6  caused  the  owners 
thereof  to  lose  theu'  life: 

40  Let  thistles  Rrow  instead  of  wheat,  and 
16  cockle  instead  of  bai'ley.  The  words  of 
Job  are  ended. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

1  Elihu  is  angry  with  Job  and  his  three  friends  s 

Whe  re-proves  them  for  not  satisfying  Job. 

CO  these  three  men  ceased  i  to  answer 
^  Job,  because  he  was  righteous  in  his 
own  eyes. 

2  Then  was  kindled  the  wrath  of  Elihu 
the  son  of  Barachel  *  the  Buzite^  of  the 
kin  dred  of  Ram ;  against  Job  was  his  wrath 
kindled,  because  ne  justified  2  himself 
rather  than  God. 

3  Also  against  his  three  friends  was  his 
wrath  kindled,  because  they  had  found  no 
answer,  and  yet  had  condemned  Job. 

4  Now  EUhu  had  8  waited  till  Job  had 
Bpoken,  because  they  were  *  elder  than 
he. 

5  When  Elihu  saw  that  there  was  no  an- 
swer in  the  mouth  of  these  three  men,  then 
his  wrath  was  kindled. 

6  And  Elihu  the  son  of  Barachel  the 
Buzite  answered  and  said,  I  am  6  youn^, 
and  ye  are  very  old ;  wherefore  I  was  afraid, 
and  *  durst  not  show  you  mine  opinion. 

7  I  said.  Days  should  speak,  and  multi- 
tude of  years  should  teacn  wisdom. 

8  But  there  is  a  spirit  in  man:  and  *  the 
Inspiration  of  the  Almighty  giveth  them 
tmaerstandiug. 

9  Great  men  are  not  aVways  wise;  neither 
do  the  aged  understand  judgment. 

10  Therefore  I  said.  Hearken  to  me;  I  also 
will  show  mine  opinion. 

11  Behold,  I  waited  for  your  words ;  I  gave 
ear  to  your  1  reasons,  whilst  ye  searched 
out  8  what  to  say. 

12  Yea,  I  attended  unto  you,  and,  behold, 
CAere  was  none  of  you  that  convinced  Job, 
or  that  answered  his  words: 

13  Lest  ye  should  say,  W  e  have  found  out 
wisdom:  God  thrusteth  him  down,  not 
man. 

14  Now  he  hath  not  e  directed  Ms  words 
against  me;  neither  wiU  I  answer  him  with 
your  speeches. 

15  They  were  amazed;  they  answered  no 
more;  lo  they  left  off  speaking. 

16  When  I  had  waited,  (foi^they  spake 
not,  but  stood  still,  and  answered  no 
more,) 

17  I  said,  I  will  answer  also  my  part;  I 
also  will  show  mine  opinion. 

18  For  I  am  foil  of  ii  matter;  12  the  spirit 
within  me  constraineth  me. 

19  Behold,  my  belly  is  as  wine  which 
13  hath  no  vent;  it  is  ready  to  burst  like 
new  bottles. 

20 1  will  speak,  that  I  may  i*  be  refreshed: 
I  will  open  my  lips  and  answer. 

21  Let  me  not,  I  pray  you,  accept  any 
man's  person ;  neither  let  me  give  flatter- 
ing titles  unto  man. 

22  For  I  know  not  to  give  flattering 
titles ;  in  so  doing  my  Maker  would  soon 
take  me  away. 

275 


CHAP.  81. 

13  weep. 
1*  the 


cftbe 
owner! 
thereof  to 
expire,  or, 

out. 


CHAP.  32. 

1  from 
answering. 

o  Gen.22.ai. 

2  his  toul. 
'i  expected 

Job  in 

words. 
4  elder  for 

days. 
6  few  of  ivft. 
6  feared. 

6  James  1.6. 

7  onder- 
itandingf. 

e  Or,  ordered 
his  words. 
10  they 
remoTed 


firom 
them- 
telrei. 

11  words. 

12  the  spirit 
of  my 
teUy. 

13  is  not 
opened. 

1«  breath*. 


CHAP.  83. 

1  in  my 
palate. 

2  purely. 

3  according 
to  thy 
mouth. 

4  cut  out  of 
the  clay. 

5  in  mino 

6  he 


7  he  rereal- 

COTOreth. 

8  work. 

9  from 
passing  by 
the  sword. 

10  meat  of 
desire. 

U  Ur,  an 
atone- 
ment. 

12  than 
childhood. 

13  Or,  He 
(hall  look 
upon  men, 
and  say,  I 
hare 

14  Or,  He 
hath 

delivered 
my  soul, 


CHAPTER  XXXIIL 

1  Elihv  offers  to  reason  with  Job  i  a  he  excuses  God 
from  giving  men  an  account  of  his  ways;  14 

God  calls  men  to  repentance  by  visions,  affiio- 
tioTis,  and  by  his  ministry. 

WHEREFORE,  Job,  I  pray  thee,  hear 
my  speeches,  and  hearken  to  all  my 
words. 

2  Behold,  now  I  have  opened  my  mouth, 
my  tongue  hath  spoken  i  m  my  mouth. 

3  My  words  shall  be  of  the  uprightness  of 
my  heart ;  and  my  lips  snail  utter  Knowledge 

2  clearly. 

4  The  Spirit  of  God  hath  made  me,  and 
the  breath  of  the  Almighty  hath  given  me 
life. 

5  If  thou  canst  answer  me,  set  thy  words 
in  order  before  me,  stand  up. 

6  Behold,  I  am  3  according  to  thy  wish  in 
God's  stead:  I  also  am* formed  out  of  the 
clay. 

7  Behold,  my  terror  shall  not  make  thee 
afraid,  neither  shall  my  hand  be  heavy 
upon  thee. 

0  Surely  thou  hast  spoken  B  in  mine  hear- 
ing, and  I  have  heard  the  voice  oithy  words, 
sayvig, 

9  I  am  clean  without  transgression,  I  am 
innocent;  neither  is  there  iniquity  in  me. 

10  Behold,  he  findeth  occasions  against 
me,  he  counteth  me  for  his  enemy, 

11  He  putteth  my  feet  in  the  stocks,  he 
marketh  all  my  paths. 

12  Behold,  in  tnis  thou  art  not  just:  I  will 
answer  thee,  that  God  is  greater  than 
man. 

IB  Why  dost  thou  strive  against  him?  for 
6  he  giveth  not  account  of  any  of  his  mat- 
ters. 

14  For  (Jod  speaketh  once,  yea  twice,  yet 
man  perceivetn  it  not. 

15  In  a  dream,  in  a  vision  of  the  night, 
when  deep  sleep  falleth  upon  men,  in  slum- 
berings  upon  the  bed; 

16  Then  i  he  openeth  the  ears  of  men,  and 
sealeth  their  instruction, 

17  That  he  ma^-  withdraw  man  from  his 
8  purpose,  and  hide  pride  from  man. 

18  He  keepeth  back  his  soul  from  the  pit, 
and  his  life  ^  from  perishing  by  the  sword. 

19  He  is  chastened  also  with  pain  upon 
his  bed,  and  the  multitude  of  his  bones  with 
strong  pain: 

20  So  that  his  lift  abhorreth  bread,  and 
his  soul  10  dainty  meat. 

21  His  flesh  is  consumed  away,  that  it  can- 
not  be  seen;  and  his  bones  that  were  not 
seen  stick  out. 

22  Yea,  his  soul  draweth  near  unto  the 
grave,  and  his  life  to  the  destroyere. 

23  If  there  be  a  messenger  with  him.  an 
interpreter,  one  among  a  thousand,  to  show 
unto  Vnan  his  uprightness; 

24  Then  he  is  gracious  mito  him,  and 
saith.  Deliver  him  from  going  down  to  the 
pit;  I  have  found  n  a  ransom. 

25  His  flesh  shall  be  fresher  12  than  a 
child's:  he  stall  return  to  the  days  of  his 
youth: 

26  He  shall  pray  unto  God,  and  he  will  be 
favourable  unto  him ;  and  he  shall  see  his 
face  with  joy:  for  he  will  render  unto  man 
his  righteousness. 

27  1^  He  looketh  upon  men;  and  if  any 
say,  I  have  sinned,  and  penerted  that  which 
was  vi-'ht,  and  it  protited  me  not; 

28  l*iie  will  deliver  his  soul  from  going 
into  the  pit,  and  his  life  shall  see  the  light. 


Joh'ii  Proip.stauon  of  hia  Intecjnty.     JOB,  XXXn. 


Elifiu  Eeproves  his  Friends, 


thai  ■"Adam"  hid  in  his  lurking  place.  This 
disi>roves  the  trand."' a,s  men:"  for  it  is  from 
their  jelloivmen  tliat  "men"  are  chielly 
anxious  to  hide  their  real  character  as 
guilty.  Magke,  to  make  the  comparison 
■with  Adam  more  exact,  for  my  "bosom' 
transl.  "lurking  place.  34.  Kather,  the 
apodosis  to  v.  33,  "Then  let  me  be  fear- 
stricken  before  a  great  multitude,  let  the 
contempt,  Aic.let  me  keep  silence  (the  great- 
est disgrace  to  a  patriot,  heretofore  so  pro- 
minent in  assemblies),  and  not  go  out,"  &c. 
A  just  retribution,  that  he  who  hides  his  sin 
from  ftod,  should  have  it  exposed  before 
man  (2  iSam.  12.  12.).  But  Job  had  not  been 
so  exposed,  but  on  the  contrary  was  es- 
teemed in  the  assemblies  of  the  <ri7je.s— ("fa- 
milies"): a  proof,  he  implies,  that  God  does 
not  hold  him  guilty  of  hiding  sin  (ch.  24. 
16,  contrast  with  ch.  29.  21-:i5.).  35.  Job 
returns  to  his  wish  ich.  13.  22;  19.  23.).  Omit 
is;  "Behold  my  sign,"  i.e.,  my  mark  of  sub- 
scription to  the  statements  just  given  in  my 
defence  :  the  mark  of  signature  was  origin- 
ally a  cross;  and  hence  the  letter  Tau  or  T. 
Transl.  also,"  0  that  the  Almighty,"  &c.  He 
marks  "God"  as  the  "One"  meant  in  the 
first  clause.  Adversary,  i.e.,  he  who  con- 
tends with  me,  refers  also  to  God.  The 
vagueness  is  designed,  to  express  "  whoever 
it  be  tliat  judicially  opposes  me,"— the  Al- 
jnighty  if  it  be  He.  had  written  a  book— 
Ilather,  "would  write  down  his  charge."  36. 
So  far  from  hiding  the  adversary's  "answer" 
or  "charge"  through  fear,  "I  would  take  it 
on  my  shoulders  "  as  a  public  honour  (Isa.  9. 
6.).  a  crown— not  a  mark  of  shame,  but  of 
distinction  (Tsa.  62.  3.).  37.  A  good  con- 
science imparts  a  princely  dignity  before 
man  and  free  assurance  in  approaching  God. 
This  can  be  realized,  not  in  Job's  way  (ch. 
42.  5,  6,);  but  only  through  Jesus  Christ 
(Heb.  10.  22.).  38.  Personification.  The  com- 
plaints of  the  unjustly-ousted  proprietors 
are  transferred  to  the  lands  themselves  (u.20; 
Gen.  4. 10;  Hab,  2.  11.).  If  I  have  unjustly 
acquired  lands  (ch.  24.  2;  Isa.  6.  8.).  furrows 
—The  specification  of  these  makes  it  likely, 
he  implies  in  this,  "if  I  paid  not  the  lab- 
ourer, for  tillage ;"  as  next  verse,  "  If  1  paid 
him  not  for  gathering  in  the  fmits."  Thus 
of  the  four  clauses  in  v.  38,  39,  the  1st  refers 
to  the  same  subject  as  the  4th,  the  2d  is  con- 
nected with  the  3rd  by  introverted  ■parallel- 
ism. Jam.  5.  4,  who  plainly  alludes  to  tliis 
passage:  cf.  "Lord  of  Sabaoth"  with  v.  26 
here.  39.  lose  ...  life— not  lit.,  but  "har- 
assed to  death;"  until  he  gave  me  up  his  land 
gratis  [Maur.];  as  in  Judg.  16.  16;  "suflfer- 
«d  him  to  languish"  by  taking  away  his 
means  of  living  [Umbr.j  II  Ki.  21. 19.).  40. 
thisies  — or  brambles,  thorns,  cockle— Ki., 
noxious  \oeeds.  The  words  . . .  ended  —  i.e., 
in  the  controversy  with  the  friends.  He 
spoke  in  the  book  afterwards,  but  not  to 
them.  At  37  would  be  the  regular  conclusion 
in  strictart.  But  3S-40  is  nainrai  to  ie  added 
by  one  whose  mind  in  agitation  recurs  to  its 


sense  oi  innocence,  even  after  it  has  come  to 
the  poLat  usual  to  stop  at;  this  takes  away 
the  appearance  of  rhetorical  artifice.  Hence 
the  transi)osiiion  by  EiCH.  of  38-40  to  follow 
25,  is  quite  unwarranted. 

CHAPTER  XXXII. 

Ver.  1-22.    Sp.'iECH  of  Elihu  (ch.  32-37.). 

1-8.  Prose  (poetry  begins  with  "I  am  young." 

1.  because,  $^c.— and  because  they  could  not 

376 


prove  to  him  that  he  was  unrighteous.  2. 
Elihu— meaning  "God  is  Jeltovau."  in  liis 
name,  and  character  as  messenger  betwee!i 
God  and  Job,  he  shadows  forth  JesusCijrist 
(ch.  33.  23  26.).  Barachel  — nieaning  "God 
blesses."  Both  names  indicate  the  piety 
of  the  family,  ajid  their  separation  from 
idolaters.  Buzite— Buz  was  son  of  iN'ahor. 
brotlier  of  Abraham.  Hence  was  named 
a  region  in  Arabia  Deserta  (Jer.  25.  23.). 
Ram— Aram,  nephew  of  Buz.  Job  was  pro- 
bably of  an  elder  generation  than  Ehlia. 
However  the  identity  of  names  does  not 
necessarily  prove  the  identity  of  persons. 
The  particularity  with  which  Elihu's  descent 
is  given,  as  contrasted  with  the  others,  led 
LiGHTFOOT  to  infer,  Elihu  was  the  author 
of  the  book.  But  the  reason  for  particula- 
rity was,  probably,  that  Elihu  was  lessknoivn 
than  the  three  called  "  friends"  ot  Job:  and 
that  it  was  right  for  the  poet  to  mark  espe- 
cially him  who  was  mainly  to  solve  the 
problem  of  the  book,  rather  than  God  — 
i.  e.,  was  more  eager  to  vindicate  himself 
than  God.  In  ch.  4.  17,  Job  denies  that 
man  can  be  more  just  than  God.  LUmbe.] 
Trans.,  "Before  (in  the  presence  ol)  God." 
3.  Though  silenced  in  argument,  they  held 
their  opinion  still.  4.  had  spoken— i^'efe.  in 
words,  referring  rather  to  his  own  "words" 
of  reply,  which  he  had  long  ago  ready,  but 
kept  back  in  deference  to  the  seniority  of 
the  friends  who  spoke.  6.  was  atraid— the 
root  meaning  in  Heb.  is  to  cratvl  (Deut.  32. 
24.).  7.  days— i.e.,  the  aged  (ch.  15.  10.).  8. 
Elihu  claims  inspiration,  as  a  divinely-com- 
missioned messenger  to  Job  (ch.  33.  6,  23,); 
and  that  claim  is  not  contradicted  in  ch.  42, 
Transl.,"'  But  the  spirit  iwhich  God  puts)  in 
man,  and  the  inspiration,  &c.,  is  that  which 
giveth,"  &c.,  it  is  not  mere  "years"  which 
give  understanding  (Prov.  2.  6;  John,  20.  22.). 
9.  Great— Ptather,  old  (v.  6.).  So  Heb.  in  Gen. 
25.  23,  "Greater,  less"  for  the  elder,  the 
younger,  judgment  —  what  is  right.  10. 
Eather,  I  say.  opinion— Rather,  knoivledge. 
11.  Tlierefore  Elihu  was  present  from  the 
first,  vesisona— lit, understandinris,  i.e.,  the 
meaning  intended  by  words,  wlulst— I  wait- 
ed until  you  should  discover  a  stiitable  re- 
ply to  Job.  13.  This  has  been  so  ordered, 
"  lest  you  should"  pride  yourselves  on  hav- 
ing overcome  him  by  your  "wisdom"  Jer. 
9.  23,  the  great  aim  of  the  book  of  Job) ;  and 
that  you  may  see,  God  alone  can  thrust 
him  down,"  i.e.,  confute  him,  "not  man." 
So  Elilm  grounds  his  confutation  not  on  the 
maxims  of  sages,  as  the  friends  did,  but  on 
his  special  conmiission  from  God  {v.  8 ;  ch. 
33.  4,  6.).  14.  1  am  altogether  unprejudiced. 
For  it  is  not  I,  whom  he  addressed.  "  Your 
speeches"  have  been  influenced  by  irrita- 
tion. 15.  Here  Elihu  turns  from  the  friends 
to  Job:  and  so  passes  from  the  second  per- 
son to  the  third;  a  transition  frequent  in  a 
rebuke  (ch.  18.  3,  4.).  th-y  left  off— words 
were  taken  from  them.  17.  my  par:— for  my 
part,  opinion— knowledge.  18.  "I  am  full 
of  words,"  wliereas  the  friends  have  not  a 
word  more  to  J-ay.  the  spirit— (v.  8;  ch.  33. 
4;  Jer.  20.  9;  Acts.  18.  5.).  19.  bely— Bosom: 
from  which  the  words  of  orientalists  in 
speaking  seem  to  come  more  than  with  u.s: 
tney  speak  gutturaVy.  "Like  (new  wine 
dn  fermentation)  witnout  a  vent,"  to  work 
itself  off.  iVeii'  wine  is  kept  in  new  goatskin 
bottles.  This  fittingly  ai  ^plies  to  the  youiv 
3  C 


E'tfiu's  Address  to  Job. 


JOB,  XXXm.       God  CaUeih  Men  to  iRepentance. 


Eiiliii,  as  contrasted  with  the  old  friends,  it.  14.  TrarisJ./'Yet  inanreflrarc?f<7iit  not:" 
(Matt.  0.  17.).  20.  refres  ei—lit.,  that  there  on  nither,  as  Umbh.,  "'Yea  twice  (He  re- 
Vfu.iv  ie  air  to  me  il  fciam.  16.  2.?. .    21.  "May !  peats  the  warning),— if  man  gives  no  " 


I  never  accept,"  &c.  E'dlni  alludes  to  Jo 
words  (eh.  r.i.  s,  lo,).  v/herein  he  complains 
that  the  fnends  plead  for  God  partially, 
"accepting  His  person."  Elihii  says,  he  will 
HOC  do  so,  but  act  impartially  between  God 
?nd  Job.  "  And  1  will  not  give  flattery,"  &c. 
(Prov.  2i.  23.).  22.  taJie  me  away— as  a  pun- 
ishment (Ps.  103.  24.). 

CHAt-TER  XXXin. 

Ver.  1-33.    Address  to  Joe,  as  fch.  32.) 

TO  THE  Friends.  2.  month— Eather,  palote, 

whereby  the  taste  discerns.     Every_man 


to  the  first  warning,  Eiihu  iinjilies  thaKiod's 
reason  for  sending  ;ifi1iction  is,  becau^.e.wlieii 
God  has  communicated  His  will  in  various 
ways,  man  in  prosperity  has  net  heeded  it: 
God  therefore  mtist  try  what  afilitticn  wUl 
effect  John,  15.2;  Ps.  62. 11;  Isa  28.  10,  13.). 
15.  shimberii'gs— light,  as  oppc^ed  to  "deep 


eep."    Klihu  has  in  view  Eliphaz  (ch.  4. 13,) 
also  Job  hiiii.'^elf  (ch.  7.  14.,.    "Dreams 


and 


inslecp.and  "  visions"  of  actual  apparitions, 
were  among  the  ways,  whereby  God  then 
spake  to  man  (Gen.  20.  3.).    16.  lAt„  sealeth 


speaks  with  his  mouth,  but  few,  as  Elihu  I  ^their  ears  to  himself  by  warnings,  i.e..  with 


ti-y  their  words  iviili  discrimina'Aon  first 
and  only  say  what  is  really  good  ch.  6. 30; 
12.  11.).  hath  spoken— Eather,  Proceeds  to 
sveak.  3.  I  will  speak  according  to  my  in- 
ward conviction,     clearly— Eather,  purely:       __ 

sincerely,  not  distorting  the  truth  through  Sam.  20.  19.t 
passion,  as  the  friends.    4.  "The  Spirit  of  j  (ch.  17.  11.) 
God  Larh  made  me,"  as  He  did  thee:  latter  " "' 
clause  of  v.  6,  (Gen.  2.  7.).    Therefore  thou 
needest  not  fear  me,  as  thou  wouldest  God 
(•».  7;  ch.  9.  34.).    On  the  other  hand,  "the 
breath  of  the  Almighty  hath  inspired  me  " 
(as  ch.  32.  8,i;  not  as  E.  F.,"givenme  life  :" 
therefore  "I  am,  according  to  thy  wish  (ch. 

9.  32,  33,)  in  God's  stead"  to  thee;  a  "days- 
man," i\mpire,  or  mediator,  between  God 
»nd  thee.  So  Elihu  was  designed  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  to  be  a  type  of  Jesus  Christ  (v. 
23-2C.).  5.  Images  from  a  court  of  justice, 
stand  up— alluding  to  Job's  words  (ch.  30. 
20.).  6.  (Note,  •>;.  4;  ch.  31.35;  13.3,20,21.).  Jorra- 
e:i— though  acting  as  God's  representative, 
I  am  but  a  creature,  like  thy.seif.  Arabic, 
pressed  together,  as  a  mass  of  clay  by  the 
potter,  informing  a  vessel.  [TJmbr.I  Heb. 
cut  off,  as  the  portion  ta-ken  from  the  clay 
to  /o?7?t  it.  fMAUR.l  7.  hand— alluding  to 
Job's  words  (ch.  13.  21.).    8.  thy  words— ich. 

10.  7;  16.  17;  23. 11,  12;  27.  5,  6;  29.  14.  .    Inch. 

9.  30;  13.  23,  Job  had  acknowledged  sin;  but 
tlie  general  spirit  of  his  words  was  to  main- 
tain himself  to  be  "clean:"  and  to  cliai^e 
God  with  injustice.  He  went  too  far  on  the 
opposite  side  in  opposing  the  fi'iends'  false 
charge  of  hypocrisy.  Even  the  godly  though 
willing  to  confess  themselves  sinners  in 
geiii red,  often  dislike  sin  in particidar  to  le 
Drought  as  a  charge  against  them.  Affliction 
is  therefore  needed  to  bring  them  to  leel 
that  sin  in  them  deserves  even  worse  than 
they  suffer,  and  that  God  does  them  no  in- 
justice. Then  at  last  humbled  under  God 
they  find,  affliction  is  Jor  their  real  good, 
and  so  at  last  it  is  taken  away  either  here,  or 
at  least  at  death.  To  teach  this  is  Elihu's 
mission.  9.  clean— spotless.  10.  ocraaons— 
for  hostility:  lit.,  enmities  ;ch.  13.  24;  16.  9; 

10.  11;  30.  21.).  11.  (ch.  13.  27.).  marketh— 
narrowly  watches  (ch.  14.  16;  7.  12;  31.  4.). 
12.  in  this— view  of  God  and  His  govern- 
cient.  It  cannot  be  that  God  should  jeal- 
ously "watch"  man,  though  "'spotless,"  as 
an  "  enemy, "  or  as  one  afraid  of  hiin  as  an 
eq'ial.  For  "God  is  greater  than  man." 
There  must  be  sin  in  man,  even  though  he 
Le  no  hypocrite,  which  needs  correction  by 
suffering  for  the  sufferer's  good.  13.  (Isa. 
45.  9.1.  his  matters— ways.  Our  part  is,  not 
to  "strive"  with  God,  but  to  iivhmit.  'j'o 
bebeve,  it  is  ri-,ht,  because  He  does  it,  not 
becduse  we  see  ail  tlie  redsomtot  His  doing, 

375    [I] 


the  sureness  and  secrecy  of  a  seal  He  re- 
veals His  warnings.  LUmbr.J  To  seal  up 
securely  (ch.  37.  7.).  On  the  "openeth"  (see 
ch.  3G.  10.).  17.  purpose— il/arg.,  work.  So 
ch.  36.  9.  So  "  business  "  in  a  bad  sense  (1 
Elihu  alludes  to  Job's  words 
'Pride"  is  an  open  "pit"  (v. 
IS,)  which  God  hides  or  covers  up,  lest  nau 
should  fall  into  it.  Even  the  godly  need  to 
learn  the  lesson,  which  trials  teach,  to 
"  humble  themselves  under  the  mighty  hand 
of  God."  18.  his  soul— his  Ufe.  the  pit— the 
grave;  a  symbol  of  hell,  perishing  by  the 
sword— i.e.,  a  violent  death;  in  the  O.  T.  a 
symbol  of  the  future  punishment  of  the  un- 
godly. 19.  Y/lien  man  does  not  heed  warn- 
ings of  the  night,  he  is  chastened,  <L'c.  Tha 
new  thought  suggested  by  Elihu  is  that  af- 
fliction is  disciplinary  (ch.  36.  10,): /or  the 
oood  of  the  godly,  multitude— so  the  Marg.^ 
Heb.,  (Keri.)  Eetter  with  the  text  (Che- 
TiB,)  "  And  with  the  perpetual  (strongi  con^ 
test  of  his  bones;"  the  never-resting  fever  in 
his  bones  (Ps.  38.  3.  .  lUmbr.J  20.  hie— . 
i.e.,  the  appetite,  which  ordinarily  sustains 
"life"  (ch.  38.  39;  seg  Ps.  107.  18;  Eccl.  12.5.). 
Tlie  taking  away  of  desire  for  food  by  sick- 
ness symbolizes  the  removal  by  affliction  of 
lust,  for  things  which  foster  the  spiritual 
fever  of  pride,  soul— desire.  21.  His  flesh 
once  prominent  "can  nn  more  be  seen."  His 
bones  once  not  seen  now  appear  prominent. 
stick  out-Kt..  are  hare.  The  Marg.,  Heh. 
Keri)  reading.  The  text  (Chetib)  reads  it 
a  noun  (are  become),  "bareness."  The  Keri 
was  no  doubt  an  explanatory  reading  of 
transcribers.  22.  oestroyexs— angels  oj  death 
commissioned  by  God  to  end  man's  liie  .2 
Sam.24.16;  Ps.78.49.).  The  decdh pains  I'evsoni' 
tied  may,  however,  be  meant;  so  "gnawers" 
(Note,  ch.  30.  17.).  23.  Eliliu  refers  to  him- 
self as  the  divinely-sent  (ch.32.8;  3.3.6.),"  mes- 
senger," the  "interpreter"  to  explain  to  Job 
and  V  indicate  God's  righteousness :  such  a 
one  Eliphaz  had  denied  that  Jqb  could  look 
for  (ch.  5.  1,),  and  Job  (ch.  9.  33,)  had  wished 
for  such  a  "daysman"  or  un.pire  between 
him  and  God.  The  "messenger"  oi  good  is 
antithetical  to  "the  destroyers"  v.  23.). 
with  him— If  theie  be  vouchsafed  to  the  suf- 
ferer. The  office  of  the  interpreter  is  staitd 
"to  show  unto  man  Goa's  upriglitness"  iu 
His  dealings;  or,  as  Umbr..  "man's  upright 
course  towards  God'"  (Prov.  14.  l^).  The 
former  is  better:  Job  maintained  his  own 
"uprightness"  'ch.  16. 17;  27.  5.  6,),  Elihu  on 
the  contra r.v'maintains  God's,  and  that  man's 
true  uprightness  lies  in  submission  to  God. 
"One  among  a  thousand "  i.'.  a  man  rarely  to 
be  found.  ^:o  Jesus  Christ  (Song  Sol.  o.  lo.). 
Elihu,  the  God-sent  mediator  of  a  tempwoU 


Elihu  Accfiiseth  Job  for 


JOB.  XXXIV. 


Charging  God  with  IriSustilte. 


deliverance  iv.  24-26,),  is  a  type  of  the  God- 
man  Jesus  Christ  the  Mediator  of  eternal 
deiiverauce:  "the  mes^serujer  of  the  coven- 
ant" (M'll.  3.  1.).  Tliis  is  the  wonderful  work 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  persons  and  events 
move  in  their  own  sphere  in  such  a  way,  as 
iincon-ciously  to  shadow  forth  Him,  Avhose 
*■  testimony  is  the  Spirit  of  prophecy;"  as 
the  same  point  may  be  centre  of  a  small 
andot  avastly  larger  concentric  circle.  24. 
Apodosis  to  23.  he  — God.  Deliver— Lii, 
redeem:  in  it  and  "ransom"  there  is  refer- 
ence to  the  consideraLion,  on  account  of 
which  God  pardons  and  relieves  the  suffer- 
ers ;  here  it  is  primarily  the  intercession  of 
EliliU.  But  the  language  is  too  sti'ong  for  its 
full  meaning  to  be  exhausted  by  this:  Tlie 
Holy  Ghost  has  suggested  language  which 
receives  its  fidl  realization  only  m  the  "  eter- 
nal redemption  found"  by  God  in  the  price 
paid  by  Jesus  Christ  for  it,  i.e..  His  blood 
and  iiieritorious  intercession  (Heb.  9.  12.). 
"Obtained,"  lit.JoundK  implying  the  earnest 
leal,  wisdom,  and  faithfulness  of  the  finder, 
and  the  newness  and  joyousness  of  the  find- 
ing. Jesus  Christ  could  not  but  have./oti?Td 
it,  but  still  His  seeking  it  was  needed.  [Beng.] 
(Luke,  15.  8.)  God  the  Father,  is  the  Finder 
(Ps.  89. 19.).  Jesus  Christ  the  Eedeemer,  to 
whom  He  saith.  Redeem  (so  Heb.,)  him  from 
going,  &c.  (2  Cor.  5.  19.)  ransom— Used  in  a 
general  sense  by  Elihu.  but  meant  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  in  its  strict  sense  as  applied  to  Jesus 
Christ,  of  a  price  paid  for  deliverance  (Exod. 
21.  30,),  an  atonement  'i.e.,  means  of  selling 
at  once,  i.  e.,  reconciling  ttuo  who  are 
estranged.),  a  covering,  as  of  the  ark  with 
pitch,  typical  of  what  covers  us  sinners  from 
wrath  (Gen.  6.  14;  Ps.  32.  1.).  The  pit.is 
primarily  here  the  grave  fisa.  38.  17,),  but 
.  the  spiritual  pit  is  mainly  shadowed  forth 
(Zech.  9.  11.).  25-28.  Effects  of  restoration 
to  God's  favour  ;  lit,  to  Job  a  temporal  re- 
vival ;  spiritually  an  eternal  regeneration. 
The  striking  words  cannot  be  restricted  to 
their  temporal  meaning,  as  used  by  Elihu 

&Pet.  1,  11,  12.).  fresher  than  a  child's— So 
aaman,  2  Ki.  6. 14;  spiritually,  John,  3.  3-7. 
26.  Job  shall  no  longer  pray  to  God,  as  he 
comidains.  in  vain  {ch.  23.  3,  8.  9.).  True 
especially  to  the  redeemed  in  Jesus  Christ 
(John,  16.  23-27.).  He  (Job)  shall  see  his  face 
—Or  God  shall  make  him  to  see  His  face. 
[Ma  ur.J  God  shallno  longer  "  hide  His  face " 
(ch.  13. 24.).  True  to  the  believer,  now,  .1  ohn, 
14.  21,  '22:  eternally,  Ps.  17.  15:  John,  17.  24. 
his  God's)  righteousness— Godwin  again  make 
the  restored  Job,  no  longer  ("i  perverted- 
right,"  V.  27,)  doubt  God's  justice,  but  to 
justify  Him  in  His  dealings.  The  penitent 
ju-tifies  God  (Ps.  51.  4.).  So  the  believer  is 
made  to  see  God's  righteousness  in  Jesus 
Christ  (Is.  45. 24 ;  46. 13.).  27.iHe  Icoketh-God. 
JRather,  with  Umbr.,  "Now  he  (the  restored 
penitent)  singeth  jovfidly  sansweringto  "joy" 
V.  26;  Ps.  51. 12,]  before  men,  and  saith,"  &c., 
(Prov.  25.  20;  Ps.  66. 16;  116. 14.).  perverted- 
Made  the  straight  crooked :  as  Job  had  mis- 
represented God's  character,  profited— iii., 
V}as  made  even  to  me  ;  rather,  "  My  punish 
ment  \Aas  not  commensurate  with  my  sin  : ' 
(so  Zephar,  ch.  n.  6,);  the  reverse  of  what 
Job  heretofore  .'jaid  (ch.  16. 17;  Ps.  103. 10:  Ezra, 
9.13.).    28.  Note  v.  2»;  rather,  as  Heb.  text 


testimony  to  the  people.  light^-(i;.  SO;  ch, 
3.  16,  20 ;  Ps.  56.  13:  Eccl.  11.  7.)  29.  Marg. 
twice  and  thrice,  alluding  to  v.  14 :  once,  by 
visions,  15-i7;  secondly,  by  afflictions,  l9-22j 
now,  by  the  "messenger,  thirdly,  23.  30. 
Eeferring  to  v.  28  (Ps.  56.  13.).  32.  justify-To 
do  thee  justice  ;  and,  if  I  can,  consistently 
with  it,  to  declare  thee  innocent.  At  v.  33, 
EUhu  pauses  for  a  reply;  then  proceeds  ;ch.  34, 
CHAPTER  XXXIV. 
Ver.  1-37.  1.  answered  —  Proceeded.  2. 
This  ch.  is  addressed  also  to  the  "  friends," 
as  ch.  33.  to  Job  alone.  3.  Palate:  (Note  ch.  12. 
11;  ch.  33.  2.).  4.  judgment  — Let  us  select 
among  the  conflicting  sentiments  advanced, 
what  will  stand  the  test  of  examination.  5. 
judgment— My  right.  Job's  own  words  (ch, 
13.  18;  27.  2.).  6.  i.e..  Were  I  to  renounce 
mv  right  (i.e.,  confess  myself  guilty,),  t 
snould  lie.  Job  virtually  had  said  so  (ch, 
27.  4.  5;  6.  28.).  Maub.,  not  so  well,  "Not- 
withstanding my  right  (innocence)  I  am 
treated  as  a  liar  by  God,"  by  his  afflicting 
me.  my  woivai—Lit.,  mine  arrow,  viz.,  by 
which  1  am  pierced.  So  "my  stroke"  (hand 
Ma.rg.,  ch.  23. 2.).  My  sickness  (ch.  6. 4;  16. 13.). 
witiiout  transgression— Withoutfault  of  mine 
to  deserve  it  (ch.  16.  17.).  7.  (ch.  15.  16.). 
Image  from  the  camel,  scorning  —  Against 
God  ich.  1.5.  4.).  8.  Job  virtually  goeth  iu 
company  (makes  common  cause)  with  the 
wicked,  by  taking  up  their  sentiments  (ch. 
9. 22,23, 30;  21. 7-15.!, or  at  least  bysaying.that 
those  who  act  on  such  sentiments  are  un- 
punished (Mai.  3.  14.)  To  deny  God's  right- 
eous government,  because  we  do  not  see  the 
reasons  of  His  acts,  is  virtually  to  take  part 
with  the  ungodly.  9.  with  God— In  intimacy 
(Ps.  50.  18.).  10.  The  true  answer  to  Job, 
which  God  follows  up  (ch.  38.).  Man  is  to 
believe  God's  ways  are  right,  because  they 
are  His,  not  because  we  fully  see  they  are  so 
(Rom.  9. 14;  Deu.  32. 4;  Gen.  18.25).  11.  Partly 
here;  fully,  hereafter  (Jer.  32. 19;  Rom.  2. 6; 
1  Pet.  1. 17;  Rev.  22.  12.).  12.  (ch.  8.  3.).  In 
opposition  to  Job,  v.  6.  will  not— Cannot. 
13.  If  the  world  were  not  God's  property,  as 
having  been  made  by  Him.  but  committed 
to  His  charge  by  some  Superior,  it  might  be 
possible  for  Him  to  act  unjustly,  as  He  would 
not  thereby  be  injuring  Himself ;  but  as  it 
is,  for  God  to  act  unjustly  would  underir,iH6 
the  whole  order  of  the  world,  and  so  would 
injure  God's  own  property  (ch.  36.  23.)  dis- 
posed —  Hath  founded  ilsa.  44.  7,),  estab- 
lished the  circle  of  the  globe.  14,  15.  "If 
He  were  to  set  His  heart  on  man,  "  either  to 
injure  him,  or  to  take  strict  account  of  hia 
sins.  The  connexion  supports  rather,  IUmbr.] 
"  If  He  had  regard  to  himself  (only),  and 
were  togather  unto  Himself  (Ps.  104  29,)  man'g 
spirit,  &c.  (which  he  sends  forth,  Ps.  104. 
30;  Eccl.  12.  7,),  all  flesh  must  perish  together,* 
&c.  'Gen.  3.  19.)  God's  loving  preservation 
of  his  creatures  proves.  He  cannot  be  selfish, 
and  therefore  cannot  be  unjust.  16.  In  w. 
2,  Elihu  had  spoken  to  all  in  general,  now  h« 
calls  JoUs  special  attention.  17.  "  Can  even 
He  who  (in  thy  view)  hateth  right  Justice) 
govern?"  The  government  of  the  world 
be  impossible  if  injustice  were  sanctioned. 
God  must  be  just,  because  He  governs 
(2  Sam.  23.  3.).  govern  —  Lii. ,  bind,  viz., 
by  authority  (so  '."reign,"  Marg.,  1  Sam.  9. 


\E.V.   reads   as  Marg.,  Heb.,   Keri,  '  his\l7.).    Umbr^  transl.  for  "govern,"  repress 
Boul,  his  life.")  "  He  hath  delivered  my  soul,  wrath,  viz.,  against  Job  for  his  accusations. 


Ac.,  my  life."  Continuation  of  the  penitent's  i  most  just— Rather, 
375    [2i 


'Him  who  is  at  once 


reproves  Job 


JOB,  XXXIV.  XXXV.    f<rr  charging  God  mth  inyusdoe. 


29  Lo,  all  these  ihiiigs  worketh  God  often 
times  with  man, 

30  To  bring  back  his  soul  from  the  pit,  to 
be  enlightened  with  the  light  of  the  living. 

31  Mark  weU,  O  Job;  hearken  unto  me: 
hold  thy  peace,  and  I  will  speak. 

32  If  tnou  hast  anything  to  say,  answer 
me:  speak,  for  I  desire  to  justify  thee. 

33  If  not,  hearken  unto  me:  hold  thy  peace, 
and  I  shall  teach  thee  wisdom. 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 
1  Elihu  accuses  Job  for  charging  God  with  injus- 
tice.    10  God  all-perfect  cannot  he  unjust,  etc. 

FURTHERMORE,  Elihu  answered  and 
•*■    said, 

2  Hear  my  words,  O  ye  wise  msn;  and 
give  ear  unto  me.  ye  that  have  knowledge 

3  For  the  ear  trieth  words,  as  the  i  mouth 
tasteth  meat. 

4  Let  us  choose  to  ns  judgment:  let  us 
know  among  ourselves  what  is  good. 

5  For  Job  hath  said, "  I  am  righteous:  and 
B  God  hath  taken  away  my  judgment. 

6  Should  "I  lie  agamst  my  right?  2  my 
wound  is  incurable  without  transgression. 

7  What  man  is  like  Job,  who  drinketh  up 
Bcoming  like  water? 

8  Which  goeth  in  company  with  the  work- 
ers of  iniquity,  and  walketh  with  wicked 
men. 

9  For  <*  he  hath  said.  It  profiteth  a  man 
nothing  that  he  should  delight  himself  with 
God. 

10  Therefore  hearken  unto  me,  ye  8  men 
of  understanding :  •  Far  be  it  from  God, 
that  he  shovld  do  wickedness ;  and  from 
the  Almighty,  that  he  should  commit 
iniquity. 

11  For/ the  work  of  a  man  shall  he  render 
tmto  him,  and  cause  every  man  to  find  ac- 
cording to  his  ways. 

12  Yea,  surely  God  will  not  do  wickedly, 
neither  will  the  Almighty  pervert  judg- 
ment. 

13  Who  hath  given  him  a  charge  over  the 
earth?  or  who  hath  disposed  *  the  whole 
world? 

14  If  he  set  his  heart  6  upon  man,  if  "  he 

father  unto  himself  his  spirit  and  his 
reath; 

15  All  flesh  shall  perish  together,  and  man 
ehall  turn  again  unto  dust. 

16  If  now  thou  hast  understanding,  hear 
this;  hearken  to  the  voice  of  my  words: 

17  Shall  '»  even  he  that  hateth  right 
6  govern?  and  wilt  thou  condemn  him  that 
is  most  just? 

18  Is  it  Jit  to  say  to  a  king.  Thou  art 
wicked?  and  to  princes.  Ye  are  ungodly? 

19  How  m^ch  less  to  him  that » accepteth 
not  the  persons  of  princes,  nor  regardeth 
the  rich  more  than  the  poor?  for  wiey  all 
are  the  work  of  his  hands. 

20  In  a  moment  shall  they  die,  and  the 
people  shall  be  troubled  at  midnight,  and 
pass  away:  and  7  the  mighty  shall  oe  taken 
away  without  hand. 

21  For  his  eyes  are  ui)on  the  ways  of  man, 
and  he  seeth  all  his  goings. 

22  There  is  no  darkness,  nor  shadow  of 
death,  where  the  workers  of  inquity  may 
hide  themselves. 

23  For>  he  will  not  lay  upon  man  more 
than  right,  that  he  should  8  enter  into  judg- 
ment with  God. 

24  He  shall  break  in  pieces  mighty  men 
B  without  Qomber.  and  set  others  in  their 


S76 


CHAP.  34. 

1  palate. 

o  ch  33.  9. 

6  ch.  27.  2. 
«  ch.  9.  17. 

2  mine 

MTOW. 

d  ch.  9.  22. 

3  men  of 
heart., 

«  Gen.  18.25. 

Deut.  32.4, 

2Chr.l9.7. 

Bom.  9.14. 
/  ProT.  24. 

12. 

Jer.  32. 19. 

Mat.16  27. 

Kom.  2.  6. 

2  Cor.6.10. 

1  Pet.1.17. 
BoT.  22.12. 

4  all  of  it. 

5  upon  him. 
ff  Eecl.  12.  7. 

Pb.  104.29. 
It  Gen.18.26. 

2  Sam.  23. 
3. 

i  Deu'.10.17. 
2  Chr.  19. 
7. 

Aet>10.34. 
Kom.  2.11. 
Gal.  2.  6. 
Ephes.  6.9. 
Col.  3.  25. 
1  Pet.1.17. 

7  they  Bhall 
take  away 
themighty. 

}  Eiitk  9.  13. 

9  without 
searchuig 

10  crushed. 


place  of 

beholders. 

12  from  after 


2-12. 
»2Kin.21.9. 
ISthouldit 

with  thee? 

14  of  heart. 
0  ch.  38.  2. 

15  Or,  My 
father,  let 


tried. 


CHAP.  35. 
1  Or,  by  it 


2  I  will  re- 
turn to 

theewords. 
O  ProT.9.ia. 

Hom.  11. 

35. 
6  Ex.  2.23. 
c  1..  61. 13. 
d  P».  42.  8. 
•  P..  8.  e. 

Pa.  94.  12. 

1  John  5. 

20. 
/PrOT.1.28. 
i  That  11, 

Qoi.       ' 


25  Therefore  he  knoweth  their  works,  and 
he  overturneth  them  in  the  night,  so  that 
they  are  lo  destroyed. 

26  He  striketh  them  as  wicked  men  n  in 
the  open  sight  of  others ; 

27  because  they  turned  back  12  from  him, 
and  would  not  consider  any  of  his  ways: 

28  So  that  they  *  cause  the  cry  of  the  poor 
to  come  unto  him,and  he '  heareth  the  cry 
of  the  atHicted. 

29  When  he  giveth  quietness,  who  then 
can  make  trouble?  and  when  he  hideth  his 
face,  who  then  can  behold  him?  whether 
it  be  done  against  a  nation,  or  against  a 
man  only: 

30  That  the  hypocrite  *"  reign  not,  "  lest 
the  people  be  ensnared. 

31  Smely  it  is  meet  to  be  said  unto  God, 
I  have  borne  chastisement,  I  will  not  offend 
any  more: 

32  That  which  I  see  not,  teach  thou  me:  if 

I  have  done  iniquity,  I  will  do  no  more. 

33  13  Should  it  be  according  to  thy  mind? 
he  will  recompense  it,  whether  thou  refuse, 
or  whether  thou  choose ;  and  not  I:  there- 
fore speak  what  thou  knowest. 

34  Let  men  1*  of  understanding  tell  me, 
and  let  a  wise  man  hearken  unto  me. 

35  Job  °  hath  spoken  without  knowledge, 
ar.d  his  words  ivere  without  wisdom. 

36  16  My  desire  is,  that  Job  may  be  tried 
unto  the  end,  became  of  his  answers  for 
wicked  men. 

37  For  he  addeth  rebellion  unto  his  sin; 
he  clappeth  his  hands  among  us,  andmul- 
tiplietn  his  words  against  God. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 

1  .[fo  comparison  to  be  made  with  God,  because  our 

good  or  evil  cannot  extend  to  him.    9  Many  cry 

in  thiir  aMieiicns,  but  are  not  heard  for  want 

of  faith. 

T7LiHU  spake  moreover,  and  said, 
-^    2  Thiiikest  thou  this  to  be  right,  thta 
thou  saidst.  My  righteousness  is  more  than 
God's? 

3  For  thou  saidst,  What  advantage  will 
it  be  unto  thee?  and.  What  profit  shall  I 
have,  "^  if  I  he  cleansed  from  my  sin? 

421  will  answer  thee,  and  thy  companions 
with  thee. 

5  Look  unto  the  heavens,  and  see;  and 
behold  the  clouds,  which  are  higher  than 
thou. 

If  thou  sinnest,  what  doest  thou  against 
him?  or  i/thy  transgressions  be  multiplied, 
what  doest  thou  unto  liim? 

7  If  "  thou  be  righteous,  what  givest  tho* 
him?  or  what  receive th  he  of  thine 
hand? 

8  Thy  wickedness  may  hurt  a  man  as  thou 
art;  and  thy  righteousness  may  profit  the 
son  of  man. 

By  f>  reason  of  the  multitude  of  oppres- 
sions they  make  the  oppressed  to  cry  j  they 
cry  out  by  reason  of  the  arm  of  the  mighty. 
10  But  none  saith, "  Where  is  God  my 
maker,  <*  who  giveth  songs  in  the  night; 

II  who '  teaeneth  us  more  than  the  beasts 
of  the  earth,  and  maketh  us  wiser  than  the 
fowls  of  heaven  f 

12  There /they  cry,  but  none  giveth  an- 
swer, because  of  the  pride  of  evil  men. 

13  Svjely  God  will  not  hear  vanity,  neither 
will  the  Almighty  regard  it. 

14  Although  thou  say  est  thou  shaltnot  see 
him,  yet  judgment  is  before  him;  therefore 
trust  thou  in  him. 

15  But  now,  because  U  is  not  so,  3  be  hatb 


God  Omnipotent  cannot  be  Unjust.    JOB.  XXXV.  Comparison  not  to  he  made  with  God, 


mighty  and  just"  (in  His  government  of  the 
world.  .  18.  Lit.,  (Is  it  lit;  to  he  said  to  a  king  ? 
It  would  be  a  gross  outrage  to  reproach  thus 
an  earthly  monarch,  much  more,  the  King 
of  kings  (Exod.  22.  28.).  But  Maub.  with 
LXX.  and  Vulg.  reads  (It  is  not  fit  to  accuse 
of  injustice  Him)  who  says  to  a  king.  Thou 
art  wicked,  to  princes.  Ye  are  ungodly,  i.e., 
who  punishes  impartially  the  great,  as  the 
email.  This  accords  with  v.  19.  19.  Acts,  10. 
34;  2  Chron.  19.  7;  Prov.  22.  2;  ch.  31.  15.  20. 
they—"  Tlie  rich  "  and  "princes"  who  offend 
God.  the  peoTDle— viz.,  of  the  guilty  princes; 
guilty  also  themselves,  at  midnight— Luage 
from  a  night-attack  of  an  enemy  on  a  camp, 
which  becomes  an  easy  prey  (Ex.  12.  29,  30.  j. 
without  hand— Without  visible  agency,  by  the 
mere  word  of  God  iso  ch.  20.  2G;  Zech.  4.  6; 
Dan.  2.  34.).  21.  God's  omniscience  and  om- 
nipotence enable  Him  to  execute  immedi- 
ate justice.  He  needs  not  to  be  long  on  the 
*'  watch,"  as  Job  thought  (ch.  7.  12;  2  Chron. 
16.  9;  Jer.  32.  19.).  22.  shadow  of  death— 
TMck  darkness  (Amos,  9.  2,  3;  Ps.  139.  12.). 
23.  (1  Cor.  10. 13;  Lam.  3.  32;  Isa.  27.  8.).  Bet- 
ter, as  XJmbr.,  "  He  does  not  (needs  not  to) 
regard  (as  in  v.  14;  Isa.  41.  20,)  man  long  (so 
Heb.,  Gen.  46.  i!9.;  in  order  that  he  may  go 
(be  brought  by  God)  into  judgment."  Lit., 
"seihis  (attention  upon  men"  (ch.  11. 10, 11.). 
So  V.  24,  "svithout  number"  ought  to  be 
tranfl.  "witliout  (needing  any)  searching 
out,"  such  as  has  to  be  made  in  human  judg- 
ments. 24.  break  in  pieces  —  (Ps.  2.  9;  ch. 
12.  18;  Dan.  2.  21.).  23.  therefore— Because 
He  knows  aU  things,  [v.  21,)  He  knows  their 
works,  without  a  formal  investigation,  i;.  24.). 
in  the  night— Suddenly, unexpectedly  (v.  20.). 
fitly  in  the  night,  as  it  was  in  it  that  the 
godless  hid  themselves  'v.  22.).  Umbr.,  less 
simply,  for  "  overturneth,"  transl.  "walk- 
eth  :"  i.e.,  C4od  is  ever  on  the  alert,  discover- 
iog  all  wickedness.  26.striketh— Cha.sten8th. 
as — i.e.,  because  ihey  are  wicked,  sight  of 
others— Sinners  hid  themselves  in  darkness; 
therefore  they  are  punished  before  all,  in 
open  day.  Image  from  the  place  of  iiublic 
execution  I'ch.  40. 12;  Exod.  14.  30;  2  Sam.  12. 
12.;.  '27,  28.  The  grounds  of  their  punish- 
ment in  t7.26;'y.  28,  states  in  what  respect  they 
"considered  not  God's  ways,"  viz..  by  op- 
pi^ession,  whereby  "they  caused  the  cry," 
&c.  29.  (Prov.  16.  7;  Isa.  26.  3.).  make 
tr'uble— Bather,  condemn  (Rom.  8.  33,  34.). 
Maub.  from  the  reference  being  only  to  the 
godless,  in  the  next  clause,  and  v.  20,  transl. 
"When  God  keeps  quiet  (leaves  men  to 
perish)  Ps.  83.  1;  iXJmbb.]  from  the  Arabic, 
strikes  to  the  eartli),  who  snail  condemn  Him 
as  unjust?"  v.  17.  hideth  .  .  .  face—  ch.  23.  8, 
9;  Ps.  13. 1.)  it  be  done— Whether  it  be  against 
a  guilty  nation  (2  Ki.  18.  9-12,  i,  or  an  indivi- 
dual, that  God  acts  so.  30.  "Ensnared"  into 
sin  (1  Ki.  12.  28,  30.).  Or  rather,  enthralled 
by  fiirther  oppression,  v.  26-28.  31.  Job  ac- 
cordingly says  so  (ch  40.  3-.o;  Mic.  7.  9;  Lev. 
26.  41.1.  It  was  to  lead  him  to  this,  that 
Elihu  was  sent.  Though  no  hypocrite.  Job, 
like  all,  had  sin,  therefore  througli  affliction 
he  was  to  be  brought  to  humble  himself 
under  God.  All  sorrow  is  a  proof  of  the  com- 
mon heritage  of  sin,  in  which  the  godly 
shares :  and  therefore  he  ought  to  regard  it 
as  a  merciful  correction.  Umbb.  &  Maub. 
lose  this  by  transl.  as  the  Heb.  will  bear, 


ned?"  (sow.  6.)  borne— viz.,  the  penalty  of 
sin,  as  in  Lev.  6.  1,  17.  oSenA—Lit.,  to  deal 
dedructively  or  corruptly  (Neh.  i.  7.].  32. 
ch.  10.2;  Ps.  32.8;  19.12 ;  139.  23, 24.  no  more— 
Prov.  28.  13  ;  Eph.  4.  22.  33.  Bather  "  should 
God  recompense  (sinners)  according  to  thy 
mind?  Then  it  is  for  thee  to  reject  and  to 
choose,  and  not  me,"  [Umbb.]  or  as  Maub. 
"For  thou  hant  rejected  God's  way  of  recom- 
pensing; state  therefore  thy  way,  for  thou 
must  moose,  not  I,"  i.e.,  it  is  thy  part,  not 
mine,  to  show  a  better  way  than  God's.  34, 
35.  Bather,  men,  &c.,  will  say  to  me.  and  the 
wise  man  [v.  2, 10,)  who  hearkens  to  me  (will 
say,)  "Job  hath  spoken,"  &c.  36.  Marg., 
not  so  well.  My  father,  Elihu  addressing 
God.  This  title  does  not  elsewhere  occur  ia 
Job.  tried  — by  calamities,  answers  for 
wicked  men- (See  IS'ote  v.  8.).  Trials  of  the 
godly  are  not  removed  until  they  produce 
the  eflect  designed.  37.  clappeth  .  .  .  hands 
—In  scorn  (ch.  27.  23;  Ezek.  21.  17.).  multi- 
nlieth  .  .  .  words— ich.  11.  2;  35.  16).  To  his 
briginr»l  "  sin,"  to  correct  which  trials  have 
been  sent,  "he  adds  rebellion"  i.e.,  words 
arraigning  God's  justice. 

CHAPTER  XXXV. 
Ver.  1-16.  2.  more  than— Bather  as  ch.  9. 
2;  25.  4;  "I  am  righteous  {lit.,  my  righteous- 
ness is)  before  God."  E.  V.,  however  agrees 
with  ch.  9. 17;  16. 12-17;  27.  2-6.  Ch.  4.  17  is 
susceptible  of  either  rendering.  Elihu  means 
J  ob  said  so,  not  in  so  many  words,  but  virtUf 
ally.  3.  Rather,  explanatory  of  "this"  in  v.  2» 
"  That  thou  sayest  ito  thyself,  as  if  a  distinct 
person,)  What  advantage  is  it  thy  integrity) 
to  thee?  What  profit  have  I  (by  integrity) 
more  than  (I  should  have)  by  my  sini"  i.e., 
more  than  if  I  had  sinned  (ch.  34.  9.).  Job 
had  said  that  the  wicked,  who  ns^these  very 
words,  do  not  suffer  for  it  (ch.  21.  13-16,)  ; 
whereby  he  virtually  sanctioned  their  senti« 
ments.  The  same  change  of  persons  from 
oblique  to  direct  address  occurs  (ch.  19.  28; 
22.  17.).  4.  companions— Those  entertaining 
Uke  sentiments  with  thee  (ch.  34.  8,  36.).  5-8. 
Elihu  Uke  Eliphaz  ,ch.  22.  2,  3, 12,)  shows  that 
God  is  too  exalted  in  nature  to  be  suscepti- 
ble of  benefit  or  hurt  from  t^he  righteousness 
or  sin  of  man  respectively :  it  is  themselves 
that  they  benefit  by  righteousness,  or  hurt 
by  sin.  higher  than  thcu— Spoken  with  irony. 
Not  only  are  they  higher  than  thou,  but  thou 
can  not  even  reach  them  clearly  with  the 
eye.  Yet  these  are  not  as  high  as  God's  seat. 
God  is  there  lore  too  exalted  to  be  dependant 
on  man.  Therefore  11  e  has  no  inducement 
to  injustice  in  His  dealings  with  man.  Whea 
He  afflicts,  it  must  be  from  a  difierent  mo- 
tive ;  viz.,  the  go»d  of  the  sufferer.  6.  what 
doest— How  canst  thou  affect  Him?  unto 
him— That  can  hurt  Him?  (Jer.  7.  19;  Prov.. 
8.  36.).  7.  (Ps.  16.  2;  Prov.  9.  12;  Luke,  17. 
10.).  9.  (Eccl.  4.  1.).  Elihu  states  in  Job's 
words  (ch.  24.  12;  30.  20.)  the  difficulty;  the 
cries"  of  "  the  oppressed"  not  being  heard 
might  lead  man  to  think  that  wrongs  are  not 
punished  by  Him.  10-13.  But  the  reason  is, 
that  the  innocent  sufferers  often  do  not 
humbly  seek  God  for  succour;  so  to  their 
pride"  is  to  be  laid  the  blame  of  their 
ruin  :  also  because  13-16  they,  as  Job,  in- 
stead of  waiting  God's  time  in  pious  trust, 
are  prone  to  despair  of  His  justice,  when  it 
is  not  immediately  visible  ch.  33.  19-26.). 
Has  any-  a  right  to  say  to  God,  I  have  I  If  the  sufferer  would  apply  to  God  with  an 
borne  chastisement  and  yet  have  not  sin- humbled,  penitent  spirit.  He  woul4  hear, 
376 


Elihu  defends  God's  providenee,    JOB,  XXXVI,  XXXVIT.      and  deserTbes  Ms  great  worTes, 

28  Which  the  clouds  do  drop  and  distil 
upon  man  abundantly. 

29  Also  can  any  understand  the  spread- 
ings  of  the  clouds,  or  the  noise  of  his 
tabernacle? 


Tisit^d  in  his  anger ;  yet  *  he  knoweth  it  not 
In  great  extremity: 

16  Therefore  "  doth  Job  open  his  mouth  in 
vain;  he  multiplieth  words  without  know- 
ledge. 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 
1  Elihu  shows  hew  God  is  just  in  all  his  wavs. 

8  tht  end  of  Ood's  chastisement!.-  16  hotv  Job's 

sins  hinder  God's  blessings.    22  God's  works  to 

be  magnified. 

TTLIHU  also  proceeded,  and  said, 
•*-*  2  Sufler  me  a  little,  and  I  will  show 
thee  1  that  I  have  yet  to  speak  on  God's 
behalf. 

3 1  will  fetch  my  knowledge  from  afar,  and 
will  ascribe  righteousness  to  my  Maker. 

4  For  truly  my  words  sfuill  not  be  false:  he 
that  is  perfect  in  knowledge  is  with  thee. 

5  Behold,  God  is  mighty,  and  despiseth 
not  any:  he  is  mighty  m  strength  aiui 
s  wisdom. 

6  He  preserveth  not  the  life  of  the  wicked: 
but  giveth  right  to  the  3  poor. 

7  He  withdraweth  not  his  eyes  fi-om  the 
righteous:  but  «  with  kings  are  they  on  the 
throne;  yea,  he  doth  establish  them  for 
ever,  and  they  are  exalted. 

8  And  *  if  they  be  bound  in  fetters,  and 
be  holden  in  cords  of  affliction; 

9  Then  he  showeth  them  their  work,  and 
their  trangressions  thattheyhaA-e  exceeded. 

10  He  openeth  also  their  ear  to  discipline, 
and  commandeth  that  they  return  from 
iniquity. 

11  If  they  obey  and  serve  him,  they  shall 
spend  *  their  days  in  prosperity,  and  their 
years  in  pleasures: 

12  But  if  they  obey  not,  *  they  shall  perish 
by  the  sword,  and  they  shall  die  without 
knowledge. 

13  But  the  hypocrites  in  heart  heap  up 
wrath  •  they  cry  not  when  he  bindeth  them. 

14  6  They  die  in  youth,  and  their  life  is 
among  the  6  unclean. 

15  He  delivereth  the  7  poor  in  his  affliction, 
and  openeth  their  ears  in  oppression: 

16  Even  so  would  he  have  removed  thee 
out  of  the  strait  into  a.  broad  place,  where 
there  is  no  straitness;  and » that  which 
should  be  set  on  thy  table  should  be  full  of 
fatness. 

17  But  thou  hast  fulfilled  the  judgment  of 
the  wicked:  9  judgment  and  justice  take 
hold  on  thee. 

18  Because  there  is  wrath,  beware  lest  he 
take  thee  away  with  his  stroke:  then  a  great 
ransom  cannot  i"  deliver  thee. 

19  Will  he  esteem  thy  riches  ?  no,  not  gold, 
nor  all  the  forces  of  strength. 

20  Desire  not  the  night,  when  people  are 
cut  off' in  their  place. 

21  Take  hecci,  regard  not  iniquity:  for 
this  d  hast  thou  chosen  rather  than  afflic- 
tion. 

22  Behold,  God  exalteth  by  his  power: 
who  «teacheth  like  him? 

23  Who  hath  enjoined  him  his  way?  or 
who /can  say.  Thou  hast  wrought  iniquity? 

24  Remember  that  thou  ''magnify  his 
work,  which  men  behold. 

25  Every  ''man  may  see  it;  man  may  be- 
hold it  afar  off. 

26  Behold,  God  is  great,  and  we  »know 
him  not,  }  neither  can  the  number  of  his 
years  be  seai-ched  out. 

27  For  he  maketh  small  the  drops  of 
water:  they  pour  down  rain  according  to 
the  vapour  thereof, 

377 


CHAP.  35. 
4Tbatis, 


CHAP.  36. 

1  that  there 
are  yet 
words  for 
God. 

Z  heart. 

3  Or,  a£. 
fiicted. 

O  P«.  113.  8. 
6  P».  107. 10, 
e  I.   1  19. 
1  Tim.  4.8. 

4  they  «haU 

by  the 

6  their  aoul 
dietb. 

6  Or,  eodom- 
ites. 
Deu.!i3.17. 

7  Or,  af- 
flicted. 

8  the  rest  of 
thy  table. 

9  Or.judg- 


juBtice 
Bhould  up- 
hold thee. 

lOtumthes 
aside. 

d  Heb.n.25. 

e  Is.  40. 13. 
Eo.  11.  34. 
1  Cor.2.16. 

f  Deut.  32.4. 

g  Ps.  92.  6. 
Kev.  15.  3. 

h  Kom.  1.19. 

i  1  Cor.  13. 
12. 


27. 

Heb.  1. 13, 

11  the  roots. 

12  that 

goeth  up. 


CHAP.  37. 

1  Hear  in 
hearing. 

2  light. 

3  wings  of 
the  earth. 

4  and  to  the 
Bhower  of 
rain,  Bed 
to  the 
showers  of 
rain  of  his 
strength. 

a  Ps.  HI.  2. 
6  Out  of  the 


6  scattering 
winds. 

7  the  cloud 
ofhisligbt. 

8  a  rod. 

b  eh,  38.  4. 
e  Is.  44.  24. 

9  Gold. 

d  1  Ti.  6.16. 
e  ch.  36.  6. 
/  Lam.  3. 33. 
g  Mat.  10.28, 
h  Mat.  11.25. 
1  CMr.l.aO. 


I  Behold,  he  spreadeth  his  light  upon  it, 
and  covereth  n  tne  bottom  of  tne  sea. 

31  For  by  them  judgeth  he  the  people;  he 
giveth  meat  in  abundance. 

32  With  clouds  he  covereth  the  light;  and 
commandeth  it  not  to  shine  by  the  clowi 
that  Cometh  betwixt. 

33  The  noise  thereof  showeth  concerning 
it,  the  cattle  also  concerning  12  the  vapour. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIl. 

1  Ood  to  be  feared  for  his  great  works:  15  his 

wisdom  is  unsearchalle  in  them. 

A  T  this  also  my  heart  trembleth,  and  is 
■^^  moved  out  of  his  place. 

2 1  Hear  attentively  the  noise  of  his  voice, 
and  the  sound  that  goeth  out  of  his  mouth. 

3  He  directeth  it  under  the  whole  heaven, 
and  his  8 lightning  unto  the  Sends  of  the 
earth. 

4  After  it  a  voice  roareth:  he  thundereth 
with  the  voice  of  his  excellency;  and  he 
wUl  not  stay  them  when  his  voice  is  heard. 

5  God  thundereth  man'ellously  with  his 
voice;  gieat  things  doeth  he,  which  we 
cannot  comprehend. 

6  For  he  saith  to  the  snow.  Be  thou  on  the 
earth;  *  likewise  to  the  small  rain,  and  to 
the  great  rain  of  his  strength. 

7  He  sealeth  up  the  hand  of  every  man; 
that  "  all  men  may  know  bis  work. 

8  Then  the  beasts  go  into  dens,  and  re- 
main in  their  places. 

9  6  Out  of  the  south  cometh  the  whiilwind; 
and  cold  out  of  the  6  north. 

10  By  the  breath  of  God  frost  is  given; 
and  the  breadth  of  the  waters  is  straitened. 

11  Also  by  watering  he  wearieth  the  thick 
cloud;  he  scattereth  7  his  bright  cloud, 

12  And  it  is  turned  round  about  by  his 
counsels:  that  they  may  do  whatsoever  he 
commandeth  them  upon  the  face  of  the 
world  in  the  earth. 

13  He  causeth  it  to  come,  whether  for 
8  correction,  or  for  his  land,  or  for  mercjr. 

14  Hearken  unto  this,  O  Job:  stand  still, 
and  consider  the  wondrous  works  of  God. 

15  Dost  thou  know  when  God  disposed 
them,  and  caused  the  light  of  his  cloud  to 
shine? 

16  Dost  thou  know  the  balancings  of  the 
clouds,  the  wondrous  works  of  *  mm  which 
is  perfect  in  knowledge  ? 

17  How  thy  gai-ments  are  warm,  when  he 
quieteth  the  eaith  by  the  south  wind? 

18  Hast  thou  with  him  "  spread  out  the 
sky,  ivhich  is  strong,  and  as  a  molten  look- 
ing-glass? 

19  Teach  us  what  we  shall  say  unto  him; 
for  we  cannot  order  our  speech  by  reason 
of  darkness. 

20  Shall  it  be  told  him  that  I  speak?  If  a 
man  speak,  surely  he  shall  be  swallowed  up. 

21  And  now  men  see  not  the  bright  light 
which  is  in  the  clouds;  but  the  wind  pas- 
seth,  and  cleanseth  them. 

22  9  Fair  weather  cometh  out  of  the  north: 
with  God  is  terrible  nm,jesty. 

23  2'ouching  the  Almighty,  <*we  cannot 
find  him  out: '  he  is  excellent  in  power,  and 
in  judgment,  and  in  plenty  of  justice:  he 
will /not  atnict. 

24  Men  do  therefore  ''fear  him:  he  respec- 
teth  not  day  Uuit  a«'«  ^  wise  ot'lieartii 


ElUm  sMws  hov)  God  is 


Where,  &c.— {Jer.  2.  6,  8;  Isa.  51. 13.).  songs— 
Of  joy  at  deliverance  (Ps.  42.  8;  149.  5:  Acts, 
16.  25.1.  ill  the  nigiit— Unexpectedly  (oh.  34. 
20. 25. ) .  Rath  er ,  in  calamity.  1 1 .  Man's  spirit 
wliich  distinguishes  him  from  the  brute,  is 
the  strongest  pi*oof  of  God's  beneficence  :  by 
the  use  of  it  we  may  understand  that  God  is 
the  Almighty  helper  of  all  sufferers  who 
humbly  seek  him ;  and  that  they  err  who  do 
not  so  seek  him.  fowls— (oh.  28.  21;  ISote.). 
12.  There— Rather,  Thejt,  (when  none  humbly 
casts  himself  on  God,  v.  10.).  They  cry 
proudly  against  God,  rather  than  humbly  to 
God.  So,  as  the  design  of  affliction  is  to 
humble  the  sufferer,  there  can  be  no  answer 
until  "pride"  gives  place  to  humble  peni- 
temt  prayer  (Ps.  10.  4;  Jer.  13, 17.).  13.  Vanity, 
i.e.,  cries  uttered  in  an  unhumbled  spirit, 
p.  12,  which  applies  in  some  degree  to  Job's 
cries;  .stiU  more  to  those  of  the  wicked  ich. 
27.  9;  Prov.  15.  29.).  14.  Although  thou  say- 
est,  thou  Shalt  not  see  Hiin  (as  a  temporal 
deliverer ;  for  he  did  look  for  a  Redeemer 
ajter  death:  (ch.  19.26-27,)  which  passage  can- 
not consistently  with  Elihu's  assertion  here 
be  interpreted  of  "seeing"  a  temporal 
"Redeemer,")  ch.  7.  7;  9.  11;  23.  3,  8,  9,  yet, 
judgment,  &c.,  therefore  trust,  &c.  But  the 
Eeb.  favours  Maub.  "  How  much  less  (will 
God  —  regard,  v.  13).  since  thou  sayest, 
that  He  does  not  regard  thee."  So  in  ch.  4. 
19.  Thus  Eiihu  alludes  to  Job's  words  (ch. 
19.  7;  30.  20.).  judgment— i.e.,  thy  cause,  thy 
right;  as  in  Ps.  9.  16;  Prov.  31.  5.  8.    trust— 

tither,  wait  thou,  on  Him,  patiently,  until 
e  take  up  thy  cause  (Ps.  37.  7.  .  15.  As  it 
is,  because  Job  waited  not  trustingly  and 
patiently  {v.  14;  Num.  20. 12;  Zeph.  3.  2;  Mic. 
7.  9,),  God  ,hath  visited,  &c.,  yet  still  he  has 
not  taken  (severe)  cognizance  of  the  great 
multitude  IE.  V.  wrongly,  "extremity  ;  of 
Bins ;  therefore  Job  should  not  complain  of 
being  punished  with  undue  severity  (ch.  7. 
20;  1].  6.).  IVTaur.  transl.  "Because  His 
anger  hath  not  visited  (hath  not  immediate- 
ly punished  Job  for  his  impious  complaints,) 
nor  has  He  taken  strict  igreat)  cognizance  of 
his  folly  (sinful  speeches,),  therelore,  &c. 
For  "  folly,"  Umbr.  transl.  with  the  Rabbins, 
multitude.  Ges.  reads  with  LXX.  and  Vulg. 
neeedlessly  "transgression."  16.  Apodosis 
to  15.    in  vain— Rashly. 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 
Ver.  1-33.  1,  2.  Ehhu  maintains,  that  af- 
flictions are  to  the  godly  disciplinary,  in 
order  to  lead  them  to  attain  a  hiyher  moral 
wortJi,  and  that  the  reason  for  their  con  inu- 
ance  is  not,  as  the  friends  asserted,  o.i  ac- 
count of  the  sufferer's  extraordinary  guilt, 
but  because  the  discipline  has  not  yet  at- 
tained its  ob.iect,  viz.,  to  lead  him  to  humble 
himself  penitently  betore  God  Jsa.  9. 13;  Jer. 
6.  3.).  This  is  EUhu's  fourth  speech.  He 
thus  exceeds  the  ternary  number  of  the 
lOthers.    Hence  his  formula  of  politeness,  v. 

2.  Lit.,Waityetbutalittleforme.  Bearwiih 
me  a  little  farther.  I  have  yet  (much  ch.  32. 
as-20. .  There  are  Chaldeisms  in  this  verse, 
agreeably  to  the  view  that  the  scene  of  the 
book  is  near  the  Euphrates  and  the  Chaldees. 

3.  Iram  atar— Not  trite  common-places,  but 
drawn  from  God's  mighty  works,  asciibe 
righteousness  — Whereas  Job  had  ascribed 
unrighteuusness  (ch.  34.  10-12.;.  A  man,  in 
enquiring  into  God's  ways,  should  at  the  out- 
set presume  they  are  all  just,  be  ivilling  to 
liud  them  so,  and  expect  that  the  result  of  in- 

377 


JOE.  XXXVL Just  in  all  His  Ways. 

vestii^ation  \nll  prove  them  to  be  so ;  such  a 
one  will  never  lie  disaiipointed.  [Ba.]  4. 
1  will  not  "speak  wickedly  for  God," as  the 
friends,  ch.  13.  4,  7,  8 ;  i.e.,  vindicate  God  by 
unsound  arguments,  he  that  is  perfect,  &c. 
—Rather,  as  the  parallelism  requires,  "a 
man  of  integrity  in  sentiments  is  with  thee  " 
(is  he  with  whom  thou  hast  to  do.).  Elihu 
means  himself,  as  opposed  to  the  dishonest 
reasonings  of  the  friends  (ch.  21.  34.).  5. 
Rather,  Btrengih  of  under-standing  (heart) 
the  force  of  the  repetition  of  "  mighty"  is, 
"mighty"  as  God  is,  none  is  too  low  to  be 
"  despised"  by  Him ;  for  His  "  might "  lies 
especially  in  "His  strength  of  understand- 
ing," whereby  He  searches  out  the  most 
minute  things,  so  as  to  give  to  each  liis 
right.  Ehhu  confirms  his  exhortation  (ch. 
35.  14.).  6.  right .  .  .poor— He  espouses  the 
cause  of  the  afflicted.  7.  (1  Pet.  3.  12.)  God 
does  not  forsake  the  godly,  as  Job  imphed, 
but  "establishes,"  or  makes  them  sit  on  the 
throne  as  kings  (1  Sam.  2.8;  Ps.  113.  7,  8.). 
True  of  believers  in  the  highest  sense,  already 
in  part,  l  Pet.  2.  9!;  Rev.  l.  6;  hereafter  fully. 
Rev.  5. 10;  ch.  22. 5.  and  tliey  are-That  they  may 
be.  8-10.  If  they  be  afflicted,  it  is  no  proof 
that  they  are  hypocrites,  as  the  friends  main- 
tain :  or  that  God  disregards  them,  and  is 
indifferent  whether  men  are  good  or  bad,  as 
Job  asserts:  (Jod  is  thereby  "disciplining 
them,"  and  "showing  them  their  sins,"  ana 
if  they  bow  in  a  right  spirit  under  Goa's 
visiting  hand,  the  greatest  blessings  ensue. 
9.  work— Transgression,  that  .  .  .  exceeaed — 
'  *  In  that  they  behaved  themselves  mightily," 
lit.,  great:  i.e.,  prestmiptuously,  or,  at  least, 
self-confldently.  10.  (ch,  33.  ic-i8,  23.)  11. 
serve— i.e.,  vmrship;  as  in  Isa.  19.  23,  God  is 
to  be  supplied  (cf.  Isa.  1. 19,  20.)  12.  (ch.  33. 
18.)  witiiout  knowledge— In,  i.e..  on  account 
of  their  fooliahuess  (ch.  4.20, 21.).  13-15.  Same 
sentiment,  as  v.  11, 12,  expanded.  13.  hypo- 
criies- Or,  the  ungodly  [Maub.J;  but  "hy- 
pocrites" is  perhaps  a  distinct  class  from  the 
openly  wicked  iv.  12.).  heap  up  wratli— Of 
God  against  themselves  (Rom.  2. 6.).  Umbr. 
transl.  "  nourish  their  wrath  against  God," 
instead  of  "  crying"  unto  Him.  Tliis  suits 
well  the  parallelism  and  the  Heb.  But  E.  V, 
gives  a  good  parallehsm,  "hypocrites"  an- 
swering to  "cry  not"  (ch.  27.  8,  lOJ;  "heap 
up  wrath"  against  themselves,  to  "He 
bindeth  them "  with  fettei's  of  affliction  {v. 
8.).  14.  Rather,  (Deu.  23.  i7,)  Their  lije  is 
(ended)  as  that  of  [lit.,  among)  the  imckan," 
prematurely  and  dishonourably.  So  the 
second  clause  answers  to  the  first.  A  warn- 
ing that  J  ob  make  not  common  cause  v,  ith 
the  Avicked  ,ch.  34.  36.J.  15.  poor— 2V(e  afflic- 
ted j^ious.  openeth  . . .  ears— ,y.  lo,);  so  as  to 
be  admonished  in  their  straits  ("  oppres- 
sion") to  seek  God  penitently,  and  so  be 
"dehvered"  (ch. 33. 16, 17, 23-27.).  16. Rather, 
"  He  ivill  lead  forth  thee  also  out  of  theji^us 
of  a  strait"  (Ps.  18.  19;  118.  &.).  The  " bro;  d 
place"  expresses  the  liberty,  and  the  weli- 
s  applied  "table"  the  abundance  of  the  pros- 
perous (Ps.  23.  5;  Isa.  25.  6.].  17.  Rather, 
"  But  //  thou  art  fulfilled  (i.e.,  entirely  filled) 
with  the  judgment  of  the  wicked  (i.e.,  the 
guilt  iDcurriag  judgment  [MAUR.];or  rather, 
as  Umbii.  referring  to  ch.  34.  5,  6,  7,  3i;.  the 
judgmetit  pronounced  on  God  by  the  guilty  in 
misfortunes;  judgment  \God's  judgment  on 
the  toicked;  Jer.  51.  9,  playing  on  the 
double   meaning  of    *' iudgment.,"j.    and 


Job's  Sins  Hinder  GocUb  Blessxngt.      JOB.  XXXVU. 

justice  shall  closely  follow  each  other. 
IUmbr.J  18.  (Num.  16.  45;  Ps.  49.  6,  7 ;  ISIatt. 
16.  26.!.  Even  the  "ransom"  by  Jesus 
Christ  (ch.  33.  24,)  will  be  of  no  avail  to  wil- 
ful despisers  (Heb.  10. 26-'29.;.  with  his  stroke 
— (ch.  34.  26.1.  tlMBR.  transl.  "Beware  lest 
the  wrath  of  God  (thy  severe  calamity)  lead 
thee  to  scorn"  (ch.  34.  7;  27.  23.).  This  accords 
better  v.-ith  the  verb  in  the  parallel  clause, 
•which  ought  to  he  transl.,  "Let  not  the  great 
lansom  (of  money,  which  thou  canst  give) 
seduce  thee."  {Marg.,  turn  thee  aside,  as  if 
thou  couldst  deliver  thyself  from  "  wrath" 
by  it.)  As  the  "scorn"  in  the  first  clause 
answers  to  the  "judgment  of  the  wicked," 
V.  17,  so  "ransom,  seduce"  to  "Will  he  es- 
teem riches."  v.  19.  Thus  v.  18  is  the  transi- 
tion between  v.  17  and  19.  19.  forces  of 
strength— i.e.,  resources  ol  wealth  (Ps.  49.  7; 
Prov.  11.4.).  20.  Aesixe—Pa)it  for.  Job  had 
wislied  for  death  'ch.  3.  8-9,  <fec.).  nit^ht— Jo. 
9.  4.  when— Katlier,  whereby,  cut  cS—fJt., 
ascend,  as  the  corn  cut  and  lifted  upon  the 
waggon  or  stack  iv.  26,);  so  cut  off,  disapijear. 
in  tueir  place  — Z/ii.,  under  themselves;  so, 
without  moving  from  their  place,  on  the 


God^s  Works  to  he  Magnified. 


He  attracts  from  the  earth  below)  the  drops  ' 
of  water;  they  (the  drops  of  v.ater)  pour 
down  rain,  iwhich  is)  His  vapour."  "  Va- 
pour" is  in  apposition  with  "  rain,"  marking 
the  w  ay  in  which  rain  is  formed ,  viz. ,  from  the 
vapour  drawn  up  by  God  into  the  air  arid 
then  condensed  into  drops,  which  fall  (Ps. 
147.  8.).  The  suspension  of  such  a  mass  of 
water,  and  its  descent  not  in  a  debtee,  but 
in  drops  of  vapoury  rain,  are  tlie  mar\el. 
The  selection  of  this  particular  illustration 
of  God's  greatness  forms  a  fit  prelude  to  the 
storm  in  which  God  appears  !ch.  40.  i.).  28. 
a.\)VLnda.nt\y—Lit.,uponmanynien.  29.— ch.  37. 
5.  God's  marvels  in  thunder  and  lightnings, 
29.  spreadings,  &c.  —  The  canopy  of  thick 
clouds,  which  covers  the  heavens  in  a  storm 
(Ps.  105.  39.).  the  noise  (crashing)  of  his 
tabernacle— viz.,  thunder;  God  being  poeti- 
cally said  to  have  His  pavilion  amidst  dark 
clouds  (Ps.  18.  11;  Isa.  40.  22.).  SO.  bght— 
Lightning,  it— His  tabernacle.  I'he  light, 
in  an  instant  spread  over  the  vast  mass  of 
dark  clouds,  forms  a  striking  picture. 
"  Siiread"  is  repeated  from  v.  29.  to  form  an 
antithesis,  "He  spreads  not  only  clouds,  but 


sviot, suddenly  {ch.iO.  12.)   (Maur.]  Umer.'s  light."    covereth  tne  bottom  (roofs)  of  the  s 


transl.,  "To  ascend  (which  is  really,  as  thou 
wilt  find  to  thy  cost,  to  descend)  to  the  people 
beloio,"  {lit.,  under  themselves,)  answers  better 
to  the  parallelism  and  the  Heb.  'J'hou  pant- 
est  for  death  as  desirable,  but  itis  a  "night" 
or  reaion  of  darkness,  thy  fancied  a.-^cent 
(amelioration)  will  prove  a  descent  (deterio- 
ration, ch.  10.  22,);  therefore  desire  it  not. 
21.  regard— Lii..  ttmi  thyself  to.  iniqviiy— 
viz.,  presumptuous  speaki!:gagainstG(jd  ch. 
34.  6,  and  above,  V.  17,  J 8:  Note.),  rather  than 
—To  bear  "afiliction"  with  pious  patience. 
Men  think  it  an  alleviation  to  compiain 
against  God.  But  this  is  adding  sin  to  sor- 
row ;  it  is  sin,  not  sorrow,  which  can  really 
hurt  us,  (contrast  Heb.  11.  25.).  22-25.  God 
is  not  to  be  impiously  arraigned,  but  to  be 


viz.,  .with  the  light.  In  the  storm  the 
depths  of  ocean  are  laid  bare ;  and  the  light 
"covers"  them,  at  the  same  moment  that  i-t 
"spreads"  across  the  dark  sky.  So  in  Ps. 
18. 14, 15,  the  discovering  of  "  the  channels  oi 
waters"  follows  the  "lightnings."  Umbr. 
transl.  "He  spreadeth  His  light  upon  Him- 
self, and  covereth  Himself  with  the  roots  of 
the  sea ;"  (Ps.  104.  2;)  God's  garmentis  woven 
of  celestial  light  and  of  the  watery  depths, 
raised  to  the  sky  to  form  His  cloudy  canopy. 
The  phrase  "  cover  Himself  with  the  roots  of 
the  sea"  is  harsh :  but  the  image  is  grand. 
31.  These  (rain  and  lightnings)  are  marvel- 
lous and  not  to  be  understood,  [v.  29,)  yet 
necessary:  "i^cr  by  them  He  judgeth  (chas- 
tiseth  on  the  one  hand)  &c.,  (and  <  n  the  otlier. 


praised  for  His  might,  sho\yn  in  His  works.  |  by  them)  He  giA^eth  meat"  (food.)  &c.  (ch.  37. 


exaiteth— Rather,  doelh  lojtij  things,  shows 
His  exalted  power  IUmbr.]  (Ps.  21.  13.). 
teacheth— (Ps.  94. 12,  Arc).  The  connexion  is, 
returning  to  v.  5.  God's  "  might"  is  shown  in 
His  "wisdom :"  He  alone  can  teach ;  yet,  be- 
cause He,  as  a  sovereign,  explains  not  all  His 
dealings,  forsooth  Job  must  presume  to  teach 
Him  ;Isa.  4).  13, 14; Eom.  11.  34;  l  Cor.  2. 16.). 
So  the  transition  to  v.  V3  is  natural.  Umbr. 
with  IiXX.  transl.  "Who  is  Lord : "  wrongly, 
as  this  meaning  belongs  to  later  Heb.  23. 
Job  dared  to  prescribe  to  God,  what  He 
should  do  (ch.  34.  lO,  13.)  24.  Instead  of  ar- 
raigning, let  it  be  thy  fixed  principle  to  mag- 
nify God  in  His  works  (Ps.  111.  2-S;  Eev.  15.' 
3.) :  these,  which  all  may  "  see,"  may  con- 
vince us,  that  what  we  do  not  see  is  alto- 
gether wise  and  good  (Eora.  l.  20.).  behold- 
As  "see,"  V.  25  shows  ;  not,  as  Maur."  sing," 
laud  (Note  33.  27.).  26.  "See"  viz.,  with 
wondering  admiration.  [Maur.]  man  may 
behold— Kather.  "lyet)  mortals  a  different 
Heb.  word  from  "man")  behold  it  (only) 
from  afar  off:"  see  but  a  small  "part"  ich. 
26.  14.).  26.— ch.  37. 13.  God's  greatness  in 
heaven,  and  earth:  a  reason  why  Jo.b  should 
bow  under  His  afflicting  hand.  26.  knowl.im 
not— Only  in  part  {v.  25;  iCor.  13.  12.  i  his 
years— IPs.  90. 2;  102.  24.  27,);  applied  to  Jesu8 
Christ  (Heb.  1. 12.)  27.  28.  The  marvellous 
formation  of  rain  'so  ch.  5.  9.  10.].  mnketh 
small— JRatlier.  "He  draweth  (up)  to  Him, 
377   HI 


lo;38.  23,  27;  Acts,  14.  17.).  32.  Rather,  "He 
covereth  (both)  His  hands  with  ligiit  (light- 
ning, ch.  37.  3,  Marg.\  and  giveth  it  a  com- 
mand against  his  adversary"  dit.,  the  one 
assailing  Him:  (Ps.  8.  2;  139.  20, 21. 19.i  Thus, 
as  in  V.  31.  the  twofold  effects  of  His  waters 
are  set  forth,  so  here,  of  His  light;  in  the 
one  hand  destructive  lightning  against  the 
wicked;  in  the  other,  the  genial  light  for 
good  to  His  friends,  &c.,v.  33.  [Umbr.]  33. 
noise— Kather,  Herevealeth  it  Ut.,aniiounC' 
eth  concerning  it)  to  His  .friend  (antithesis 
to  adversary,  v.  32,  so  the  Heb.  is  transl,  ch, 
2.  11,);  also  to  cattle  and  plants  [lit.,  that 
ivhich  shooteth  uv;  Gen.  40.  10:  41.  22.).  As 
the  genial  effect  of  "water"  in  the  growth  of 
food,  is  menti  -ned  v.  31,  so  here  that  of 
"  I'.c'ht"  in cherisliing  cattUand  plants.  [Um.] 
If  E.V.  "noise"  be  retained,  transl.  "His 
noise  (thunder)  announces  concerning  Him 
iHis  coming  in  the  tempe.st .  the  cattle  too 
announce'  concerning  Him  when  He  is  in  the 
act  of  risinn  tip"  (in  the  storm.'.  Some  ani- 
mals give  various  intimation?,  that  tiiey  are 
sensible  of  the  approach  of  a  storm.  (Virg. 
Georg.  I.  ST.',,  &c.) 

CHAPTER  XXXYIL 
Ver.  1-24.  1.  At  this—  When  I  hear  the 
thundering  of  the  Divine  Miijesty.  Peili'ius 
the  storm  already  had  begun,  out  of  \Nhich 
God  was  to  address  Job  ch.  38. 1.).  2.  Hear 
attentively— The i/wnder,  ("noise,")  <iic.,  and 


God  to  he  Feared 


JOB.  XXXVU.      Because  ofEis  Great  IVnrhi,  <L'e. 


then  yon  will  feel  that  thore  is  Kood  reason  whom  God  deals,  as  opposed  to  the  parts  rtu- 
to  tremble,  sownd.— Muttering  of  the  thxxn-  inhabited,  on  which  ram  is  at  other  times 
der.  3.  diiecteth  it— However  zig-zag  the  '  apMointed  to  fall  (ch.  38.  26,  'll,)  or  for  mercy. 
Hahtrdno's  course  ;  or,  rather,  it  applies  6o  "  If  it  be  destined  for  His  laud"  is  a  paren- 
the  peeling  roll  of  the  t/mWer.  God's  aW- j  thetical  supposition.  [Maur.]  In  E.V., 
embracing  power,  ends— Lit.,  wings,  skirts,\t]ns  clause  spoils  the  even  balance  of  the 
the  habuable  earth  being  often  compared  to  1  antithesis  between  the  "rod"  (Marg.)  and 
an  extended  garment  (ch.  38. 13;  Isa.  11.  12.^.  "mercy."  (Ps.  68.  9;  Gen.  7.).  14.  (I's.  ill.  2.). 
4.  The  thunder-clap  follows  at  an  interval '  15.  when— Rather,  hoiv.  disposed  them— Lays 
after  the  flash,  stay  them— He  will  not  TioW  j  i/fs  charge  on  these  "wonders"  [v,  14,)  to 
lack  the  lightnings  {v.  3,)  when  the  thunder  arise,  light— Lightning,  shhie— Flash.  How- 
ls heard.     (Ma  OB,.]    Rather,  take  "them"  is  it  that  %M  arises  from  the  cfarA;  thun<i er- 


as the  usual  concomitants  of  thunder,  viz., 
rain  and  hail  [Umbr.]  (ch.  40.  9.).  5.  (ch.  36, 
2C;  Ps.  65.  C;  139.  14.).  The  sublimity  of  the 
description  lies  in  this,  that  God  is  every- 
where in  tlie  storm,  directing  it  whither  He 
•will.  [Ba.1  See  Ps.  29,  where,  as  here,  the 
*'  voice"  of  God  is  repeated  with  grand  effect. 
The  thunder  in  Arabia  is  sublimely  terrible. 
6.  Be— More  forcible  than  "  Fall."  as  Umbr. 
iransl.  (Gen.  1.  3.).  to  the  small  rain,  &c.— 
He  saith.  Be  on  the  earth.  The  shower  in- 
creasing from  "small"  to  "great,"  is  ex- 
pressed by  the  plur.  showers  [Marg.,]  follow- 
ing the  sing,  shoiver.  Winter  rain  (Song  Sol. 
2.  11.).  7.  In  winter  God  stops  man's  out-of- 
doors  activity,  sealeth— Closeth  up  (ch.9.  7). 
Man's  "  hands"  are  then  tied  up.  his  work 
—In  antithesis  to  man's  own  tvork  ("  hand") 
■which  at  other  times  engages  men  so  as  to 
be  liable  to  forget  their  dependence  on  God. 
Umbr.  more  lit.  transL,  That  all  men  whom 
He  has  made  (lit.,  of  His  making)  may  be 
brought  to  acknowledgment.  8.  remain— 
Rest  in  their  lairs.  It  is  beautifully  ordered 
that  during  the  cold,  when  they  could  not 
obtain  food,  many  lie  torpid ;  a  state  where- 
in they  need  no  food.  The  desolation  of  the 
fields,  at  God's  bidding,  is  poetically  graphic. 
9.  soxxth— Lit,  chambers ;  connected  v/ith  the 
S.  (ch.  9.  9.).  The  whirlwinds  are  poetically 
regarded  as  pent  up  by  God  in  His  S.  cham- 
bers, whence  He  sends  them  forth  (so  ch. 
38.  22;  Ps.  135.  7.).  As  to  the  S.  whirlwinds 
(see  Isa.  21.  i;  Zech.  9. 14,  ^  they  drive  before 
them  burning  sands;  chiefly  from  February 
to  May.  the  noith— Lit.,  scattering;  the  N. 
Vfind- scatters  the  clouds.  10,  frost  — 
Rather,  ice.  the  breath  of  God— Poetically, 
for  the  ice-producing  N.  wind.  str;dtined— 
Physically  accurate  :  frost  compresses  or  con- 
tracts the  expanded  liquid  into  a  congealed 
mass  (ch.  38.  29,  30;  Ps.  147.  17,  18. j.  11-13. 
How  the  thunder-clouds  are  dispersed,  or 
else  employed  by  God,  either  for  correction 
or  mercy,  by  watering— By  loading  it  with 
water,  weaxieth  —  Burdeneth  it,  so  that  it 
falls  in  rain:  thus  "wearieth"  answers  to 
the  parallel  "scattereth"  (cf.  Note  t).  9,);  a 
clear  sky  resulting  alike  from  both,  bright 
cloud— iti.,  cloud  of  His  light,  i.e.,  of  His 
lightning.  Umbr.  for  "watering,"  <fec., 
transl.  "  Brightness  drives  away  the  clouds. 
His  light  scattereth  the  thick  clotids :"  the 
parallelism  is  thus  good,  but  the  Heb.  hardly 
Sanctions  it.  12.  it— The  cloud  of  lightning, 
counsels— Guidance  (Ps.  148. 8,);  lit,  steering; 
the  clouds  obey  God's  guidance,  as  the  ship 
does  the  helmsman.  So  the  lightning  (Note, 
36.  31,  32,);  neither  is  hap-hazard  in  its  move- 
ments, they— IZVie  clouds,  implied  in  the 
collective  sing.  "  it."    face  of  the  world,  &c 


light  \ 
clotid?  16.  Heb.  "Hast  thou  understanding 
of  the  balancings,"  <fec.,  how  the  clouds  are 
poised  in  the  air,  so  that  their  watery  gravity 
does  not  bring  them  to  the  earth?  The  con- 
densed moisture,  descending  by  gravity, 
meets  a  warmer  temiierature,  •which  dissi- 
pates it  into  vapour  (the  tendency  of  which 
is  to  ascend)  and  so  counteracts  the  descend- 
ing force,  perfect  in  knowledge  — God  :  not 
here  in  the  sense  that  Elihu  uses  it  of  him- 
self (ch.  36.  4.).  17.  dost  tliou  know— How, 
(fee.  thy  garments-  i.e.,  how  thy  body  grows 
warm,  so  as  to  affect  thy  garments  with  heat  ? 
south  wind— Lii.,resfio)i  of  the  S.  "  When  He 
maketh  still  (and  sultry'  the  earth  [i.e.,  the 
atmosphere)  by  (during)  the  S.  wind  (Song 
Sol.  4. 16.).  18.  with  him— Like  ss  He  does 
(ch.  40.  16.1.  spread  out— Given  expanse  to. 
strong— Firm;  whence  the  term  "firma- 
ment" (Gen.  1.  6;  Marg.  expansion,  Isa.  44. 
24.1.  molten  looking-glass  —  Image  of  the 
bright  smiling  sky.  Mirrors  were  then 
formed  of  molten  pohshed  metal,  not 
"glass."  19.  Men  cannot  explain  God's 
wonders ;  we  ought,  therefore,  to  be  dumb 
and  not  contend  with  God.  If  Job  thinks 
we  ought, ' '  let  him  teacli  us,  what  we  shall 
say."  order— Frame,  darkness— Of  mind: 
ignorance.  "  Tlie  eyes  are  bewilderingly 
blinded,  when  turned  in  bold  controversy 
with  God  towards  the  sunny  heavens"  (v. 
18.).  rUMBR.J  20.  What  I  a  mortal  say 
against  God's  dealings  is  not  wortliy  of  being 
told  Him.  In  opposition  to  Job's  wish  to 
"  speak"  before  God  ch.  13.  3, 18-22.).  If . . . 
surely  he  shall  be  swallowed  up  —  The  paral- 
lelism more  favours  Umbr,,  *' Durst  a  man 
speak  (before  Him,  complaining)  tliai  he  is 
(without  cause)  being  destroyed?"  21. 
''G.etmseih,"  i.e.,  cleareth  the  air  of  clouds. 
When  the  "  bright  light "  of  the  sun,  previ- 
ously "not  seen"  through  "clouds,  sud- 
denly shines  out  from  behind  them,  owing 
to  "  the  wi)id  clearing  them  away,"  the  effect 
is  dazzling  to  the  eye ;  so  if  God's  majesty, 
now  hidden,  were  suddenly  revealed  m  all 
its  brightness,  it  would  spread  "darkness" 
over  Job's  eyes,  anxious  as  he  is  for  it  (cf. 
Note,  V.  19.).  [Umbr.]  It  is  because  "now 
man  sees  not  the  bright  sunlight"  (God's 
dazzling  Majesty,)  owing  to  the  intervening 
"clouds"  (ch.  2ti.  9,),  that  they  dare  to  wish 
to  "  speak"  before  God  {v.  20.).  Prelude  to 
God's  appearance  (ch.  38. 1.).  The  words  also 
hold  true  in  a  sense  not  intended  by  Elihu, 
but  perhaps  included  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 
Job  and  other  sufferers  cannot  see  the  light 
of  God's  countenance  through  the  clouds  of 
ti-ial :  but  the  wind  will  soon  clear  them  off, 
and  God  shall  appear  again :  let  them  but 
wait  patiently,  for  He  stiLl  shines,  though 


In  the  face  ofthe  earth's  circle.    13.  L\t,  He  \  for  a  time  they  see  Him  not   see  Note  23"), 
maketh  it  the  rain  cloud)  find  place,  whether  :  22.  Rather,  golden  splendour.  _  Maur.  tratisl. 


gold. 


for  correction,  if  (it    be  destined)  for  H 
land,  (i.e.  forthepart  inhabited  bymMUt  with  1  cannot  be 
3??   [2j 


It  is  found  in  N.  regions.    Mnt  God 
found  out,"  because  of  His  ' '  Ma- 


God,  ty  his  mrghty  works, 


JOB,  XX  XVIII,  XXXIX.         cmvineeth  Job  of  ignorance. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 
}  Ood  challenges  Job  to  answtr.    4  God,  bv  enu- 
tneraUng   hh  miijhty  works,  convinces  Job  of 
igiuyran'oe,  31  and  of  imbecility. 

'THEJS;  the  Lokd  answered  Job  "out  of 

the  whirlwind,  and  said, 

2  \Mio  is  this  that  darkeneth  counsel  by 
words  without  knowledire? 

3  Gii-d  ^up  now  thy  loins  like  a  man;  for 
I  will  demand  of  thee,  and  ^  answer  thou 
me. 

4  Where  "  wast  thou  when  1  laid  the  foun- 
dations of  the  earth?  declai-e,  2  it' thou  hast 
understanding. 

5  Who  hatb  laid  the  measures  thereof,  if 
thou  knowesti  or  who  hath  stretched  the 
line  upon  it? 

G  Whereupon  are  the  3  foundations  thereof 
*  fastened?   or  who  laid  the  comer  stone 

thrlfof, 

7  When  the  morning  stars  sang  together, 
and  all  ''the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy? 

8  Or  'who  shut  up  the  sea  with  doors, 
when  it  braJce  forth,  as  if  it  had  issued  out 
of  the  womb? 

y  When  I  made  the  cloud  the  garment 
thereof,  and  tiiick  darkness  a  swaddiing- 
band  for  it, 

10  And  5  brake  up  for  it  my  decreed  place, 
and  set  bars  and  doors, 

11  And  said.  Hitherto  shalt  thou  come, 
but  no  further;  and  here  shall  6  thy  proud 
waves  be  stayed? 

12  Hast  thou  commanded  the  moming 
since  thy  days ;  atul  caused  the  dayspring 
to  know  his  place ; 

13  That  it  might  take  hold  of  the  '  ends  of 
the  earth,  that  the  wicked  might  be  shaken 

.  out  of  it? 

14  It  is  tm-ned  as  clay  to  the  seal;  and  they 
stand  as  a  garment. 

15  And  from  the  wicked  their  light  is 
withholden,  and  the  high  arm  shall  be 
broken. 

16  Hast  thou  entered  into  the  springs  of 
the  sea?  or  hast  thou  wjilked  in  the  search 
of  the  depth? 

17  Have  /the  gate."?  of  death  been  opened 
unto  thee?  or  hast  thou  seen  the  doors  of 
the  shadow  of  death? 

18  Hast  thou  perceived  the  breadth  of  the 
earth?  declare  if  thou  knowest  it  all. 

19  Where  is  the  vfny  where  light  dwelleth? 
and  as  for  dai-kness,  where  is  the  place 
thereof, 

20  That  thou  shouldest  take  it  8  to  the 
bomid  thereof,  and  that  thou  shouldest 
know  the  paths  to  the  house  thereof? 

21  Knowest  thou  it,  because  thou  wast 
then  bom?  oi  because  the  number  of  thy 
d)iys  is  great? 

2"J  Hast  thou  ent«red  into  the  treasures  of 
the  snow  ?  or  hast  thou  seen  the  treasures 
of  the  hail, 

23  Which  I  have  resen-ed. against  the  time 
of  trouble,  against  the  day  of  battle  and 
war? 

24  By  what  way  is  the  light  parted,  icliich 
scattereth  the  east  wind  upon  the  earth? 

25  Who  hath  divided  a  watercourse  for  the 
qveiflowing  of  waters;  or  a  way  for  the 
lightning  of  thunder; 

26  To  cause  it  to  ram  on  the  earth,  where 
no  mau  is;  on  the  wilderness,  wherein 
there  is  no  man; 

27  To  "satisfy  the  desolate  and  waste 
ground;  and  to  cause  the  bud  of  the  tender 
herb  to  BiHiJig  forth? 


CHAP.  38. 
a  Ex.  1* 

10, 18. 

1  Kin.  19. 

U. 

Efok.  1.  4. 

Nah.  1.  3. 
6  ch.  40.  7. 

1  mako  me 
ki.ow. 

c,  Prov.  8.*.'9, 
Prov.  30.4 

2  if  thou 

3  Bofkcts.' 


d  ch.  1.  6. 

*  Pa.  33,  7. 
Pi.  104.  8, 
ProT.  8. 


the  pride 
of  thy 


Pa.  147.  8. 
i  Pa.  147. 10. 

9  ia  takea. 
ch.  37.  10. 

10  Cimah, 

sevenstars. 
ch.  9.  9. 
Js.  if).  26. 


13  guide 
;•  Jer.o'l. 


CHAP.  39. 
»  ch.  24. 6. 
Jer.  2.  24. 


Deu.33.17. 
4  Or,  the 

feathers  of 


28  Ifath  ft  the  rain  a  father?  or  who  hath 
begotten  the  di-ops  of  dew? 

2y  Out  of  whose  womb  came  the  ice?  and 
the  « hoary  frost  of  heaveu.  who  hath  gea- 
deied  it? 

30  The  watere  are  hid  as  ivith  a.  stone,  and 
the  faf!e  of  the  deep  9  is  frozen. 

31  (^laiLst  thou  bind  the  sweet  influences  of 
1"  I'leiades,  or  loose  tlie  bands  of  n  Orion? 

"•J  Canst  thou  bring  forth  12  Mazzaroth  in 
his  season?  or  canst  thou  I3gxu(ie  Arcturus 
with  his  sons? 

3:!  Knowest  thou  ^the  ordinances  of 
heaven?  canst  thou  set  the  dominion  there- 
of in  the  earth? 

^  Canst  thou  lift  up  thy  voice  to  the 
clouds,  that  abvmdance  of  waters  may  cover 
thee? 

35  Canst  thou  send  lightnings,  that  they 
may  go,  and  say  unto  thee,  i*  Here  we 
are? 

36  Who  *  hath  put  wisdom  in  the  inward 
parts?  or  who  hath  given  miderstanding  to 
the  heart? 

37  Who  can  number  the  clouds  in  wis- 
dom? or  15  who  can  stay  the  bottles  of 
heaven, 

38  10  When  the  dust  i^gi-oweth  into  hard- 
ness, and  the  clods  cleave  fast  together? 

3d  AMlt  thou  hunt  the  prey  for  the  lion, 
or  till  18  the  appetite  of  tne  young  lions, 

40  When  they  couch  in  their  dens,  and 
abide  in  the  covert  to  lie  in  wait? 

41  Who  i  p^o^■ideth  for  the  raven  his  food! 
when  his  young  ones  cry  unto  God,  thej 
wander  for  lack  of  meat. 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 

Qod  sftouis  his  iiower;  1  Of  tt,e  wild  goats  and 

hinds,  5  of  the  wild  ass,  9  the  unicorn,  13  tk« 

peacock  and  ostrich,  19  th<  horse,  26  the  hawk, 

27  the  eagle. 

IT  NOWEST  thou  the  time  when  the  wild 

-•-^  goats  of  the  rock  bring  forth?  oi-  canst 

thou  mark  when  the  hinds  do  calve? 

2  Canst  thou  number  the  months  that 
they  fulfil?  or  knowest  thou  the  time  when 
they  bring  forth? 

3  They  bow  themselves,  they  bring  forth 
their  young  ones,  they  cast  out  their  sor- 
rows. 

4  'i'heir  young  ones  are  in  good  liking,  they 
crow  up  with  coin;  they  go  forth,  and  re- 
turn not  unto  them. 

5  Who  liath  sent  out  the  wild  ass  free?  or 
v\ho  hath  loosed  the  bands  of  the  \^^ld 
ass? 

ti  Whose  "  house  I  have  made  the  mlder- 
ness.  and  the  i  barren  land  his  dwellings. 

7  He  scorneth  the  nniltitude  of  the  city, 
neither  regardeth  he  the  crying  "-of  the 
diiver. 

8  The  range  of  the  mountains  is  his  pas- 
ture, and  he  searcheth  after  every  green 
thinij. 

y  Will  the  Sunicom  be  willing  to  seri'e 
thee,  or  abide  by  thy  crib? 

10  Canst  thou  bind  the  unicorn  with  his 
band  in  the  fiiriows  or  will  he  haiTow  the 
valleys  alter  thee? 

11  Wilt  thon  trast  him,  because  his 
strength  is  great?  or  wilt  thou  leave  thy 
labour  to  him? 

12  Wilt  thou  believe  him,  that  he  will 
biing  home  thy  seed,  and  gather  it  into  thy 
barn? 

13  Gavest  thou  the  goodly  wings  unto  the 
peacocks?  or  *  wmgs  and  feathers  unto  the 
ostnch? 


God  Convincefh  Job 


JOB.  xxxvnL 


jesT.y"  {V.  23.).  Thus  ch.  28.  corresponds; 
E.V.  is  simpler,  the  north— Brightness  is 
chiefly  associated  with  it  {IS  ote,  23.  9.).  Here, 
perhaps,  because  the  N.  wind  clears  the  air 
(I'rov.  25.  23.).  Thus  this  clause  answers  to 
the  last  of  v.  21;  as  tlie  second  of  this  v.  to 
the  first  of  v.  21 ;  Inverted  parallelism.  (Set 
Isa.  14.  13;  Ps.  48.  2.).  with  God— Eather, 
jyjoji  God,  as  a  garment  (Ps.  104.  1,  2.).  ma- 
jesty—Splendour. 23.  afflict— Oppressively, 
so  as  to  " -pervert  judgment"  as  Job  implied 
(Note,  8.  3,  ;  but  see  end  of  Note,  21,  above 
The  reading  "He  answereth  not,  i.e.,  gives 
no  account  of  His  dealings,  is  like  a  tran 
sciiber's  correction,  from  ch.  33. 13;  Marg. 
24.  do— Eather,  ought,  wise— in  their  own 
conceits. 

CHAPTER  XXXVIII. 
Ver.  1-41.  1.  Jehovah  appears  unexpect 
edly  in  a  whirlwind,  (already  gathering  ch 
37, 1,  2.)  the  symbol  of  "judgment,"  (I's.  50 
3,  4,  &c.,)  to  which  Job  had  challenged 
him.  He  asks  him  now  to  get  himself 
jeady  for  the  contest.  Can  he  explain  the 
rhenomena  of  God's  natural  government? 
How  can  he,  then,  hope  .to  understand 
the  principles  of  His  moral  government? 
God  thus  confirms  Elihu's  sentiment, 
tha.t.submission  to,  not  reasonings  on,  God's 
•ways  is  man's  part.  This  and  the  dis- 
eipUnarij  design  ortrial  to  the  godly  is  the 
great  lesson  o)  this  book.  He  does  not  solve 
the  difticulty  by  reference  to  future  retribu- 
tion :  for  this  was  not  the  immediate  ques- 
tion: (jlimvses  of  that  truth  were  already 
given,  in  ch.  14.  and  19..  the  full  revelation 
of  it  being  reserved  for  Gospel  times :  Yet 
even  now  we  need  to  learn  the  lesson  taught 
by  Elihn  and  God  in  Job.  2.  this— Job. 
counsel— Impugning  my  divine  wisrfom  in  the 
providential  arrangements  of  the  universe. 
Such  "words"  (including  those  of  the  friends) 
rather  obscure,th&n  throw  light  on  my  ways. 
God  is  about  to  be  Job's  vindicator,  but 
must  first  bring  him  to  a  right  state  of  mind 
for  receiving  relief.  3.  a  man— Hero,  readv 
for  battle  (1  Cor.  16.  13,)  as  he  had  wished 
(ch.  9.  35;  1.3.  22;  31.  37.).  The  robe,  usually 
worn  flowing,  was  girt  up  by  a  girdle,  when 
men  ran,  laboured,  or  fought  (l  Pet.  1. 13.)  4. 
to  understand  the  cause  of  things,  man 
should  have  been  present  at  their  origin. 
The  finite  creature  cannot  fathom  the  infinite 
wisdom  of  the  Creator  ich.  28.  12;  15.  7,  8.). 
hast  (knowesf  understanding— (Prov.  4.  1.). 
6,  measures— Of  its  proportions.  Image  from 
an  architect's  plans  of  a  building.    Line- 


-of 
measurement  (Isa.  28.  17.).  The  earth  is 
formed  on  an  all-wise  plan.  6.  foundations 
—Not  sockets,  as  Marg.  fastened— iii..  made 
to  sink,  as  a  foundation-stone  letdown  till  it, 

settles  firmly  in  the  clay  (ch.  26.  7.).    Gravi-  ,,-  .,    .^^  ,    „ 

tation  makes  and  keeps  the  earth  a  sphere,  place  so  well,  as  to  be  able  to  guide  i    take  ' 
7.  So  at  the  founding  of  Zerubbabel's  teni-  as  in  Isa.  36. 17.)  it  to  (but  Umbr.  ,  reach  it 


tf  Tgnorance,  Jkc. 

See  Note,  25.  5.  8.  dcors— Flood-gates  ;  these 
when  opened  caused  the  flood  (Gen.  7.  2,);  or 
el^e,  the  shores,  womb— of  Chaos.  The  bowels 
of  the  earth.  Image  from  child-birth  Iv.  8, 
9.).  Ocean  at  its  birth  was  wrapped  in  clouds 
as  its  swaddling  bands  (Ezek.  32.  2;  Jlic.  4. 
10.).  10.  brake  up  for— i.e.,  appointed  it. 
Shores  are  generaDy  fcrofcen  and  abrupt  cliffs. 
The  Greek  for  shore  means  a  brolxCJi  place. 
I  broke  o#' or  measured  off'  for  it  my  limit, 
i.e.,  the  limit  which  /thought  fit  ch.  26.  10.). 
11.  stayed— Heb.,alimit  shall  be  set  to.  12-15. 
Passing  from  creation  to  phenomena  in  the 
existing  inanimate  world.  12.  hast  thou— 
As  God  daily  does,  commanded  the  morning 
—To  rise,  since  thy  days— Since  thou  hast 
come  into  being,  its  place— It  varies  in  its 
place  of  rising  from  day  to  day,  and  yet  has 
Its  place  each  day  according  to  fixed  laws. 
13.  take  hold  of  the  ends,  &c.— Spread  itself 
over  the  earth  to  its  utmost  bounds  in  a 
moment,  wicked— Who  hate  the  light,  and 
do  their  evil  works  in  the  dark  (ch.  24.  13.). 
shaken  out  of  it— The  corners  {Heb.,  vnngs  or 
skirts)  of  it,  as  of  a  garment,  are  taken  hold 
of  bv  the  day-spring,  so  as  to  shake  off  the 
wicked.  14.  Explaining  the  first  clause  of 
V.  13,  as  r.  15  does  the  second  clause.  As  the 
plastic  clay  presents  the  various  figures  im- 
pressed on  it  by  a  seal,  so  the  earth,  Avhich 
in  the  dark  was  void  of  aU  form,  when  illu- 
minated by  the  day-spring,  presents  a  variety 
of  forms,  hills,  valleys,  &c.  "Turned" 
("turns  itself,"  Heb.)  alludes  to  the  rolling 
cylinder  seal,  such  as  is  found  in  Babylon, 
which  leaves  its  impressions  on  the  clay,  as 
it  is  turned  ahout :  so  the  morning  light  roll- 
ing on  over  the  earth,  they  stsaii—Thejorms 
o/beauty,  unfolded  by  the  dawn,  stand  forth 
as  a  garment,  in  which  the  earth  is  clad.  15. 
their  light— by  which  ihev  work,  viz.,  dark- 
ness, which  is  their  day  (ch.  24. 17,),  is  extin- 
guished by  daylight,  high  — Eather,  The 
ann  uplifted  for  murder  or  other  crime  is 
broken  ;  it  falls  down  suddenly,  powerless, 
through  their  fear  of  light.  16.  Ejarings— 
Fountains  beneath  the  sea  (Ps.  05. 4.).  search 
—Eather,  The  inmost  recesses,  lit.,  thatxvhich 
is  ordy  found  by  searchina,  the  deep  caverns 
of  ocean.  17.  seen— The  second  clause 
heightens  the  thought  in  the  first.  Man 
during  life  does  not  even  "see"  the  gates  of 
the  realm  of  the  dead  ("death,"  ch.  10.  21,), 
much  less  are  they  "opened"  to  him.  But 
those  are  "naked  before  God'  (ch.  26.  6.). 
18.  Hast  thou— As  God  doth  (ch.  2S.  24.).  19- 
38.  The  marvels  in  heaven.  19.  "What  is 
the  way  (to  the  place  wherein)  light  dwell- 
eth  ?  "  Tlie  origin  of  light  and  darkness.  In 
Gen.  1.," light"  is  created  distinct  from,  and 
previous  to,  .light-emitting  bodies,  the  lumin- 
aries of  heaven.     20.  Dost  thou  know  its 


founding 
pie  (Ezra,  3. 10-13.).  So  hereafter  at  the  com 
pletion  of  the  Church,  the  temple  of  the 
Holy  Ghost  (Zech.  4.  7.);  as  at  its  foundation 
(Luke,  2.  13, 14.).  7.  morning  stars— Especi- 
ally beautiful.  Tlie  creation-morn,  is  appro- 
priately associated  with  these,  it  being  the 
commencement  of  this  world's-dai/.  The  stars 
are  Jig.  said  to  sing  God's  praises,  as  in  Ps. 
19.  1: 148.  3.  They  are  symbols  of  the  angels, 
bearing  the  same  relation  to  our  earth,  as 
angels  do  to  us.  Therefore  they  ansvi  er  to 
**  sons  of  God,"  or  angels,  in  the  parallel. 

m 


in")  its' own  boundary,  i.e.,  the  limit  be- 
tween light  and  darkness  ch.  26.  10.).  21, 
Or  without  the  interrogation,  in  an  ironical 
sense.  fUMP.R.]  then  — When  I  created 
light  and  darkness  (ch.  15.  7.).  22.  treasures 
—Store-houses,  from  which  God  draws  forth 
snow  and  hail.  Snow  is  vapour  congealed 
in  the  air,  before  it  is  collected  in  drops 
large  enough  to  form  hail.  Its  shape  is  that 
of  a  crystal  in  endless  variety  of  beautiful 
fitures  Hail  is  formed  by  rain  falling 
throush  dry  cold  air.   23.  against  the  time  d 


Job  Convinced  oflmbeciliiy. 


3GB,  XXXIX. 


O/God^s  Great  Worles, 


bfouble— The  time  when  I  design  to  chastise 
men  (Ex.  9.  IS;  Josh.  lO.  ll;  Eev.  16.  21;  Isa. 
28.  17;  Ps.  18.  12. 13;  Hag.  2. 17.).  24.  is  .  .  . 
parted— Parts,  so  as  to  diffuse  itself  over  the 
whole  earth,  though  seeming  to  come  from 
one  point.  Light  travels  from  the  sun  to 
the  earth,  ninety  millions  of  miles,  in 
eight  minutes,  which  scattereth— P^ather. 
"And  by  what  way  the  E.'nind  (personified) 
spreads  (scattereth)  itself."  &c.  The  light 
and  E.  wind  are  associated  together,  as  both 
come  from  one  quarter,  and  often  arise  to- 
gether (Jon.  4.  8.).  25.  waters— i?am  falls, 
not  in  a  mass  on  one  spot,  but  in  countless 
separate  canals  in  the  air  marked  out  for 
them,  way  lor  the  lightning  — (ch,  28.  26.). 
20.  Since  rain  falls  also  on  places  uninhabited 
by  man,  it  cannot  be  that  man  guides  its 
com-se.  Such  rain,  though  man  cannot  ex- 
plain the  reason  for  it.  is  not  lost.  God  has 
some  wise  design  in  it.  27.  As  though  the  deso- 
late ground  thirsted  for  God's  showers.  Per- 
sonification. The  beauty  imparted  to  the 
uninhabited  desert  pleases  God,  for  whom 
primarily  all  thmgs  exist,  and  He  has  ulteri- 
or designs  in  it.  28.  Can  any  visible  origin 
of  rain  and  dew  be  assigned  by  man  1  Dew 
is  moisture,  which  was  suspended  in  the  air, 
but  becomes  condensed  on  reaching  the— 
in  the  night— lower  temperature,  of  objects 
on  the  earth.  29.  ch.  37.  10.  30.  The  un- 
frozen waters  are  hid  under  the  frozen,  as 
icith  a  covering  of  stone,  frozen— Lit.,  is 
taken:  the  particles  take  hold  of  one  another 
so  as  to  cohere.  31.  sweet  iuflueuces— Tlie 
joy  diffused  by  spring,  the  time  when  the 
Pleiades  appear.  The  E.  poets,  Hafiz,  Sadi, 
&c..  describe  them  as  "brilliant  rosettes." 
Ges.  transl.  "bands"  or  "knot,"  which 
answers  better  the  parallelism.  But  E.V. 
agrees  better  with  the  Heb.  The  seven  stars 
are  closely  "bound"  together.  Note,  9.  9. 
"  Canst  thou  bind  or  loose  the  tie?"  "Canst 
thou  loose  the  bonds  by  which  the  constella- 
tion Orion  (represented  in  the  E.  as  an  impi- 
ous giant  chained  to  the  sky)  is  held  fast." 
(Note,  9.  9.).  32.  Canst  thou  bring  forih 
from  their  places  or  houses  (Mazzaloth, 
Marg.,  2  Ki.  23.  6;  to  which  Mazzaroth 
here  is  equivalent)  into  the  sky  the  signs 
of  the  Zodiac  at  their  respective  seasons 
—  the  twelve  lodgings  in  which  the  sun 
successively  stays,  or  appears,  in  the  sky? 
Arcturus  —  Ursa  l^Iajor.  his  sons  —  The 
three  stars  in  its  tail.  Canst  thou  make 
them  appear  in  the  sky?(ch.  9.  9.)  The 
great  and  less  Bear  are  called  by  the  Arabs 
"Daughters  of  the  Bier,"  the  quadrangle 
being  the  bier,  the  three  others  the  mourn- 
ers. 33.  orainauces— Which  regulate  the  al- 
ternations of  seasons,  &c.  (Gen.  8.  22.1 
dominion  —  Controlling  influence  of  the 
heavenly  bodies,  the  sun,  moon,  &c.,  on  the 
earth  on  the  tides,  weather.).  (Gen.  1. 16;  Ps. 
13e.  7-9.)  34.  Jer.  U.  22;  above,  ch.  22.  11, 
metaphorically.  35.  Here  we  are— At  thy 
disposal  (Isa.  6.  8.).  36.  inward  parts  .  .  , 
heart— But  [Umbr.]  "dark  clouds  ("shining 
phenomena,"  Maur.) —meteor,"  referring 
to  the  consultation  of  these  as  signs  of 
weather  by  the  husbandman  (Eccl.  11.  4.. 
But  Heb.  supports  E.  V.  The  connexion  is, 
"Who  hath  given  thee  the  intelligence  to 
comprehend  in  any  degree  the  phenomena 
just  specified  ? "  heart— Not  the  usual  Heb. 
word,  but  one  from 'a  root  tovieio;  percep- 
tion. 37.  Who  appo  nts  by  his  wisdom  the 
378   [IJ 


due  measure  of  the  clouds?  stay— Bather, 
empty;  lit.,  lay  doivn  or  iticline  so  as  to  pour 
out.  "  Bottles  of  heaven,"  rainfiUed  clouds, 
38.  groweth,  &c.— Ea.ther,  pours  itself  into  a 
mass  by  the  rain,  like  molten  metal ;  then 
trans.  38,  "WTio  is  it  that  emptier,  &c., 
when,"&c.1  .E.F.  however  is  tenable:  "Is 
caked  into  a  m^ass"  bv  heat,  like  molten 
metal,  before  the  rain  falls ;"  "  Who  is  it  that 
can  empty  the  rain  vessels,  and  bring  down 
rain  at  sucha  time  ?"  iv.  38.),  39.  From  this  v. 
to  ch.  39.  30,  the  Instincts  of  animals.  Is 
it  thou  that  givest  it  the  instinct  to  hunt 
its  prey  (Ps.  104.  21.).  appetite  — Lit,  life: 
which  depends  on  the  appetite  (ch.  33.  20.). 
40.  he  in  wait— for  their  prey  (Ps.  10.  9.)  41. 
Luke,  12.  24.  Transition  from  the  noble 
lioness  Ito  the  croaking  raven.  Though 
man  dislikes  it,  as  of  ill-omen,  God  cares 
for  it,  as  for  all  His  creatures. 

CHAPTER  XXXIX. 
Ver.  1-SO.  1.  Even  wild  beasts,  cut  off  from 
all  care  of  man,  are  cared  for  by  God  at  their 
seasons  of  greatest  need.  Their  instinct 
comes  direct  from  God,  and  guides  them  to 
help  themselves  in  parturition  ;  the  very  ti  me 
when  the  herdsman  is  most  anxious  for  liis 
herds,  wild  goats— Ibex  (Ps.  104.18;  iSam. 
24.  2).  hinds— Fawns:  most  timid  and  de- 
fenceless animals,  yet  cared  for  by  God.  2. 
They  bring  forth  with  eas*.  and  do  not  need  to 
reckon  the  months  of  pregnancy,  as  the  shep- 
herd does  in  the  case  of  his  flocks.  3.  "Bow 
themselves"  in  parturition ;  bend_  on  their 
knees  (1  Sam.  4. 19.).  bring  forth— Lit.,  cause 
their  young  to  cleave  the  womb  and  break 
forth.  Sorrows— Their  young  ones,  the  cause 
of  their  momentary  pains.  4.  are  in  good 
liking— In  good  condition,  grow  up  strong, 
with  corn— Bather,  in  the  .field,  without  man  s 
care,  return  not— Being  able  to  provide  for 
themselves.  5.  wild  ass— Two  different  Hf&. 
words,  are  here  used  for  the  same  animal,  tlie 
ass  of  the  icoods  and  the  wild  ass.  {Note  0.  5; 
ch.  11.  12;  24.  5;  Jer.  2.  24.)  loosed  the  bands 
—Given  its  Uberty  to.  Man  can  rob  animals 
of  freedom,  but  not,  as  God,  give  freedom, 
combined  with  subordination  to  fixed  laws. 
6.  barren  — Lit.,  salt,  i.e.,  unfruitful.  (So 
Marg.  Ps .  107 .  34. )  7.  multitude— Bather,  din: 
he  sets  it  at  defiance,  being  far  away  from  it 
in  the  freedom  of  the  wilderness,  driver— 
who  urges  on  the  tame  ass  to  work.  The 
wild  ass  is  the  symbol  of  uncontrolled  free- 
dom in  the  E. ;  even  kings  have,  therefore, 
added  its  name  to  them.  8.  The  rr-nge 
—Lit.,  searching,  "that  which  it  finds  by 
searching  is,"  &c.  9.  unicorn— Pliny,  H.  N.  8. 
21,  mentions  such  an  animal:  its  figure  is 
found  depicted  in  the  ruins  of  PersepoUs. 
The  Heb.  reem  conveys  the  idea  of  loftiness 
und'power,  cf.  Ramah,  Indian  Pmm,  Lat. 
Roma.  The  rhinoceros  was  perhaps  the  ori- 
ginal type  of  the  unicorn.  The  Arab  rim  is 
a  two  horned  animal.  Sometimes  "unicorn" 
or  reem  is  a  mere  podiml  symbol  or  abstrac- 
tion. But  the  buffalo  is  the  animal  referred  to 
here,  from  the  contrast  to  the  tame  ox,  used 
in  ploughing,  &c.,  v.  10,  12.  crib— lis.  1.  3.) 
abide— Lit.,  pass  the  night.  10.  his  band— 
fastened  to  the  horns,  as  its  chief  strength 
i!es  in  ihe  head  and  shoulders,  after  thee— 
Obedient  to  thee;  wiUing  to  follow,  instead 
of  being  goaded  on  before  thee.  11.  thy 
labour— Rustic  work.  12.  Believe— Trust. 
Seed— Produce  (1  Sam.  8.  15.).  into  thy  bara 
—Rather,  gather  (tiie  contents  ofj  thy  UitisJir 


OfGocTs  Great  Works. 


JOB,  XL. 


Job  Enmhles  h{ms''Jffn  Hod. 


ingfioor;  [jMaur.]  the  corn  threslied  on  it. 
13.  Rather,  "  the  wing  of  the  ostrich  hen— [lit. 
the  c/  i/!  ftf7-bird;as  the  Arab  name  forit  means 
song:  referring  to  its  nisht-cries,  (ch.  30.  29; 
Mic.  1.  8.)  vibrates  joyously.  Is  it  not  like 
the  quill  and  feathers  of  the  pious  bird"  (the 
stork)?  flJMBR.l  The  vibrating,  quivering 
wrng,  servini?  for  sail  and  oar  at  once,  is 
characteristic  of  the  ostrich  in  full  course. 
Its  white  and  black  feathers  in  the  wing  and 
tail  are  like  the  stork's.  But  unlike  that 
bird,  the  symbol  of  parental  love  in  the  E., 
it  with  seeming  want  of  natural  (pious)  affec- 
tion deserts  its  young.  Both  birds  are  poeti- 
cally calieii  by  descriptive,  instead  of  their 
•usual  appellative  names.  14.  Yet  (unlike  the 
stork  she  leaveth,  &c.  Hence  called  by  the 
Arabs  the  impious  Hrd.  However,  the  fact 
is,  she  lays  her  eggs  with  great  care  and 
hatches  them,  as  other  birds  do;  but  in  hot 
countries  the  eggs  do  not  need  so  constant 
incnbation:  she  therefore  often  leaves  them; 
and  sometimes  forgets  the  place  on  her  re- 
turn: moreover  the  outer  eggs,  intended  for 
food,  she  feeds  her  young  with;  these  eggs 
lying  separate  in  the  sand,  exposed  to  the 
sun,  gave  rise  to  the  idea  of  her  altogether 
leaving  them.  God  describes  her  as  slie 
seems  to  man:  implying,  though  she  may 
seem  foolishly  to  neglect  her  young,  yet 
really  she  is  guided  by  a  sure  instinct  from 
God,  as  much  as  animals  of  instincts  widely 
different.  16.  On  a  slight  noise  often  she 
forsakes  her  eggs,  and  returns  not,  as  if  she 
•were  "hardened  towards  her  young."  her 
labour— in  producing  eggs,  is  in  vain,  (yet) 
she  has  no  disquietude  (about  her  young) :  un- 
like other  birds,  who,  if  one  egg  and  another 
are  taken  away,  will  go  on  laying  till  their 
full  number  is  made  up.  17.  wisdnra— such  as 
God  gives  to  other  animals,  and  to  man:  (ch. 
S5. 11.1.  The  Arab  proverb  is.  "  foolish  as  an 
ostrich."  Yet  her  very  seeming  want  of  wis- 
dom is  not  without  wise  design  of  God, 
though  man  cannot  see  it:  just  as  in  the 
trials  of  the  godly,  which  seem  so  unreason- 
able to  Job,  there  lies  hid  a  wise  design.  18. 
JNoiwitlistandmg  her  deficiencies,  she  has 
distinguishing  excellencies,  iifteth . . .  her- 
self—for running:  she  cannot  mount  in  the 
air.  (iEs.  transl.  lashes  herself  up  to  her 
course  by  flapping  her  wings.  Tlie  old  ver- 
sions favour  E.  V.,  and  the  parallel  "scorn- 
eth"  answers  to  her  proudly  "  lifting  up  her- 
self." 19.  The  allusion  to  "the  horse"  v.  18, 
suggests  the  description  of  him.  Arab  poets 
delight  in  praising  the  horse;  yet  it  is  not 
mentioned  in  the  possessions  of  Job  (chs.  1. 
and  42.).  It  seems  to  have  been  at  the  time 
chiefly  used  for  war,  rather  than  "  domestic 
purposes."  thunder— poetically  for,  "he  with 
arched  neck  inspires  fear  as  thunder  does." 
Trans?.  "Majesty."  [Umbr.I  ivatlier"the 
trembling,  quivering  mane,  answering  to 
the  "  vibrating  wing"  of  the  ostrich;  (Note 
13.)  [Maur.]  Mane  in  Greek  also  is  from 
a  root  meaning  fear.  E.  V.  is  more  sub- 
lime. 20.  make  . .  .  afraid— Rather,  "canst 
thou  (as  I  do)  make  him.  spring  a,s  the  locust." 
So  in  Joel  2.  4,  the  comparison  is  between 
locusts  and  war  horses.  The  heads  of  the  two 
are  so  like,  that  the  Italians  call  the  locusts 
cavaletta,  "little  horse."  nostrils— Snorting 
furiously.  21.  valley— Where  the  battle  is 
joined,  goe^h  on— Goeth  forth.  (Numb.  1. 
3;  21.  23.).  23.  quiver— for  ^;i€  arrows,  which 
tiiev  contain,  and  which  are  directed^aaainst 
378    [2] 


him."  glittering  spear— Zit.,  giintrniii  ai  ihe 
spear,  like  " lightning  of  the  spear,"  (Hab. 
3. 11.)  shield— Rather,  lance.  24.  swalloweth 
—Fretting  with  impatience,  he  draics  the 
ground  towards  him  with  liis  lioof,  as  if  he 
would  sionllow  it.  The  parallelism  shows 
this  to  be  the  sense:  not  as  Maur.,  "scours 
over  it."  neither  believetli— For  joy.  Rather, 
"he  will  not  stand  still,  vihen  ihe  note  of  the 
trumpet"  (soundeth).  25.  snth— Poetically 
applied  to  his  mettlesome  neighing,  whereby 
he  shows  his  love  of  the  battle,  smelleth— 
Snufifeth:  discerneth  -Marg.  Isa.ll.  3.)  thun- 
der—Thundermg  voice.  26.  The  instinct  by 
which  some  birds  migrate  to  warmer  climes 
before  winter.  Rapid  flying  peculiarly  char- 
acterizes the  whole  hawk  genus.  27.  eagle 
—It  flies  highest,  of  all  birds:  1  hence  called 
the  bird  of  heaven.  28.  abideth— Securely, 
(Ps.  91.  1,);  it  occupies  the  same  abode  mostly 
forUfe.  crag— lit.,  tooth  {Marg.  l  Sam.  14. 
5.).  strong  place  — Citadel,  fastness.  29. 
seeketh— Is  on  the  look  out  for.  behold— the 
eagle  descries  its  prey  at  an  astonishing  dis- 
tance, by  sight,  rather  than  smell.  30. 
Quoted  partly  by  Jesus  Christ,  ;]Matt.24.28.). 
Ihe  food  of  young  eagles  is  the  blood  of  vic- 
tims brought  by  the  parent,  when  they  are 
stiU  too  feeble  to  devour  flesh,  sl^in— as 
ihfi  vulture  chi8fly  feeds  on  carcases,  it  is  in- 
cluded probably  in  the  genus  eagle. 
CHAPTER  XL. 
Ver.  1-24.  God's  Secoind  Addrbss.  He 
had  paused  for  a  reply,  but  Job  was  silenU 
1.  the  Lo-id— iie^.,  Jehovah.  2.  he  that 
contendeth— As  Job  had  so  often  expressed  a 
wish  to  do.  Or,  rehuketh.  Does  Job  now 
still  (after  seeing  and  hearing  of  God's  ma- 
jesty and  wisdom)  wish  to  set  God  right? 
answer  it— viz.,  the  questions  I  have  asked. 
3.  Lord  — Jehovah.  4.  I  am  (too)  vile  to 
reply.).  It  is  a  very  different  thing"  to  vin- 
dicate ourselves  before  God,  from  what  it  is 
before  men.  Job  could  do  the  latter,  not 
the  former,  lay .  . .  hand  upon  . . .  mouth— 
I  have  no  plea  to  offer  (ch.  21.  5;  Jud.  18. 19.). 
5.  Once  . .  .  twice  —  Oftentimes,  more  than 
once  (ch.  33. 14,  cf.  with  29;  Ps.;62.  Ill:  "  I  have 
spoken  "  viz. ,  against  God.  not  answer— Not 
plead  against  thee.  6.  the  Lord— Jehovah, 
7.  (Note,  3S.  3.)  Since  Job  has  not  only- 
spoken  against  God,  but  accused  Him  of  in- 
justice, God  challenges  him  to  try,  could  he 
govern  the  world,  as  God  by  His  power  doth, 
.and  punish  the  proud  and  wicked  (v.  7-14.). 


map 


8.  Wilt  thou  not  only  contend  with,  but  set 
aside  m,y  judgment,  or  justice  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  world,  condemn— Declare  me 
unrighteous,  in  order  that  thou  mayest  be 
accounted  righteous  (innocent;  undeserv- 
ingly-afiiicted.)  9.  arm— God's  omnipotence 
(Isa.  53. 1.).  thunder— God's  voice  ch.  37.  4.). 
10.  See  hast  thou  power  and  majesty  like 
God's,  to  enable  thee  to  judge  and  govern  the 
world.  11.  rage— Rather,  pour  out  Um  redun- 
dant floods  of,  &c.  behold— Try,  canst  thou,  as 
God,  by  a  mere  glance  abase  the  proud  (Isa. 
2. 12.  &c.).  12.  proud— high  (Dan.  4.  37.).  in 
this  place— On  the  spot :  suddenly,  before  the.v 
can  move  from  their  place  (Note,  34.  26; 
36.  20.).  13.  (Isa.  2.  10.)  Abase  and  remove 
them  out  of  the  sight  of  men.  bind . . .  faces— 
i.e..  Shut  up  their  persons.  [Maur  J  But  it 
refers  rather  to  the  custom  of  binding  a 
cloth  over  the  faces  of  persons  about  to  be 
executed  (ch.  9.  24;  Esth.  7.  8.).  in  secret— 
Cousin  tnem  to  darkness.     14.  confes»— 


Job  Tivmhles  himself  to  God. 


JOB.  XL,  XLT. 


Ledatlian  described. 


14  Which  leaveth  her  eggs  in  the  earth. 
ind  vrarmeth  them  in  dust, 

io  And  foierettoth  that  the  foot  may  crush 
them,  or  that  the  wild  beast  may  break 
them. 

16  She  is  &  hardened  against  her  young 
ones,  as  though  thev  ivere  not  her's:  her 
liiboiir  is  in  vain  without  fear; 

17  Because  God  hath  dei^rived  her  of  wis- 
dom, neither  hath  he  "imparted  to  her 
understanding. 

18  What  time  she  lifteth  up  herself  on 
high,  she  scorneth  the  horse  and  his  rider. 

19  Hast  thou  given  the  horse  strength? 
hast  thou  clothed  his  neck  with  thunder? 

20  Canst  thou  make  him  afraid  as  a  grass- 
hopper? the  glory  of  his  nostrils  &  is  terrible. 

21 6  He  paweth  in  the  valley,  and  rejoiceth 
in  his  strength:  <*  he  goeth  on  to  meet  i  the 
aimed  men. 

22  He  mocketh  at  fear,  and  is  not  af- 
frighted; neither  tmneth  he  back  from  the 
Rword. 

23  The  qtiiver  rattleth  against  him,  the 
glittering  snear  and  the  shield. 

24  He  Bwalloweth  the  ground  with  fierce- 
ness and  rage;  neither  believeth  he  that 
it  is  the  soimd  of  the  trumpet. 

25  He  saith  among  the  tnimpets,  Ha,  ha! 
and  he  snielleth  the  battle  afar  off,  the 
thunder  of  the  captains,  and  the  shouting. 

2(3  Doth  the  hawk  fly  by  thy  wisdom,  and 
stretch  her  wings  toward  the  south? 

27  Doth  the  eagle  mount  up  8  at  thy  com- 
mand, and  *  make  her  nest  on  high? 

28  Sne  dwelleth  and  abideth  on  the  rock, 
apon  the  »  crag  of  the  rock,  and  the  strong 
place. 

29  From  thence  she  seeketh  the  prey,  and 
her  eyes  behold  afar  oft". 

30  Her  young  ones  also  suck  up  blood: 
^and/where  the  slain  are,  there  is  she. 

CHAPTER  XL. 
I  JobhvmNes  himself  to  God:  6  Ood  stirs  him 
tip  to  shoiv  his  righteousness,  power,  and  wis- 
dom.    15  Of  the  behemoth. 

TV  j  ORE  OVER  the  Lord  answered  Job, 

■*■      and  said, 

2  Shall  he  that "  contendeth  with  the  Al- 
mighty instract  Mm?  he  that  reproveth 
God,  let  him  answer  it. 

3  %  Then  Job  answered  the  Lord,  and 
said, 

4  Behold,  *  I  ara  vile;  what  shall  I  answer 
thee?  "1  will  lay  mme  hand  upon  my 
mouth. 

5  Once  have  I  spoken;  but  I  will  not  an- 
swer: yea,  twice;  but  I  wiU  proceed  no 
further. 

6  U  Then  <*  answered  the  Lord  unto  Job 
out  of  the  whirlwind,  and  said, 

7  Gird  "up  thy  loins  now  like  a  man:  /I 
will  demand  of  thee,  and  declare  thou  unto 
me. 

8  Wilt  B  thou  also  disannul  my  judgment? 
wilt  thou  condemn  me,  that  thou  mayest  be 
righteous? 

y  Hast  thou  an  arm  like  God?  or  canst 
tiiou  thunder  with  '<■&  voice  like  him? 

10  Deck  'thyself  now  ivith  majesty  and 
excellency,  and  array  thyself  with  glory  and 
btauty. 

11  Cast  abroad  th.e  rage  of  thy  wrath:  and 
bi'hold  every  one  that  is  proua,  and  abase 
him. 

12  Look  on  every  one  that  is  i  proud,  and 
bring  iiini  low;  and  tread  down  the  wicked 
in  their  place. 

878 


CHAP.  S9. 
(  Lam.  4.  3. 
c  ch.  35.  U. 

5  terrors. 

6  Or,  Hi» 
feet  dig. 

d  Jer.  8.  6. 

7  the  ar- 
mour. 

8  by  thy 
mouth. 

e  Jer.  49. 16. 
Obad.  4. 

9  tooth. 
/Mat.  24.28. 

Luko  17. 


CHAP.  40. 


ich. ; 


13. 


ch.  84.  37. 

Is.  45.  9. 
6  Eira  9.  6. 

ch.  42.  6. 

Pb.  51.  4. 
«  ch.  29.  9. 

Ps.  39.  9. 

Zech.  2.13. 
A  ch.  38.  1. 

Ps.  60.  3. 
e  ch.  38.  3. 
/  ch.  42.  4. 
g  Pb.  51.  4. 

Rom.  3.  4. 
ft  ch.  37.  4. 

Ps.  29.  3. 
i  Ps.  93.  1. 

Ps.  104.  1. 
i  Is.  2.  12. 

Dan.  4. 37. 

1  Supposed 
to  be  either 
the  ele- 
phant or 
the  hippo- 
potamus. 

2  Or,  He 
setteth  up. 

A:  Ps.  104.14. 

3  he  oppres- 
setb. 

I  Gen,  13.10. 
Jos.  3.  17. 
Jer.  12.  6. 

4  Or,  Will   " 
any  take 
him  in  his 
eight,  or, 
bore  his 
no30  with 
Bgint 
ch.41.1,2. 


CHAP.  41. 

1  Tl^Btig,a 
whalo,  or, 
crocodile. 
P«.  1(14.26. 
Is.  27.  1. 

2  which  thou 
drownest. 

a  Is.  37.  29. 
6  ch.  9.  4. 

ch.  40.  2. 

1  Cor.  10. 

22. 
e  Rom.n.35. 
d,  Ex.  19.  5. 

Deu.10.14. 

Ps.  24. 1. 

P«.  50. 12. 

1  Cor.  10. 

26,28. 
8  Or,  with- 


13  Hide  them  in  the  dust  together;  and 
hind  their  laces  in  secret. 

14  Then  will  1  also  confess  unto  thee  that 
thine  own  right  hand  can  save  thee. 

15  11  Behold  now  ^  behemoth,  which  I 
made  with  thee;  he  eateth  grass  as  an 
ox. 

16  Lo  pow,  his  strength  is  in  his  loins,  and 
his  force  is  in  the  navel  of  his  belly. 

17  '-2  He  moveth  his  tail  like  a  cedar:  the 
sinews  of  his  stones  are  wrapped  together. 

18  His  bones  are  as  strong  pieces  of  brass; 
his  bones  are  like  bars  of  iron. 

19  He  is  the  chief  of  the  ways  of  God:  he 
that  made  him  can  make  nis  sword  to 
approach  unto  him, 

20  Surely  the  mountains  *  bring  liim  forth 
food,  where  all  the  beasts  of  the  field  play. 

21  lie  lieth  under  the  shady  trees,  in  the 
covert  of  the  reed,  and  fens. 

22  The  shady  trees  cover  him  with  their 
shadow;  the  willows  of  the  brook  compass 
hira  about. 

23  Behold,  8  he  drinketh  up  a  river,  and 
hasteth  not:  he  trusteth  that  he  can  draw 
up  '  J  ordan  into  his  mouth. 

24  *  He  taketh  it  with  his  eyes;  his  nose 
pierceth  through  snares. 

CHAPTER  XLL 

Of  Ood's  great  power  in  the  leviathan. 

rj  ANST  thou  draw  out  i  leviathan  with  an 

^  hook?  or  his  tongue  with  a  cord  ^  which 

thou  lettest  down? 

2  Canst  thou  "  put  an  hook  into  his  nose? 
or  bore  his  jaw  thi-ough  with  a  thorn? 

3  Will  he  make  many  supplications  unfo 
thee?  wiU  he  speak  soft  words  unto  thee? 

4  Will  he  make  a  covenant  with  thee? 
vrilt  thou  take  him  for  a  servant  for  ever? 

5  Wilt  thou  play  with  him  as  ivith  a  bird? 
or  wilt  thou  bind;  him  for  thy  maidei^s? 

6  Shall  thy  companions  make  a  banquet 
of  him?  shall  they  part  him  among  the 
merchants? 

7  Canst  thou  fill  his  skin  with  barbed 
irons?  or  his  head  with  fish  spears? 

8  Lay  thine  hand  upon  him,  remember 
the  battle,  do  no  more. 

9  Behold,  the  hope  of  him  is  in  vain:  shall 
not  one  be  cast  down  even  at  the  sight  of 
him? 

10  None  is  so  fierce  that  dare  stir  him  up: 
who  *  then  is  able  to  stand  before  me? 

11  Who  "  hath  prevented  me,  that  I  should 
repay  him?  <i  ichatsoever  is  under  the 
whole  heaven  is  mine. 

12  I  will  not  conceal  his  parts,  nor  hia 
power,  nor  his  comely  proportion. 

13  Who  can  discover  the  face  of  his  gar- 
ment? or  who  can  come  to  him  3  with  his 
double  bridle? 

14  Who  can  open  the  doors  of  his  face? 
his  teeth  are  terrible  round  about. 

15  His  *  scales  are  his  pride,  shut  up  to- 
gether  as  with  a  close  seal. 

16  One  is  so  near  to  another,  that  no  air 
can  come  between  them. 

17  They  are  joined  one  to  another,  they 
stick  together,  that  they  cannot  be  sun- 
dered. 

18  By  his  neesings  a  light  doth  shine,  and 
his  eves  are  like  the  eyelids  of  the  morning. 

19  Out  of  his  moutn  go  burning  lamps, 
and  sparks  of  fire  leap  out. 

20  Out  of  his  nostrils  goeth  smoke,  as  out 
of  a  seethhig  pot  or  caldron. 

21  His  breatn  kindleth  coals,  and  a  flame 
goeth  out  of  his  mouth. 


Oftlie  Behemoth. 


SOB,  xn. 


Of  Go(Vs  Great  Power 


Bather,  extol:  "1  also,"  who  now  censure  ■ 
fchee.  But  since  thou  canst  not  do  these  | 
works,  thou  must,  instead  of  censuring, 
extol  my  government,  thine  own.  .  .  Land 
. . .  gave— (Ps.  44.  3.).  So  as  to  eternal  .?a'va- , 
tion  bv  Jesus  Christ  (Isa.  59. 16;  63.  5.).  15- ! 
24.  God  shows  that  if  Job  cannot  bring  under 
control  the  lower  animals  of  which  he  se- 
lects the  two  most  striking.  Behemoth  on 
land,  Leviathan  in  the  water),  much  less  is 
he  capable  of  governing  the  world.  15.  be- 
hemoth—The description  in  part  agrees  with 
the  hippopotamus,  in  part  with  the  elephant, 
but  exactly  in  all  details  with  neither.  It  is 
rather  a  poetical  personification  of  the  great 
Pacht/dermata,  or  Herbivora  (so  "  he  eateth 
grass,"  &C.1,  the  idea  of  the  hippopotamus 
being  predominant.  In  v.  17,  "the  tail  like 
a  cedar,"  hardly  applies  to  the  latter ;  (so 
also  V.  20;  23,  "  Jordan,"  a  river  which  ele- 

Bhants  alone  could  reach,  but  see  Note  23.1. 
n  the  otlier  hand,  21,  22  are  cliaracieristic 
of  the  amphibious  river-horse.  Ho  leviathan 
(the  twisting  animal)  ch.  41. 1,  is  a  generalized 


neighbouring  seas,  and  rivers,  including  the 
crocodile  which  is  the  most  proofinent,  and 
is  often  associated  with  the  river-horse  by 
old  writers.  "Behemoih"  seems  to  be 
the  Egyptian  Pehniiout,  "  water-ux,"  Heb- 
raized, so  called  as  being  like  an  ox.  whence 
the  Ital.  "  bomarino."  with  trpe— As  I  made 
thyself.  Yet  how  great  the  difference !  The 
manifold  wisdom  and  power  of  God !  he 
eateth  grass— Marvellous  in  an  animal  living 
so  much  in  the  water :  also  stran;;e,  that 
8uch  a  monster  should  not  be  carnivorous. 
16.  navel— Kather,  muscles  of  his  belly;  the 
weakest  point  of  the  eiephant,  therefore  it 
is  not  meant.  17.  like  a  cedar— As  the  tem- 
pest bends  the  cedar,  so  it  can  move  its 
smooth  thick  tail.  [Umbr.J  But  tlie  cedar 
implies  straightness  and  length,  such  as  dn 
not  apply  to  the  river-horse's  short  tail,  but 
perJiaps  to  an  extinct  species  of  animal  see 
Note  15.).  stones— Eather,  thighs,  wrapped— 
Firmly  twisted  together,  like  a  thick  rope. 
18.  strong  pieces— Bather,  tubes  of  copper 
[Umbr.]  19.  Chief  of  the  works  of  God  :  so 
"ways  (ch.  26.  14;  Prov.  8.  22).  can  make 
his  sword  to  approach— Bather,  has  furnished 
kimwithhissword,ihRY\)e,)  \iz., the  sicMe-likc 
teeth  with  which  he  cuts  down  grain.  E.  V. 
however,  is  lit.  right.  20.  The  mountain  is  not 
his  tisual  hannt.  Bo.  says  it  is  sometivuf- 
found  there  i?)  beasts  .  . .  play— A  grapliic 
trait :  though  armed  with  such  teeth,  he  let 
the  Ijeasts  play  near  him  unhurt,  for  his  food 
Is  grass.  21.  uetu— He  leads  an  inactive  life, 
shady  trees  —  Rather,  lotus-bushes;  as  v.  2.' 
requires.  22.  Transl.  lotus -bushes.  23 
Rather,  "(Though)  a  river  be  violent  (ovei-- 
flow),  he  tremblethnot;"  (for  though  livin<: 
on  land,  he  can  live  in  the  water  too,:  he  is  se 
cure,  though  a  Jordan  swell  up  to  his  mouth." 
"Jordan"  is  used  for  ajuj  great  river; 
consonant  with  the  "behemoth"  being  ;. 
pon^ical  generalization  (Note  15.i.  TIk 
autlior  cannot  have  been  a  Hebrew  as  Umep  . 
asserts,  or  he  would  not  adduce  the  Jordan 
where  there  were  no  river  horses.  He  al 
ludes  to  it  as  a  name  for  any  river,  but  no- 
as  one  known  to  him,  ex-cept  by  hearsay. 
2-1-.  Rather,  "will  any  take  him  by  open 
force  [lit.,  before  his  cijes),  or  p'erce  his  nose 
with  cords?"  No :  he  can  only  be  taken  by 
suile,  and  in  a  pitfall  'ch.  41.  i,  2.). 
379 


CHAPTER  XLI. 
Ver.  1-34.  1. 1':  viat  lian— Lii. ,  the  twisted  ani' 
mal,  j-'.-ithering  itself  in  folds :  a  synonym  to 
the  Thannin  (ch.  3. 8,Murg.;  see  Ps,  74. 14;  type 
of  the  ]<;gvptian  tyrant ;  Ps.  104.  26;  Isa.  27.  l; 
the  Babylon  tyrant.).  J4.  iioetical  oenerah/M- 
tion  for  all  cetacean,  serpentine,  and  saurian 
monsters  (Note,  40.  15;  hence  aa  the  descrip- 
tion applies  to  no  one  animal) ;  especially  the 
crocodile :  which  is  naturally  descril)ed  after 
the  river-horse,  as  both  are  found  in  tlie 
Nile,  tongue  . .  .  lettest down— The  croCodilB 
has  no  tongue,  or  a  very  small  one  cleaving 
to  the  lower  jaw.  But  as  in  fishing  the  tongue 
of  the  fish  draws  the  baited  hook  to  it,  God 
asks,  Canst  thou  in  like  manner  take  levia- 
than? 2.  hook— Rather,  a  rope  of  rxishes. 
thorn— Rather,  a  ring  or  hook.  So  M-ild  beasts 
were  led  about  when  caught  (Isa.  37.  29; 
Ezek.  2y.  4,);  fishes  also  were  secured  thus, 
and  thrown  into  the  water,  to  keep  them 
alive.  3.  soft  words— That  tliou  mayest  spare 
his  life.  No  :  he  is  untameable.  4.  Can  he 
be  tamed  for  domestic  use?  (so  ch.  39. 10-12.). 
5.  a  bird— That  is  tamed.  6.  Rather,  part- 
ners (viz.,  iit fishing.:,  make  a  banquet-The 
parallelism  rather  supports  Umbb,.,  "Do 
partners  (in  trade)  desire  to  purcha^^e  him  I 
(so  the  Heb.  Dea.  2.  6.)  merchants— Li*.,Ca- 
■naanites,  who  were  great  merchants  (Hos. 
12.  7,  Marg.).  His  hide  is  not  penetrable,  as 
that  of  fishes.  8.  If  thou  lay,  &c.  thou  wilt 
have  reason  ever  to  remember,  &c.,  and  thou 
wilt  never  try  it  again.  9.  the  hope— 0/  tak- 
ing him.  cast,  down— "With  fear  "at  the 
(mere)  sight  of  him."  10.  fierce— Courageous. 
If  a  man  dare  attack  one  of  my  creatures 
(Gen.  49.  9;  Num.  24.  9,),  who  AviU  dare  (as 
Job  had  wished)  oppose  himself  (Ps.  .;,  2)  to 
me,  the  Creator?  This  is  the  main  drift  of 
the  description  of  leviathan.  11.  prevented 
—Done  me  a  favour  first:  anticipated  me 
with  service  (Ps.  21.  3.).  None  can  call  me 
to  account  ("  stand  before  me,"  v.  lO,  as  un- 
just, because  I  have  withdrawn  favours  from 
him  (as  in  Job's  case):  for  none  has  laid  me 
under  a  prior  obligation  by  conferring  on  me 
something  which  was  not  already  my  own. 
What  can  man  give  to  Him,  who  possesses 
all,  including  man  himself?  Man  cannot 
constrain  the  creature  to  be  his  "  servant," 
w.  4,)  much  less  the  Creator.  12.  I  will  not 
conceal  — A  resumption  of  the  description 
broken  off  by  the  digression,  which  formed 
ai  agreeable  change,  his  power— iii.,  the 
may,  i.e.,  true  proportion  or  expression  of 
'lis  strength  (so  Heb.,  Deut.  19.  4.).  comely 
proportion— ii^.,  the  comeliness  of  his  struc- 
'ure  (his  apparatus:  so  "suit  of  apparel" 
Fud.  17. 10.).  [Maur.]  Umbr.  transl.  "his 
irmour."  But  that  follows  after.  13.  dis- 
:over— Rather,  uncover  the  surface  of  his  gar- 
ment [skin,  ch.  10.  11):  strip  off  the  hard 
mtcr  coat  with  which  the  inner  skin  is 
•overed.  with— Rather,  within  his  double 
1 7, MS.  lit.,  bridle:  hence  that  into  which  the 
■iridic  is  put,  the  double  roiv  of  teeth;  but 
'  biidle"  is  used  to  imply  that  none  dare  put 
li^j  hand  in  to  insert  a  bridle  where  in  other 
inimals  it  is  placed  [v.  4;  ch.  39.  10.).  14. 
loor?  rf . .  .  face— His  mouth.  His  teeth  are 
-ixty  in  number,  larger  in  proportion  than 
iiis  body,  some  standing  out,  some  serra- 
ed,  fitting  into  each  other  like  a  comb.  [Bo.] 
\  5.  Rather,  hi^  furrorvs  of  shields  fas  "  tubes, 
"channels,"  Note,  40.  18,)  are,  &c.,  i.e.,  the 
roxos  of  scales,  like  shields  covering  Mm  ;  he 


Jeh  sybmffs  Mmsc'^id  God. 


JOB,  XLn. 


Job  restored  to  prosperUp. 


'IJ,  lu  his  ueck  reniaineth  strength,  and 
6  sorrow  is  turned  into  joy  belbre  him. 

23  «  The  flakes  of  his  tiesh  are  joined  to- 
gether: they  are  firm  in  themselves;  they 
cannot  be  moved. 

24  His  heart  is  as  firm  as  a  stone;  yea,  as 
hard  as  a  piece  of  the  nether  miilstone. 

•2b  When  he  raiseth  up  himself,  the  mighty 
are  alhiid:  by  reason  of  breakings  they 
purifv  themselves. 

26  the  sw  ord  of  him  that  layeth  at  him 
cannot  hold;  the  spear,  the  dart,  nor  the 
1  habergeon. 

27  lie  esteemeth  iron  as  straw,  and  brass 
as  rotten  wood. 

28  The  arrow  cannot  make  him  flee:  sling- 
stones  are  tmned  with  him  into  stubble. 

29  Darts  are  counted  as  stubble:  he 
laugheth  at  the  shaking  of  a  spear. 

30  8  Sharp  stones  are  under  him:  he 
spreadeth  snarp-poiuted  things  upon  the 
mire. 

31  He  maketh  the  deep  to  boU  like  a  pot; 
he  maketh  the  sea  like  a  pot  of  ointment. 

32  He  maketh  a  path  to  shine  after  him; 
one  would  think  the  deep  to  be  hoary. 

_  33  Upon  earth  there  is  not  his  like,  ^  who 
is  made  without  fear. 
31  He  beholdcth  all  high  tliinps:  he  w  a 
king  oyer  all  the  children  of  pride. 

CHAPTER  XLII. 

i  Job  submits  himself  to  (Jod.     7  Job's  friends 

subnUt  tn  him.    9  God  accepts  Job,  and  doubles 

his  blessings.    13  Job's  childrem  16  his  age  and 

death. 

T^IIEN  Job  answered  the  Lorc,  and  said, 
2  1  know  that  thou  "  canst  do  every 
thing,  and  that  i  no  thought  can  be  with- 
hokfen  from  thee. 

3  Who  *  is  he  that  hideth  counsel  without 
knowledge?  therefore  have  I  uttered  that 
I  understood  not;  '  things  too  wonderful 
for  me,  which  1  knew  not. 

4  Hear,  I  beseech  thee,  and  I  will  speak: 
I  <*  will  demand  of  thee,  and  declare  thou 
unto  me. 

5  I  have  '  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing  of 
the  ear;  but  now /mine  eye  setth  thee: 

6  Wherefore  I  abhor  viyself,  and  repent 
in  dust  and  ashes. 

7  H  And  it  was  so,  that  after  the  Lood 


CHAP.  41. 

6  Borrow 
reioiceth. 

6Tho 

7  Or,  breast- 
plate. 

8  Shnrp 
pieces  of 
potsherd. 

9  Or,  who 
behave 
tbemseWos 

fear. 


CHAP.  42. 

a  Gen.  18. 14. 
Blat.  19. 2b. 

1  Or,  no 
thought  of 
thine  can 
bo  hin- 
dere/1. 

6  ch.  3b.  2. 
c  Pa.  40.  6. 

Pa.  131.  1, 

Pa.  139.  6. 

d  ch,  38.  3. 

ch.  40.  7. 

e  Ro.  10. 17. 

/  Eph.  1  17, 

18. 
g  Nu.  23.  1. 
h  Mat.  5.  24. 
i  Gen.  20. 17. 

Jam  5.  IG. 

lJohn5.16. 

2  hiaface,  or, 
person. 

3  the  face  of 
Job, 

4  added  all 
that  had 
been  to  Job 
unto  the 
double. 
Zech.  9. 12. 

j  U.  40.  2. 
k  ch.  19,  13. 
I  ch.  8.  7. 

Jam,  6. 11. 
m  ch.  1.  3, 
»  ch.  6.  26. 


Pro. 


,16. 


OGeo.  8&.& 


had  spoken  these  words  unto  Job,  the  Loud 
said  to  Eliphaz  the  Temanite,  Aly  wrath 
is  kindled  against  thee,  and  against  thy 
two  friends:  for  ye  have  not  spoken  of  me 
tlie  thing  that  is  right,  as  my  servant  Job 
hath. 

8  Therefore  take  unto  yon  now  ^  seven 
bullocks  and  seven  rams,  and  ''  go  to  my 
servant  Job,  and  ofi:er  up  for  yourselves  a 
bmnt  oliiering;  and  my  servant  Job  shall 
pray  « for  you;  for  2  him  will  1  accept;  lest 
I  deal  with  you  after  your  folly,  in  that  ye 
have  not  spoken  of  me  tlie  thmg  whick  is 
right,  like  my  servant  Job. 

y  U  8o  Eliphaz  the  Temanite  and  Bildad 
the  Shuhite  and  Zophar  the  Naamathite 
went  and  did  according  as  the  Lokd  com- 
manded them:  the  LofiD  also  accepted 
a  Job. 

10  And  the  Loed  turned  the  captinty  of 
Job,  when  he  prayed  for  his  friends:  also 
the  Lord  *  ga^■e  Job  >  twice  as  much  as  he 
had  Ijefore. 

11  Then  came  there  unto  him  *  all  hia 
brethren,  and  all  his  sisters,  and  all  they 
that  had  been  of  his  acquaintance  before, 
and  did  eat  bread  with  nun  in  his  house: 
and  they  bemoaned  him,  and  comforted 
him  over  all  the  evil  that  the  Lord  had 
brought  upon  him:  every  man  also  gave 
him  a  piece  of  money,  and  every  one  an 
earring  of  gold. 

12  So  the  Lord  blessed  *  the  latter  end 
of  Job  more  than  his  beginning;  for  he  had 
fourteen  "'  thousand  sheep,  and  six  thou- 
sand camels,  and  a  thousand  yoke  of  oxen, 
and  a  thousand  she-asses. 

13  He  had  also  seven  sons  and  three 
daughters. 

li  And  he  called  the  name  of  the  first, 
Jemima ;  and  the  name  of  the  second, 
Kezia;  and  the  name  of  the  thiid,  Keren- 
happuch. 

15  And  in  all  the  land  were  no  women 
found  so  fair  as  the  daughters  of  Job:  and 
their  father  gave  them  inheritance  among 
their  brethren. 

16  After  this  "  lived  Job  an  hundred  and 
forty  years,  and  saw  his  sons,  and  his  sons' 
sons,  even  four  generations. 

17  So  Job  died,  being  old,and<'J[ull  of  days. 


THE 


BOOK    OF   PSALMS, 


PSALM  L 

Mappintst  of  the  godly.    4  Misery  of  tht  im- 

godly- 

TJLESSED  '^is  the  man  thatwalketh  not 
•*^  in  the  counsel  of  the  i  ungodly,  nor 
Btandeth  in  the  way  of  sinners,  nor  sitteth 
in  the  seat  of  the  scornful: 

2  But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord  • 
and  in  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day  and 
night. 

3  And  he  shall  be  like  a  tree  plant^'d  by 
the  rivers  of  water,  that  bringeth  forth  his 
fruit  in  his  season ;  his  leaf  also  shall  not 
2  wither;  and  whatsoever  he  doeth  '  shall 
prosper. 

4  The  ungodly  are  not  so:  but  are  like  the 
chat!' which  the  wind  driveth  away. 

5  Therefore  the  migodly  shall  uut  stand 


PSALM  1, 
a  Pro.  4. 14. 

1  Or,  wicked. 

2  fade. 

b  Gen.  39.  8. 
Job  22.  21. 

1  Tim.  4.  8. 
c  John  10. 14. 

2  Tim.a.l9, 


PSALM  2. 

1  Or,  tumul- 
tuously 
aasemblo. 

2  meditate. 
a  Ps.  45.  7. 

John  1. 41. 
b  Lu.  19  14. 
c  P».  11.  4. 


in  the  judgment,  nor  sinners  in  the  con- 
gregation of  the  righteous. 
6  For  *  the  Lord  knoweth  the  wav  of  the 
righteous:  but  the  way  of  the  ungodly  shall 
perish. 

PSALM  IL 

1  Kingdom  of  Christ:  lu  kings  and  judges  ee- 

iwrted  to  accept  of  it. 

"VyHY  do  the  heathen  i  rage,  and  the 
' '     people  2  imagine  a  vain  thing? 

2  The  kings  of  the  earth  set  themselve3,and 
the  nilers  take  counsel  together.against  the 
Lord,  and  agamst  his  "  Anointed,  saying, 

3  Let  *  us  break  their  bands  asunder',  and 
cast  away  their  cords  from  us. 

4  He  "  that  sitteth  in  liie  heavens  shall 
laugh:  the  Lord  shall  have  them  in  de. 
lisioQ. 


Leviathan  Described. 


JOB,  XLll. 


JoVs  Penitent  'Reply, 


has  seventeen  such  rows,  shnt  up— Firmly 
eioseil  togetlier.  A  musket  ball  cannot  pe- 
netrate him,  save  in  the  eye,  throat,  and 
beliy.  18.  JVausi.,  "his  sneezing  causeth  a 
light  to  shine,"  Amphibious  animals,  emerg- 
irg  after  having  long  held  their  breath  under 
water,  respii-e  by  violently  expelling  the 
breath  like  one  sneezing :  in  the  effort  the 
eyes  which  are  usually  direc  ed  towards  the 
sun,  seem  to  flash  tire  :  or  it  is  the  exielled 
breath  that,  in  the  sun,  seems  to  emit  light, 
eyelids  ot  morning— The  Egyptian  hierogly- 
pnics  paint  the  t.yes  of  the  crocodile  as  the 
symbol  lor  morning,  because  the  eyes  ap- 
pear the  first  thing,  before  the  whole  body 
enierLos  from  the  deep.  iHoR.  >iierog.,  1. 
65.  JJo.j  19.  burning  lamps— Torches,  viz., 
in  res  iring  {v.  18,)  seem  to  go  out.  20.  seech- 
irjg- ii<>]ling :  lit.,  blowrt  under,  under  which 
a  tire  is  blown.  21.  kindlcth  coals— Foe  Ileal 
imagery  iPs.  18.  8.).  22.  remaine in— Abide th 
permanently.  His  chief  strength  is  in  the 
neck,  sorrow— Anxiety  or  dismay  personi- 
fied, is  turned  into  joy— Rather,  danceth, 
exidtefh ;  wheTQvev  hegoes,  he  spreads  terror 
**  before  him."  23.  flakes— Rather,  dewlaps. 
That  which  falls  down  (Marg.).  They  are 
•■joined"  fast  and  firm,  together,  not  Jiang- 
ing.  loose,  as  in  the  ox.  are  firm— Umbk. 
and  Maur.  "Are  spread."  In  themselves— 
Rather,  upon  him.  24.  hearc  —  Bo.,  "In 
large  beasts  which  are  less  acute  in  feeling, 
there  is  great  tirmness  of  the  heart,  and 
Blower  motion."  [Bo.]  The  nether  mill- 
stone, on  which  the  upper  tut  iis,  is  especi- 
ally hard.  25.  he— The  crocodile :  a  type  of 
the  awe  which  the  Creator  inspires,  when 
frle  rises  in  wrath,    breakings  — viz.,  of  the 

Siind,  i.e.,  terror,  purify  tnemselves — Rather, 
ley  wander  from  me  way,  i.e.,  flee  away  be- 
wildered. [Maur.  &  LTmbr.]  26.  cannot  hold 
—On  his  hard  skin.  habergeo:i  —  Coat  of 
mail :  avail  must  be  taken  by  Zeugma  out 
of  "hold,"  as  the  verb  in  the  second  clause : 
"  hold"  cannot  apply  to  the  "  coat  of  mail." 
27.  iron  . .  .  brass— viz.,  weapons.  28.  arrow 
—Lit.,  son  of  tlie  how;  Oriental  imagery, 
(Lam.  3.  13;  Marg.)  stubble— Arrows  pro- 
du(-e  no  more  eflect.  than  it  would  to  throw 
stubble  at  him.  29.  dans— Rather,  clubs; 
darts  have  been  already  mentioned.  30. 
stones— Rather,  potsherds,  i.e.,  the  sharp  and 
pointed  scales  on  the  belly,  like  broken 
pieces  of  pottery,  sharp-pointed  tilings  — 
Rather,  a  threshing  instr^lment,  but  not  on 
the  fruits  of  the  earth,  bttt  "on  the  wire;" 
irony.  When  he  lies  ou  the  mire,  he  leaves 
the  marks  of  his  scales  so  imprinted  on  it, 
that  one  might  fancy  a  thi-eshing  instr\iment 
with  its  sharp  teeth  had  been  drawn  over  it 
(Isa.  2S.  27.!.  31.  Whenever  he  moves,  sea— 
The  .Viie  Isa.  19.  5;  Nah.  3.  8.)  pot  of  oint- 
ment—The ves^sel  in  which  it  is  mixed.  Ap- 
propriate to  the  crocodile,  which  emits  a 
musky  smell.  32.  path— Tlie  foam  on  his 
tr,';ck.  ho  iry- As  hair  of  the  aged.  33.  who 
—Being  one  who,  &c.  34.  benoldeth  —  As 
their  superior,  children  of  pride— The  proud 
and  lierce  Ijeasts.  So  ch.  28.  8;  Heb.,  sons  of 
pride.  To  htimble  the  pride  of  man,  and 
to  teach,  implicit  submission,  is  the  aim  of 
Jehovali's  siieech,  and  of  the  book :  therefore 
wuh  tliis  as  to  leviathan,  the  type  of  God  in 
His  Lordship  over  creation,  he  closes. 
CHAPTER  XLII. 
Vev.  1-fi,  .loB's  Penitent  Reply.  2. 
In  the  first  claase  lie  owns  God  to  be  om- 


nipotent over  nature,  as  contrasted  with  his 
own  feebleness,  which  God  had  proveel  ;ch. 
40, 15;  41.  34,  ;  in  the  second,  tliat  God  is  .su- 
premely just,  (Which,  in  order  to  be  governor 
of  the  world.  He  must  needs  be,)  in  aU  His 
I  dealings,  as  contrasted  with  his  own  viieiiesa 
I  (v.  ti,),  and  incompetence  to  deal  with  the 
:  wicked  as  ajust  judge  fell.  40.  8-14.).  thought— 
\  Purpose,  as  m  ch.  i7.  11;  but  it  is  u-ually 
:  applied  to  evil  devisrs  (ch.  21.  27;  Ps.  lO.  2,j: 
1  the  ambiguous  word  is  designedly  cho.5en  to 
I  express,  that,  whilst  to  Joli's  hnite  view, 
God's  plans  seem  bad,  to  the  All-wise  One, 
jthey  cominue  unhindered  in  their  develop- 
I  rnent,  and  will  at  last  be  seen  to  be  as  good 
las  they  are  infinitely  wise.  No  evil  can 
1  emanate  Irom  the  Parent  of  good  (Ja.  1.  1.3, 
1 17,;  but  it  is  His  prerogative  to  overrule 
I  evil  to  good.  3. 1  am  the  man!  Job  in  God's 
'  own  words  (ch.  38. 2,1,  expresses  his  deep  and 
i  humble  penitence.  God's  word  concerning 
jour  guilt  should  be  engraven  on  our  hearts 
and  form  the  ground-work  of  our  confession. 
Most  men  in  confessing  sin  pall  ate,  rather 
than  contess.  Job  in  omitting  "  by  words" 
I  (ch.  38.  2,),  goes  even  further  than  God's 
{accusation.  JN'ot  merely  my  words,  but  my 
'  whole  thoughts  and  ways  ^vere  "  without 
knowledge."  too  wonderful— I  rashly  denied 
that  thou  hast  any  fixed  plan  in  t;overning 
human  afiairs,  merely  because  thy  plan  was 
"  too  wonderful"  for  my  comprehension.  4. 
When  I  said,  "Hear,  &c.,  Job's  demand 
(ch.  13. 22, ,  convicted  him  of  being  "without 
knowledge."  God  alone  could  speak  thus  to 
Job,  not  Job  to  God:  therefore  he  quotes 
again  God's  words  as  the  ground-work  of 
retracting  his  own  foolish  words.  5.  hearing 
of  ear— iPs.  18.  44,  Marg.).  Hearing  and 
Seeing  are  often  in  antithesis  (ch.  29.  11;  Ps. 
1 48.  8.).  seeth- not  God's  face  (Ex.  33.  20,). 
but  his  presence  in  the  veil  of  a  dark  cloud 
(ch.  38.  1.).  Job  implies  also  th.at.  bes  des 
this  literal  seeing,  he  now  saw  spiritually 
what  he  had  indistinctly  taken  on  hearsay 
before  God's  infinite  wisdom.  Pie  "now 
proves  this ;  he  had  seen  in  a  literal  sense 
before, at  the  beginning  of  God's  speech,  but 
he  had  not  seen  spiritually  till  "  now"  at  its 
close.  6.  myself —  Rather,  "I  abhor,"  and 
retract  the  rash  speeches  I  made  against 
thee,  V.  3,  4.  [Umbr.J 

7-17.  Epilogue,  in  prose.  7.  to  Eliph^z— 
Because  he  was  the  foremost  of  the  three 
friends:  their  speeches  were  but  tlie  tci^'":  of 
his.  right  — L>i.,  weU -grounded,  sure  riid 
true.  Their  spirit  towards  Job  was  unkindly, 
and  to  justify  themselves  in  their  unkindii- 
ness  they  used  false  arguments  (ch.  13.  7,j, 
(viz.,  that  calamities  always  prove  pecidiar 
guiitj ;  therefore,  though  it  was  "for  God," 
they  spake  thus  faPely.  God  "  reproves " 
them,  as  Job  said  He  would  (cli.  13.  10.). 
like  Job— Job  had  spoken  ri.htly  in  relation 
to  them  and  their  argument,  denying  tlieir 
theory,  and  the  iaci  whicli  tiiey  a  leged,  that 
he  was  peculiarly  guilty  and  a  h.vpocrite;  but 
wrouifly  in  relation  to  God,  when  he  fell  into 
the  opposite  extreme  of  almost  denying  all 
gudt.  lliis  extreme  he  has  now  repented  of, 
and  there  ore  God  speaks  of  him  .-is  now 
aUo.c;etlier  "richt."  8.  s-^ven- See  Intrfid.). 
The  number  offered  by  the  (^'entile  prorliet 
(Num.  23.  1,'.  Job  plainly  lived  before  the 
leu'al  iirie>thood,  (fee.  The  patiiarchs  acted 
as  priests  for  their  families;  and  sometimes 
as  praying  media.tor3  (Gen.  20.  17,/,  thus 
-3D 


God  Blesseth  Job.  ___^__„  JOB,  XLTL Job's  Age  andDeath.^ 

foreshadowing;  the  true  Mediator  (1  Tim.  2.  ;  kashat,  "pure,"  viz.,  metal.  The  term,  in- 
6,,  l)Ut  saciitice  accompanies,  and  is  the  stead  of  the  usual  "  shekel,"  &c.,  is  a  mark 
ground-work,  on  which  the  mediation  rests,  of  antiquity,  ring— whether  for  the  nose  or 
him  —  Rither,  "His  person  (face;  only"  ear  (Gen.  3.5.  4;  Isa.  3.  21.).  Much  of  the  gold 
(Note  -^2.  30.).  The  "person"  must  be  first  in  the  E.,  in  the  absence  of  banks,  is  in  the 
accepted,  before  (iod  can  accept  liis  offering  shape  of  ornaments.  12.  Probably  by  de- 
andwork((ien.  4.4,)  :ttat  can  be  only  through  i  grees,  not  all  at  once.  13.  The  same  num- 
Jesus  Christ,  foiiv— Impiety  (ch.  1.  22 ;  2.  ber  as  before  ;  perhaps  by  a  second  wife  :  in 
10.  .  9.  The  forgivinjj  spirit  of  Job  foresha-  ch.  19.  17,  his  wife  is  last  mentioned.  14. 
dows  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ  and  of  Chris-  :  Names  significant  of  his  restored  prosperity 
tiai  s  to  enemies  .Mat.  5.  44  ;  Luke.  23.  34 ;  (Gen.  4.  25;  5.  29.;.  Jemima,  daidight,  atter 
Acts  7.  CO;  16.  24,  28,  .0,  31.).  10.  turued  ...  his  "night"  of  calamity:  but  Maur.,  "  a 
car. tivity— Proverbial  for  rentored,  or  amvlv  dove."  Kezia,  cassia,  an  aromatic  herb 
indemnified  Mm  for  ail  he  had  lost  [Ez.  16.  (Ps.  45.  8  :  instead  of  his  offensive  breath 
53:  I's.  14.  7;  Hos.  6.  11.1.  Thus  the  future  and  ulcers.  Keren- happuch.  "horn  of  sti- 
vindication  of  man,  body  and  soul,  against  hium"  a  paint  with  which  feiuales  dyed  their 
Satan  (ch.  1.  9-i2,),  at  the  resurrection  (ch.  eye-lids  ;  in  contrast  to  his  "horn  defiled  in 
19.  2.J-27,),  has  its  earnest  and  adumbration  the  dust"  (ch.  16. 15.).  The  names  also  imply 
in  the  temporal  vindication  of  Job  at  last  the  beauty  of  his  daughters.  15.  inherit  nee 
bv  Jehovah  in  person.  ti;rice— So  to  tlie  among  ..  .  bretlueii— An  unusual  favour  in 
affdcted  literal  and  spiritual  Jerusalem  (Isa.  the  E.  to  daughters,  who,  in  the  Jewish  law, 
40.  2 ;  60.  7  ;  61.  7 ;  Zech.  9.  12.'.  As  in  Job's  only  tnlierited,  if  there  were  no  sons  Num. 
case,  so  in  that  of  J  esus  Christ,  the  glorious  27.  8.  >,  a  irroof  of  wealth  and  unanimity.  16. 
recouipence  follows  the  "intercession"  for  LXX.  make  Job  live  170  years  after  his 
enemies  (Is.  53.  12.).  11.  It  was  .lob's  com-  calamity,  and  240  in  all.  This  would  make 
plaujt  in  his  misei-y  that  his  "brethren,"  &c.,  him  seventy  at  the  time  of  his  calanuty, 
were  "estranged"from  him  (ch.  19. 13,*:  these  which  added  to  140  in  Hch.  text  make  up 
now  return  with  the  return  of  his  prosperity  210 ;  little  more  than  the  age  20.i)  of  'lerah, 
(Pro.  14.  vO;  19.  8,7,:  the  true  friend  loveth  at  father  of  Ahraham,  perhaps  his  contempor- 
all  times  iPro.  17.  17;  18.  24.).  "Swallow-  ary.  Man's  length  of  life  gradually  shortened 
friends  leave  in  the  winter  and  return  with  till  it  reached  three  score  and  ten  in  Moses' 
the  spring."  [Hexry.]  eat  bread— in  token  time  (Ps.  90.10.  .  16.  sous' sous— A  proof  of  I)i- 
of  irier.dsliip  (^'s.  41.  9."-.  piece  of  m  ney—  vine  favour  (Gen.  50.  23;  Ps.  128.  6;  Prov.  17. 
P.'-eseiits  are  usual  in  visiting  a  man  of  rank  6.).  17.  full  of  inys—Fuliij  saled  and  con- 
in  the  E.  especially  after  a  calamity  2Chron.  te^ited  with  all  the  happiness  that  lite  could 
32  23..  Hch.,  Keslta.  Magee  transL,  a  five  him:  Eealizing  what  tliphaz  liad 
knnh,  (the  medium  of  exchange  then,  before  painted  as  the  lot  of  the  godly  (ch.  6.  -iO; 
muneywasused,iasitisinJliarer.  of  Gen.  3.3.  Ps.  9i.  16;  Gen.  2.5.  8;  35.  29.;.  LXX.  add.s, 
i;»;  Josh.  24.  :;2.  P.ut  it  is  fro;!i  the  Arabic  "It  is  written,  that  he  wdl  rise  again  with 
ilTasai,  "weighed  out,"  [X^MBR. J  not  coined;  those  whom  the  Lord  will  raise  up."  Cf. 
EoGen.42.35;;i3.19;cf.withGen  23.1.5,makes  Mat.  27.  52,  £3,  from  which  it  perhaps  was 
it  likely  it  was  equal  to  foiu-  shekels :  Heb.    derived  spuriously. 


THE   BOOK  OF   PSALMS. 

INTRODUCTION. 

THE  Hebrew  title  of  this  looJc  is  [Teliilim]  Praises  or  iTyrnva.  for  a  leading  feature  in  its  contents 
18  praise,  though  the  word  occurs  iu  the  title  ut  onlj  oiie  Psalm  (145).  The  Greek  title  (in  the 
Septu::t;im.  a  nanslation  made  SCO  years  lefore  Cliiist,)  is  Psalmoi,  whence  our  word  Fsalms.  This 
conesp'juds  to  the  Hebrew  word  J/uwior,liy  whieh  sixty-five  Fi-aJmsare  desiguatediatiieir  inscrip- 
tions, and  which  the  iSyriac,  a  language  like  the  Kel  rew,  uses  for  the  whole  book.  It  means,  as 
does  also  the  Greek  name,  an  ode,  or  Koup,  whose  ringing  is  accompanied  by  an  instrument,  parti- 
culai  iy  i.lio  harp,  cf.  1  Chr.  16.  4-8;  2  Chr.  5.  V2, 13,  To  bome  I'salms,  the  Hebrew  word  ifhir^  a  Sony, 
is  pietixf d.  Paul  seems  to  allude  to  all  these  terms  in  Eph.  5. 19,  "  singing  .  .  .  iu  J'salvis,  Uymt.a, 
and  Spiritual  Songs." 

Ti'l'J-ES.— To  more  than  a  hundred  Psalms  are  prefixed  inscriptions,  which  give  one  or  more, 
(and  in  one  case,  60th,  all)  of  the,?e  particulars:  the  direction  to  the  Musician,  the  name  of  the 
aiuiior.  or  the  instrument,  the  style  of  the  music  or  of  the  poetry,  the  suiiject  or  occasion.  The 
atuhoriiyof  these  inscriptions  has  been  disputed  by  some  writers.  They  say  that  the  earliest 
trntishitois,  as  the  Ureek  and  Syriac,  evince  a  disregard  for  their  authorit.s',  l>y  variations  from  a 
proper  iranslatiou  of  some,  altering  others,  and,  in  several  instances,  supplying  titles  to  Psalms  which, 
in  Hebrew,  had  none.  It  is  also  alleged,  that  the  subject  ot  a  Psalai,  as  given  in  the  title,  iu  often 
ino  lnsi^tent  with  its  contents.  Ilut  tliose  translators  have  also  varied  from  a  right  translation  or 
mnny  passages  in  the  Bible,  which  ail  agree  to  lie  of  good  authority:  and  the  aliei,'ed  iucunsistency 
may  besliown>on  more  accurate  mvestiHatiou.  not  to  exist.  The  admitted  antiquity  of  these  in- 
scriptions, on  the  other  hand,  and  even  their  obscurity,  raise  a  proumption  in  tlieir  favour,  while 
such  pre.f:i''fs  ♦o  a  composition  accord  witli  the  u.'^ages  of  that  age  and  part  of  the  world,  cf.  Is.  :^8  9. 
■'  The  Chief  MvMciaii"  was  the  Superintendent  of  the  Music,  cf.  1  Chr.  15.  21,  Marg.  To  pieftxed  to 
this,  n'.e:uis,j3ertami'n// Join  his  oflicial  character.  This  inscription  is  found  in  53  I'sulnis,  and  is 
attached  to  ilai'akkukV  prayer.  Ha.  3.  The  8:ime  Hebrew  preposition  is  prefixed  to  the  name  ot  the 
author,  and  translated o/",  "as  a  Psalm  of  David,"  "o/ Asaph,"  etc.,  except  tiiat  to  "the  snns  of 
Korah;"  it  is  trd!:flated  Voi",  which  is  evidently  wrong,  as  the  usual  direction  "  to  ««■■  ciiief  Miis.i:lan" 
:>  L'ivcn,  and  no  other  authorsfir  intimated.  (  n  the  apparent  exception  to  this  la>t  :en. ink, see 
following  page,  and  Psalm  8;^,  titla.  The  explauaiious  of  other  particuluxs  iu  the  titles  wUl  be 
giveu  as  tue>  ocuuc. 

380    [1] 


INTRODUCTION-PSALMS. 


AUTHORS.— This  book  is  usually  called  "The  Psalms  of  David,"  he  being  the  011I3'  author 
mentioned  in  the  N.  T.,  Lu.  20.  42,  and  his  name  appearing  in  more  titles  than  that  of  any  other 
writer.  Besides  about  one-half  of  the  Psalms  in  which  it  thus  appears,  the  2nd  and  9oth  are 
ascribed  to  him,  Acts  i.  25,  ani  Heb.  4.  7.  He  was  probably  the  author  of  many  others  which  ap- 
pear without  a  name.  He  used^reat  efforts  to  beautify  the 'worship  of  the  Sanctuary.  Among  the 
268  Levites  he  appointed  for  singing  and  performing  instrumental  Music,  we  find  mentioned  the 
"sons  of  Korah,"  1  Chr.  9,  19;  including  Heman,  1  Chr.  6.  33-38;  and  also  Asaph,  39-44;  and  Ethan, 
15-19.  God  was  doubtless  pleased  to  endow  these  men  with  the  inspiration  of  His  Spirit,  so  thai 
they  used  those  poetic  talents,  which  their  connexion  with  the  kindred  art  of  Music  had  led  them 
to  cultivate,  in  the  production  of  compositions  like  those  of  their  King  and  patron.  To  Asaph  are 
ascribed  twelve  Psalms;  to  the  sons  of  Korah,  eleven,  including  the  88th,  which  is  also  ascribed  to 
Hemau,  that  being  the  only  instance  in  which  the  name  of  the  "son"  (or  descendant)  is  mentioned; 
and  to  Ethan,  one.  Solomon's  name  appears  before  the  72nd  and  127th;  and  that  of  Moses  before 
the  90th.     Special  questions  respecting  authorship  will  be  explained  as  they  arise. 

CONTENTS. — As  the  book  contains  150  independent  compositions,  it  is  not  susceptible  of  any 
logical  analysis.  The  Jews  having  divided  it  iuto  five  books,  corresponding  to  the  Five  Books  of 
Moses,  (1st,  1-42;  2nd,  43-72;  3rd,  73-89;  4th,  90-106;  5th,  107-150,)  many  attempts  have  been  made 
to  discover,  in  this  division,  some  critical  or  practical  value,  but  in  vain.  Sundry  efforts  have  been 
made  to  classify  the  Psalms  by  subject.  That  of  "Angus's  Bible  Hand-Book"  is  perhaps  the  most 
useful,  and  is  appended. 

Still  the  Psalms  have  a  form  and  character  peculiar  to  themselves:  and  with  individual  diversi- 
ties of  style  and  subject,  they  all  assimilate  to  that  form,  and  together  constitute  a  consistent 
system  of  moral  truth.  They  are  all  poetical,  and  of  that  peculiar  parallelism  (Intro,  to  Poetical 
Books)  which  distinguished  Hebrew  Poetry.  They  are  all  lyrical,  or  songs  adapted  to  Musical  instru- 
ments, and  all  religious  lyrics,  or  such  as  were  designed  to  be  used  in  the  Sanctuary  worship. 

The  distinguishing  feature  of  the  Psalms  is  their  devotional  character.  Whether  their  matter 
be  didactic,  historical,  prophetical,  or  practical,  it  is  made  the  ground  or  subject  of  prayer,  or  praise, 
or  both.  The  doctrines  of  theology  and  precepts  of  pure  morality  are  here  Inculcated.  God's  na- 
ture, attributes,  perfections,  and  works  of  creation,  providence  and  grace,  are  unfolded.  In  the 
sublimest  conceptions  of  the  most  exalted  verse,  His  glorious  supremacy  over  the  principalities  of 
Heaven,  Earth,  and  Hell,  and  His  holy,  wise,  and  powerful  control  of  all  material  and  immaterial 
agencies,  are  celebrated.  The  great  covenant  of  grace  resting  on  the  fundamental  promise  of  a  Re- 
deemer, both  alike  the  provisions  of  God's  exhaustless  mercy,  is  set  forth  in  respect  of  the  doctrines 
of  Regeneration  by  the  Spirit,  Forgiveness  of  sins,  Repentance  toward  God,  and  Faith  toward 
Jesus  Christ,  while  its  glorious  results,  involving  the  Salvation  of  men  from  "  the  ends  of  the  earth," 
are  proclaimed  in  believing,  prophetic  prayer  and  thankful  praise.  The  personal  history  of  the 
authors,  and  especially  David's,  in  its  spiritual  aspects,  is  that  of  God's  people  generallv.  Chris- 
tian biography  Is  edifying,  only  as  it  is  truth  illustrated  in  experience,  such  as  God's  Word  and 
Spirit  produce.  It  may  be  factitious  in  origin  and  of  doubtful  authenticity.  But  here  the  experi- 
ence of  the  truly  pious  is  detailed,  under  Divine  influence,  and  "  in  words  which  the  Holy  Ghost" 
taught.  The  whole  inner  life  of  the  pious  man  is  laid  open,  and  Christians  of  all  ages  have  here 
the  temptations,  conflicts,  perplexities,  doubts,  fears,  penitent  moanings,  and  overwhelming  griefs 
on  the  one  hand,  and  the  joy  and  hope  of  pardoning  mercy,  the  victory  over  the  seductions  of  false- 
hearted flatterers,  and  deliverance  from  the  power  of  Satan  on  the  other,  with  which  to  compare 
their  own  spiritual  exercises.  Here,  too,  are  the  fruits  of  that  sovereign  mercy,  so  often  sought  in 
earnest  prayer,  and  when  found,  so  often  sung  in  rapturous  joy,  exhibited  by  patience  in  adversity, 
moderation  in  prosperity,  zeal  for  God's  glory,  love  for  man,  justice  to  the  oppressed,  holy  contempt 
for  the  proud,  magnanimity  towards  enemies,  faithfulness  towards  friends,  delight  in  the  prosperity 
of  Zion,  and  believing  prayer  for  her  enlargement  and  perpetuity. 

The  historical  summaries  of  the  Psalms  are  richly  instructive.  God's  choice  of  the  patriarchs, 
the  sufferings  of  the  Israelites  in  Egypt,  their  exodus,  temptations  of  God,  rebellions  and  calamities 
in  the  Wilderness,  settlement  in  Canaan,  backslidings  and  reformations,  furnish  illu.strations  of 
God's  providential  government  of  His  people,  individually  and  collectively,  tending  to  exalt  His 
adora-blo  grace  and  abase  human  pride.  But  the  promises  and  prophecies  connected  with  these 
summaries,  and  elsewhere  presented  In  the  Psalms,  have  a  far  wider  reach,  exhibiting  the  relations 
of  the  book  to  the  great  theme  of  promise  and  prophecy. 

THE  MESSIAH  AND  HIS  KINGDOM.— David  was  God's  chosen  servant  to  rule  His 
people,  as  the  Head,  at  once,  of  the  State  and  the  Church,  the  lineal  ancestor  "according  to  the 
flesh,"  of  His  adorable  Son,  and  His  type,  in  His  official  relations,  both  in  suffering  and  in  triumph. 
Generally,  David's  trials  by  the  ungodly  depicted  the  trials  of  Christ,  and  his  final  success  the 
success  of  Christ's  kingdom.  Typically,  he  uses  language  describing  his  feelings,  which  only  finds 
its  full  meaning  in  the  feelings  of  Christ.  As  such  it  is  quoted  and  applied  in  the  N.  T.  And  far- 
ther, in  view  of  the  great  promise  (2  Sam.  7)  to  him  and  his  seed,  to  which  such  frequent  reference 
is  made  in  the  Psalms,  David  was  Inspired  to  know,  that  though  his  earthly  kingdom  should  perish, 
his  spiritual  would  ever  endure,  in  the  power,  beneficence,  and  glory  of  Christ's.  In  repeating  and 
amplifying  that  promise,  he  speaks  not  only  as  a  type,  but  "being  a  prophet,  and  knowing  that  God 
had  sworn  with  an  oath  to  him,  that  of  the  fruit  of  his  loins,  according  to  the  flesh,  he  would  raise 
np  Christ  to  sit  on  his  throne,"  he  "  foretold  the  sufferings  of  Christ  and  the  glory  that  should  fol- 
low. His  incarnation,  humiliating  sorrows,  persecution,  and  cruel  death  are  di.sclosed  in  the  plaint- 
ive cries  of  a  despairing  sufferer;  and  his  resurrection  and  ascension,  his  eternal  priesthood,  his 
roj'al  dignity,  his  prophetical  office,  the  purchase  and  bestowal  of  the  gifts  of  the  Spirit,  the  con- 
version of  the  nations,  the  establishment,  increase,  and  perpetuity  of  the  Church,  the  end  of  time, 
and  the  blessedness  of  the  righteous,  who  acknowledge,  and  the  ruin  of  the  wicked,  who  reject,  this 
King  in  Zion,  are  predicted  in  the  language  of  assured  confidence  and  joy."  While  these  great 
themes  have  supplied  the  people  of  God  with  a  popular  theology  and  a  guidein  religious  experience 
and  Christian  morality,  clothed  in  the  language  of  devotion,  they  have  provided  an  inspired  liturgy 
in  which  the  pious,  of  all  creeds  and  sects,  have,  for  nearly  three  thousand  years,  poured  out  their 
prayers  and  praises.  The  pious  Jew,  before  the  coming  of  Christ,  mourned  over  the  adversity,  or 
celebrated  the  future  glories,  of  Zion,  in  the  words  of  her  ancient  king.  Our  Saviour,  with  his  dis- 
ciples, sung  one  of  these  hymns  on  the  night  on  which  he  was  betrayed :  he  took  from  one  the 
words  in  which  he  uttered  the  dreadful  sorrows  of  his  soul,  and  died  with  those  of  another  on  his 
lips.  Paul  and  Silas  in  the  dungeon,  primitive  Christians  in  their  covert  places  of  worship,  or  the 
costly  churches  of  a  later  day,  and  the  scattered  and  feeble  Christian  flocks  ia  the  prevalence  of 
380    [2] 


The  Messiah's  Tcingdom. 


PSALMS  IIl-VI. 


David's  complaint  in  sickness. 


5  Then  shall  he  speak  unto  them  in  his 
wrath,  and  3  vex  them  in  his  sore  displea- 
sure. 

6  Yet  have  I  <set  my  King  ^upon  my 
holy  hill  of  Zion. 

7  I  will  declare  6 the  decree:  the  Lord 
hath  said  unto  me,  <*  Thou  art  my  Son ;  this 
day  have  I  begotten  thee. 

8  Ask  eof  me,  and  I  shall  give  tJiee  the 
heathen  for  thine  inheritance,  and  the 
uttermost  parts  of  the  earth /or  thy  pos- 
session. 

9  Thou  /shalt  break  them  with  a  rod  of 
iron ;  thou  shalt  dash  them  in  pieces  like  a 
potter's  vessel. 

10  Be  wise  now  therefore,  O  ye  kings ;  be 
instructed,  ye  judges  of  the  earth. 

11  Serve  the  Lord  with  fear,  and  rejoice 
with  trembling. 

12  Kiss  (/the  Son,  lest  he  be  angry,  and 
ye  perish  from  the  way,  when  his  wrath  is 
kindled  but  a  little.  Blessed  are  all  thej' 
that  put  their  trust  in  him. 

PSALM  III. 

Security  of  God's  protection, 

A  Psalm  of  Cavid,  when  he  fled  from  Absalom 

his  son. 
T  ORD,   a  how  are    they    increased    that 
-^  trouble   me?  many  are  they  that  rise 
up  against  me. 

2  Many  there  he  which  say  of  my  soul, 
TAere 6  w  no  help  for  him  in  God.     Selah. 

3  But  thou,  O  Lord,  art  a  shield  >  for  me; 
my  glory,  and  cthe  lifter  up  of  mine  head. 

4  I  cried  unto  the  Lord  with  my  voice, 
and  he  heard  me  out  of  his  holy  hill. 
Selah. 

5  I  f'  laid  me  down  and  slept ;  I  awaked ; 
for  the  Lord  sustained  me. 

6  I  will  not  be  afraid  of  ten  thousands  of 
people  that  have  set  theniseloes  against  me 
round  about. 

7  Arise,  O  Lord;  save  me,  O  my  God: 
for  thou  hast  smitten  all  mine  enemies 
upon  the  cheek-bone ;  thou  hast  broken  the 
teeth  of  the  ungodly. 

8  Salvation  «  helongeth  unto  the  Lord  : 
thy  blessing  is  upon  thy  people.  -  Selah. 

PSALM   IV. 
1  David  prays  for  audience:  2  he  reproves  and 

exhorts  his  enemies.    6  Man's  happiness  in 

God's  favour. 
To  the  1  chief  Musician  on  Neginoth,  A  Psalm 

of  David. 
TTEAR  me   when   I  call,  O  God  of  my 
-»--'•  righteousness :  thou  hast  enlarged  me 
wActj  i  ?p«s  in  distress ;  ^have  mercy  upon 
me,  and  hear  my  prayer. 

2  O  ye  sons  of  men,  how  long  will  ye  turn 
my  glory  into  shame?  hmc  long  yfiW  ye  love 
vanity,  and  seek  after  leasing?    Selah. 

3  But  know  that  a  the  Lord  hath  set 
apart  him  that  is  godly  for  himself:  the 
Lord  will  hear  when  I  call  unto  him. 

4  Stand  6 in  awe,  and  sin  not:  commune 
with  your  own  heart  upon  your  bed,  and 
be  stiil.     Selah. 

5  Offer  cthe  sacrifices  of  righteousness, 
and  ('put  your  trust  in  the  Lord. 

6  There  be  many  that  say.  Who  will  show 
us  any  good  ?  eLoRD,  lift  thou  up  the  light 
of  thy  countenance  upon  us. 

7  Thou  hast  put  gladness  in  my  heart, 
more  than  in  the  time  that  their  corn  and 
their  wine  increased. 

8  I  will  both  lay  me  down  in  peace,  and 
Bleep:  /for  thou,  Lord,  only  makest  me 
dwell  in  safety. 


PSALM  2. 
Or,  trouble 

4  anointed, 
upon  Zion, 
the  hill  of 
mj      holi- 
ness. 

6  Or,  for  a 
decree. 

d  Acts  13.33. 
Dan.  7.  13. 
John  17.4. 
Johnl9.15. 

/Kev.  12. 

g  Joh 


.5.23. 


PSALM  3. 
a  2  Sam.  15. 
12. 

2  Sa.  16.  1. 

Or,  about. 

Pb.  27.  6. 

d  Lev.  26.  6. 

0.  3.  24. 

i.  13.  4. 


PSALM  4. 
1    Or,    over- 


gracious 
unto  me. 
a  2    Tim.    2. 
19. 

2  Pet.  2.  9. 
Eph.  4.  26. 
Deu.  33. 19. 


PSALM  5. 

a  Vs.  30.  5. 

6  Jer.41.4. 

H.ib.  1.  13 

before 


PSALM  V. 
1  David  prays,and  professes  constancy  in  pray- 
er,   i  God  favours  not  the  wiched.    1  David 
prays  unto  God  to  guide  him,  10  to  destroy 
his  enemies,  11  and  to  preserve  the  godly. 
To  the  chief  Musician  Upon  Nehiloth,  A  Psalm 

of  David. 
(^IVE  ear  to  my  words,  O  Lord  ;  consider 
^-^  my  meditation. 

2  Hearken  unto  the  voice  of  my  cry,  my 
King,  and  my  God:  for  unto  thee  will  I 
pray. 

3  My  a  voice  shalt  thou  hear  in  the  morn- 
ing, O  Lord  ;  in  the  morning  will  I  direct , 
my  prayer  unto  thee,  and  will  look  up. 

4  For  thou  art  not  a  God  that  b  hath  plea- 
sure in  wickedness;  neither  shall  evil  dwell 
with  thee. 

5  The  c  foolish  shall  not  stand  ^in  thy 
sight:  thou  hatest  all  workers  of  iniquity. 

6  Thou  shalt  destroy  them  that  speak 
leasing:  the  Lord  will  abhor  ^the  bloody 
and  deceitful  man. 

7  But  as  for  me,  I  will  come  into  thy  house 
in  the  multitude  of  thy  merc.v ;  aiid  in  thy 
fear  will  I  worship  <i  toward  ^  thy  holy 
tgmple. 

8  Lead  me,  O  Lord,  in  thy  righteousness 
because  of  *  mine  enemies ;  make  thy  way 
straight  before  my  face. 

9  For  there  is  no  s  faithfulness  ^  in  their 
mouth ;  their  inward  part  is  ''  very  wicked- 
ness; their  throat  is  an  open  sepulchre; 
they  flatter  with  their  tongue. 

10  8  Destroy  thou  them,  O  God ;  let  them 
fall  shy  their  own  counsels;  cast  them  out 
in  the  multitude  of  their  transgressions;  for 
they  have  rebelled  against  thee. 

11  But  let  all  those  that  put  their  trust  in 
thee  rejoice:  let  them  ever  shout  for  joy, 
l»cause  '"tijou  defendest  them:  let  them 

I  also    that   love    thy    name    be    joyful   in 


thine  eyes.  I , , 

.),„  n,»n  r>f  thee. 

12  For  thou.  Lord,  wilt  bless  the  right- 
eous :  with  favour  wilt  thou  "  compass  him 
as  tcith  a  shield. 

PSALM  VI. 
1  David's  complaint  in  his  sick7iess:  8  iy  faith 

he  triumphs  over  his  enemies. 
To  the  chief  Musiciau  on  Neginoth  '  upon  She- 

mini;h,  A  Psalm  of  David. 
r\  LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  thine  anger, 
^-^  neither    chasten  me   in  thy  hot   dis- 
pleasure. 

2  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord  ;  for  I  am 
weak :  O  Lord,  «  heal  me ;  for  my  bones  are 
vexed. 

3  My  soul  is  also  sore  vexed;  hut  thou,  O 
Lord,  b  how  long  ? 

4  Return,  O  Lord,  deliver  my  soul:  oh 
save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake ! 

5  For  « in  death  there  is  no  remembrance 
of  thee :  in  the  grave  who  shall  give  thee 
thanks? 

6  I  am  weary  with  ray  groaning ;  ^  all  the 
night  make  I  my  bed  to  swim;  I  water  my 
couch  with  my  tears. 

7  Mine  eye  is  consumed  because  of  grief; 
it  waxeth  old  because  of  all  mine  ene- 
mies. 

8  Depart  from  me,  all  ye  workers  of  in- 
iquity ;  for  the  Lord  hath  heard  the  voice 
of  my  weejiing. 

9  The  Lord  rfhath  heard  my  supplication; 
'3.  90. 13.    the  Lord  will  receive  my  prayer. 

"  Or  everv      ^^  ^^^  ^'^  mine  enemies  be  ashamed  and 
'  night  sore  vexed :  let  them  return  and  be  ashamed 

(jp».6a.l9.   suddenly. 


2  the  man  of 

blood   and 

deceit. 

1  Ki.  S.  29. 

the  temple 

of  thj 

holiness. 
4  those  which 

obseri-e 

Or,    sted- 
fastness. 
in  his 
mouth, 
that  is,  in 
the  mouth 
of   any   of 
them. 

7  wicked- 
nesses. 

8  Or,    Make 
them 
guilty. 

9  Or,  from 

counsels. 

10  thou  cov- 
erest 
over,  or, 
protectest 


Happiness  of  the  Gadly. 


PSALMS  I.  n. 


The  Messiah's  Kingdom. 

daikuess  aud  error  through  the  middle  ages,  fed  their  faith  and  wanned  their  love  with  these  con- 
soling Fongs.  Now,  ihreughont  the  Cliristiau  world,  in  untold  forms  of  version,  paiaplirase,  and 
imitation,  by  Papists  aud  Protestants,  Prelatists  aud  Presbyterians— Independents,  Baptists,  Me- 
thodises—men of  all  lands  and  all  creeds,  in  public  and  private  worship,  God  is  still  adored  in  the 
seniiinents  expre.-sed  in  these  venerable  Psalms.  From  the  tone  of  sorrow  aud  suffering  which 
p<rvide  their  earlier  portions,  we  are  gradually  borne  on  ami  I  alternate  conflicts  and  trmmphs, 
n  ou  uful  complaints  and  awakening  coutideuce;  as  we  approach  the  close  the  tones  of  sorrow  gn.w 
feci.ier,  and  those  of  praise  wax  louder  and  stronger— till,  in  the  exulting  strains  of  the  last  I'salm, 
the  chorus  of  earth  mingles  with  the  Hallelujahs  of  the  multitude  which  no  man  can  number,  in 
the  Sanctuary  above.  ,    ,     ^    ,.         „    , 

Angus's  or  Bickersteth's  arrangement  may  be  profitably  used  as  a  guide  for  finding  a  Psalm  on  a 
special  topic.    It  is  a  little  modified,  as  follows:— 

1  Didactic— (Tood  and  bad  men,  Ps.  1,  5, 7,  9-12,  14, 15,  37,  24,  25,  32,  34,  36,  37,  50,  52,  5:?,  58.  73, 
75  84,  91,112,  94,112,  121,  125,  127,  128,  133.— Uod's  Law,  Ps.  19,  119.— Pluman  life  vain,  Ps.  3U,  49, 
9y'_l)iity  ot  Rulers,  Ps.  82,  101.— 2.  Praise.  (1)  For  tiod's  goodness  generally  to  Israel,  Ps  4ii,  48, 
65'  Gti  68,  76,  81,  85,  98,  U'5,  124,  126,  129,  1;;5, 136, 149.  (2)  To  Good  Men,  Ps.  23,  34,  36,  91,  100,  103,  107, 
117  121  14.^),  14(i.  (3)  Mercies  to  Individuals,  Ps.  9,  18,  22,  30,  -40,  75,  103,  108,  116,  118,  138,  144.  (4) 
For  His  attributes  generally,  Ps.  8,  19,  24,  29,  33,  47,  50,  65,  66,  76,  77.  93,  9.>97,  99,  104,  111,  113  Hi, 
134,  139,  147,  148.  1  0.— 3.  Devotional— expression  of  (1)  Penitence,  Ps.  6,  25,32,38,51,  102,  i3(i,  143; 
i")  Tru-t  in  trouble,  Ps.  3,  16,27,  31,  54,  56,  57,61,  62.71,  86.  (3)  Sorrow  with  Hope,  Ps.  13,22,  69,77, 
88-(4)  Of  Deep  Distress,  Ps  4,  5, 11,  £8,  41,  55,  59,  64,  70,  109,  120,  140,  141,  143— (5)  Feelings  when  De- 
prived of  Religious  Privileges, Ps.  42.  43,  63,  84.  (6)  Desire  for  Help,  Ps.  7, 17,  26,  35,  44,  6ii,  74,  79,  80, 
83  89  94,  102,  129,  137.  (7)  intercession.  Ps.  20,  67, 1-2,  132,  144.-4.  Historical,  Ps.  78,  103,  106.-5. 
Propi'ietical,  Ps.  2,  16,  22.  40,  45,  68,  69,  72,  97,  110, 118. 

^'ote. — The  compiler  of  the  following  notes  has  omitted  all  references  to  author-^  as  needlessly  en- 
cumUeiing  the  commentary.  He  has  had  before  him  the  works  of  Calvin,  Scott,  Poole,  Ainsworth, 
Cobbin,  Geier.  Vatablus,  Tholuck,  J.  H.  Michaelis,  RosenmuUer,  and  Alexander.  To  the  two 
last  named  he  has  been  particularly  indebted  for  the  pan.llel  pass.iges.  He  has  made  a  free  use  of 
the  views  advanced  by  these  author.«,  and  claims  no  credit  for  any  thing  in  the  work  except  the 
conciseness  united  with  fulness  of  exposition.  Whoever  attempts  it  will  find  it  far  easier  to  write 
a  long  commentary  than  a  brief  one. 


PSALM  I. 

Ver.  1-6.  The  character  and  condition, 
and  he  preisent  and  future  destiny  of  the 
pious  and  the  wicked,  are  described  and 
contrasted,  teaching  that  true  piety  is  the 
source  oi  ultimate  happiness,  and  sin,  of 
misery.  As  this  is  a  summary  of  the  teach- 
ings 01  the  whole  book,  this  Psalm,  whether 
designedly  so  placed  or  not,  forms  a  suitable 
preiace. 

1.  Blessid— Jii.,  oh,  the  hapinnetses—an 
exclamation  of  strong  emotion,  as  if  re- 
sulting from  refieiiing  on  the  subject.  The 
use  ol  the  plural  may  denote  fulness  and 
variety  (2  Chr.  9.  7.-.  counsel . . .  way  . . .  seat— 
With  their  corresponding  verbs,  mark  gra- 
dations of  evil,  as  acting  on  the  principles, 
cultivating  the  society,  and  permanently  cim- 
fonuing  to  the  conduct  of  the  ^^  icked,  who 
are  described  by  three  terms,  of  which  the 
lastisindicat've  of  the  boldest  impiety  cf. 
Ps.  26.  4,  5;  Jer.  16.  17.).  2.  law— all  of  God's 
word  then  written,  especially  the  books  of 
Mose.s  cf.  Ps.  119.  1,  55,  97,  k.c.).  3.  like  a 
tree— Jer.  17.  7,  8.  planted— settled,  fast,  by 
—or  over,  tue  rivers- canals  tor  irrigation, 
shall  prosper- iii.,  make  prosper,  brings  to 
perfection.  Ihe  basis  of  this  condition  and 
character  is  given  Ps.  32.  1.  4.  not  so— either 
as  to  conduct  or  hapiiness.  like  the  chafE'— 
which  by  eastern  modes  of  winnowing 
against  the  wind,  was  utterly  blown  away. 
5.  standinttiejudgment— be  acquitted.  They 
shall  be  driven  from  among  the  good  (M.  25. 
45,  46.1.  6.  kn  vv-etli  the  wa^'— attends  to  and 
provides  for  ihem  (Ps.  U 1.  G;  Pr.  12. 10;  Ho.  13. 
5).  way  of  he  wicked— all  their  plans  will 
end  in  disappointment  and  ruin  (Ps.  37.  13; 
141).  8;  Prov.  4. 19.). 

PSALM  II. 

Ver.  !-12.  The  number  and  authorship 
of  this  I'snlm  are  stated  (Acts,  4.  25 ;  13.  33.-. 
Th  ugh  the  warlike  events  of  David's 
ri-i.h  ir.ay  have  sug;.'ested  its  itnagery,  the 
tceues  depicted,  and  the  subjects  presented 
SSI 


.can  only  find  a  fulfilment  in  the  history 
land  character  of  Je>us  Christ,  to  which, 
as  above  cite.l  and  Heb.  1.  6;  5.  5,  the 
N.T.  writers  most  distinctly  testuy.  in  a 
most  animated  and  highly  poetical  style,  the 
writer,  in  "  lourstanzas  of  three  vtr.ses  each," 
sets  iortli  the  inveterate  and  fiv.I_us.  though 
futile,  hostility  of  men  to  Ood  and  His  anoint- 
ed, fxod's  determination  to  carry  out  His  i  mr- 
pose,  that  purpose  as  stated  more  fully  by 
His  ^-'on,  the  establishment  of  the  Media- 
torial Kingdom,  and  the  imminent  danger 
of  all  who  resist,  and  the  blessing  of  all 
who  welcome  this  mighty  and  triumphant 
king. 

1.  Why  do  the  heathen,  &c.  — Beholding, 
in  prophetic  vision,  the  peoples  and  na- 
tions, as  if  in  a  tumultuous  assembly, 
raging  with  a  fury  like  the  raying  of  the  .=ea, 
designing  to  resist  God's  government,  the 
writer  breaks  forth  into  an  exclamation  in 
which  are  mingled  surprise  at  their  folly, 
and  indignation  at  their  rebellion.  heatLen 
—nations  genei-ally,  not  as  opposed  to  Jews, 
reiple— or,  lit,  peoples,  or  races  of  men.  2. 
The  kings  and  rulers  lead  on  their  subjects, 
sec  themselves- take  a  stand.  tak=,  counfei— 
lit.,  sit  together,  denoting  their  deliberation. 
anointeQ— /ft'6.,  Messiah;  Gr.,  Chri-t  .)o.  1. 
41.).  Anointing,  as  an  emblem  of  the  gifts  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  was  conferred  on  Propliets, 
Lsa.  61.1;  Priests,  Ex.  30.  30;  and  Kings,  i  Ki. 
1.  39;  1  Sam.  10.  1;  16.  13.  Hence  this  title 
well  suited  Him  who  holds  all  these  offices, 
and  was  generally  used  by  the  Jews  betore 
His  coming  to  denote  Hun  (Dan.  9.  20.). 
While  the  iirophet  has  in  view  men's  opposi- 
tion generally,  he  here  depicts  it  in  its  cul- 
I  minating  aspect  as  seen  in  the  events  .  t 
I  Christ's  great  trial.  Pilate  and  Herod,  and  tlie 
rulers  of  the  Jews  (Lu.  23. 1-25;  M.  •7.  D,  ^\ith 
tlie  furious  mob  are  vividly  pourtrayed.  3. 
'J'he  rebellious  purposes  of  men  are  more  dis- 
tinctly announced  by  this  representation  of 
1  their  avowal  in  words,  as  well  as  actions. 


Thx  MessiaKs  Kingdom. ?SALMS  m.  TV. 

bands  and  cords— denote  the  restraints  of  go- 
vernment. 4.  By  a  figure  whose  boldness  is 
only  allowal'le  to  an  inspired  writer,  Clod's 
conduct  and  lan^iuage  in  view  of  this  oppo- 
sition are  now  related,  he  that  sitteth  in  the 
leavens— enthroned  m  quiet  dignity  cf.  Ps. 
2y.  10;  Isa.  40.  22).  shrli  laugh— in  supreiue 
contempt :  their  vain  rage  excites  His  deri- 
sion, lie  is  still  the  Lord,  lit..  Sovereign, 
though  they  rebel.  5.  Then  shall  he  speak— 
His  righteous  indignation  as  well  as  con-' 
tempt  is  roused.  For  God  to  speak  is  for 
Him  to  act,  ior  what  He  resolves  He  will 
do  (Ps.  33.  9;  ( ien.  1.  3.;.  vex  them— agitate  or 
terrify  them  iPs.  83. 15. .  6.  The  purpose  here 
declared,  in  its  execution,  involves  their 
ovei throw,  yet— iii.,  and,  in  an  adversative 
sense.  I  have  set— anointed,  or  Jiiinly placed, 
with  alhxsion  in  the  Ueb., to  "cas^tingan  image 
in  a  mould."  Ihe  sense  is  not  materially 
varied  in  either  case,  my  king— appointed 
by  me  and  for  me  (Mum.  27.  18.).  on  niy  holy 
hill  of  Zion— Zion,  selected  by  Uavid  as  the 
abode  of  the  ark,  and  the  seat  of  God's  visi- 
ble residence,  as  1  Ki.  8.  1,)  also  of  David, 
the-head  of  the  Church  and  nation,  and  type 
of  Christ,  was  called  holy,  and  the  Church 
itself  came  to  be  thus  named  (Ps.  9.11;  51. 
is;  99.  2;  Isa.  S.  18;  18.  7,  Arc).  7.  The  king 
thus  constituted  declares  the  fundamental 
law  of  Mis  kingdom,  in  the  avowal  of  His 
Son-ship,  a  relation,  involving  His  universal 
dominion,  tins  day  h^ve  I  begotten  thee— 
as  2  Sam.  7.  14  "he  shall  be  my  son,"  is  a 
solen.n  recognition  of  this  relation.  The  in- 
terpretation of  this  passage  to  describe  the 
inauguration  of  Christ  as  Mediatorial  King, 
by  no  means  impugns  the  Eternal  tionshipof 
His  divine  nature.  In  Acts,  13.  33.  Paul's 
quotation  does  not  imply  an  application  of 
this  passage  to  the  resurrection ;  for  raised 
up  in  V.  32  is  used  in  the  sense  of  Acts,  2.  30; 
3.  22,  &c.,  to  denote  bringing  him  into  being 
as  a  man :  and  not  that  of  resurrection  wMch 
it  has,  only  when,  as  in  v.  34,  allusion  is 
made  to  His  death  Eo.  1.  41,  which  says  He 
was  declared  as  to  His  divine  nature  to  be 
the  Son  of  God.  by  the  resuiTection,  only 
teaches  that  ihat  event  manifested  a  truth 
already  exi>ting.  A  .similar  recognition  of 
his  Sonship  is  introduced  Heb.  5.  5,  by  these 
vords,  and  by  others  in  M.  3.  17;  17.  5.  8.  The 
hopes  of  the  rel  els  are  thus  overthrown,  and 
not  only  so,  the  kingdom  they  opposed  is 
destined  to  be  co-extensive  with  the  earth, 
heathen— or  nations  (r.  1.).  and  me  uttermost 
P'rtsof  theeartii— Ps.  22.  27,  denote universal- 
itv.  9.  His  enemies  shall  be  subject  to  His 
terrible  power  Job,  4.  9;  2  Th.  2.  8),  as  His 
peoiile  to  liis  grace  fPs.  110.  2,  3.:.  rod  of  iron 
—denotes  severity  (Eev.  2.  27.'.  a  potter's 
vevsei— when  shivered  cannot  be  mended, 
which  willdescrihe  utter  destruction.  10-12. 
ting; . . .  judges— for  ruleis  generally  (Ps.  148. 
n,  who  have  been  leaders  in  rebellion 
should  be  examples  of  penitent  submission, 
and  with  fear  for  His  terrible  judgments, 
mingled  with  trust  in. His  mercy,  acknow- 
ledge—kiss— the  authority  of  the  Son.  perish 
from  the  way— i.e.,  is  suddenly  and  hopelessly, 
kintiled  but,  a  little— or  in  a  little  time,  pit 
their  trust  in  him— or  take  refuge  in  Him  (Ps. 
5.  n.'.  Men  still  cherish  opposition  to  Christ 
in  their  hearts,  and  evince  it  in  their  lives. 
Their  ruin,  without  such  trust  is  inevitable 
(Heb.  in.  29  ,  while  their  happiness  in  His 
favour  is  equally  sure. 

381    [1] 


Security  ofGo^s  Protedion. 


PSALM  in. 

Ver.  1-8.  For  the  historical  occasion  men- 
tioned, cf.  2  Sam.  chs.  15-17.  David  in  the 
midst  of  great  distress,  with  fihal  con- 
fidence implores  God's  aid,  and,  anticipating 
relief,  offers  praise. 

1.  Lcrd  .  .  .  increased  —  The  extent  of  the 
rebellion  (2  Sam.  chs.  15-13.)  surprises  and 
grieves  him.  2.  say  of  my  soul— i.e.,  of  me  (cf. 
Ps.  25.  3.  .  Tliis  use  of  soul  is  common,  per- 
haps it  arose  trom  rei;arding  the  soul  as 
man's  chief  part,  no  iiCip  . . .  m  God— rejected 
by  Hiir,.  This  is  the  bitterest  reproach  tor  a 
pious  man,  and  denotes  a  spirit  of  malignant 
triumph.  Selah— This  v>ord  is  of  very  ob- 
scure meaning.  It  probably  denotes  rest  or 
paiise.  both  as  to  the  music  and  singing,  in- 
tiraatin,'  something  emi  hatic  in  the  senti- 
ment icf.  Ps.  9.  16.).  3.  But— lit.,  and  Ps.  2. 
6. .  He  repels  the  reproach  by  avowing  his 
continued  trust,  shield  —  a  favourite  and 
often-used  figure  for  protection,  my  glory- 
its  source.  Jifter  up  of  mine  head — one  who 
raises  me  from  despondency.  4.  cried  .  .  . 
heard— Such  has  been  my  experience.  The 
last  verb  denotes  a  gracious  heaving  or 
answering,  out  ot  (or  from)  1  is  holy  idll— 
Zion  (Ps.  2.  6),  His  visible  earthly  residence. 

5.  the  Lord  sustained  me— lit.,  will  sustain 
me,  as  if  his  language  or  thought  when  he 
laid  doivn  and  the  reason  of  his  composure. 

6.  ten  thousands  of  pe  pie— or  myriads,  any 
very  great  number  cf.  2  Sam.  16.  18.  .  7. 
Arise,  0  Lord— God  is  figuratively  lepresented 
as  asleep  to  denote  His  apparent  indiffer- 
ence (Ps.  7.  6.1.  The  use  of  cheek-bone  and 
teeth  represents  his  enemies  as  tierce,  like 
wild  beasts  ready  to  devour  (Ps.  i7.  2),  and 
smiting  their  cheek-bone  1  Ki.  22.  24,)  de- 
notes violence  and  insult,  thou  hast  broken 
—God  took  his  part,  utterly  depriving  the 
enemy  of  power  to  in.iure.  8.  An  ascription 
of  praise  to  a  delivering  God,  whose  favour 
is  an  efficient  benefit. 

PSALM  rv^. 

Ver.  1-8.  On  Neginoth,  i.e..  Stringed  In- 
struments, as  the  kind  of  musical  accom- 
paniirent  on  other  parts  of  title  cf.  Intr.). 
The  historical  occasion  was  probably  the 
same  as  that  of  the  foregoing.  The  writer, 
praying  for  further  relief,  admonishes  his 
enemies  of  the  vanity  of  attacking  God's 
servant,  exhorts  them  to  rei>entance,  and 
avo\^s  his  confidence  and  peace  in  God's 
favour. 

1.  Hear— as  Ps.  3.4.  God  my  righteous- 
ness —  or  my  righteous  God,  as  my  holy 
hill  Ps.  2.  6,1  \Yho  will  act  toward  me  on 
righteous  principles,  thou  has:  enla'gtd— 
expresses  relief  afforded  in  opposition  to 
distress,  which  is  exiaressed  by  a  word  de- 
noting straits  or  pressure.  Past  favour  is  a 
ground  or  hope  for  future.  2.  susof  men- 
Men  of  note  or  prom  nence  (cf.  2  Chr.  21.  9.'. 
turn  my  glrry— or  royal  dignity,  to  shame— 
or  reproach,  vanity— a  foolish  and  hope- 
less enterprise  (Ps.  2.  l.).  lea  sing— a  lie.  3. 
godly— an  oiiject  as  well  as  subject  of  divine 
favour  (cf.  Ps.  105.  14.  15.;.  4.  stnnd  in  awe— 
Eph.  4.  26,  from  Stpt.  be  angry.  Both  clauses 
are  qualified  by  jtoi.  6.  Kot  only  repent, 
but  manifest  penitence  by  sacrifices  oi  right- 
eou.^ness  or  righteous  sacrifices,  <fcc.  6, 7.  Con- 
trasts true  with  vain  ccnfidence.  light  of 
countenace— figure  for  favour  ;Ps.  81. 16;  44. 3; 
Nu.  G.  26.  .  corn  and  wine- /*7.,  nev  corn  and 
wine,  increased— an  abimdant  harvest  giving 


Frayer  in  Sickness. PSALMS  V— "VH. Profession  of  Innocency. 

Rreat  ioy  (Isa.  9.  3.).  8.  both  lay  me  down,  1 17, 18;  Isa.  38. 18.).  There  is  no  incredulity  as 
&c.— or,  will  lie  down  at  once,  and  sleep  i  to  a  future  state.  Tlie  contrast  is  between 
in  sure  confidence  and  quiet  repose  (Ps.  Ithis  scene  of  life,  and  the  grave  or  sheol,  the 
3.  6.).  I  unseen  world  of  the  dead,  give . . .  thanks— or, 

PSALM  V.  I  praise  for  mercies.     6.  By  a  strong  figure 

Ver.  1-12.  Upon  Nehiloth—^ntes  or  wind  the  abundance  as  well  as  intensity  of  grief  is 
instruments.  The  writer  begs  to  be  heard,  on  depicted.  7.  consuined— or,  has  lailed,  deuot- 
the  ground  of  God's  regard  for  His  covenant  ing  general  debility  ;Ps.  13.  3;  38.  10.).  wax- 
people  and  true  worshippers  as  contrasted  eth  old— or,  dim.  grief— mingled  with  indig- 
with  His  holy  hatred  to  the  wicked.  He  prays  nation.  8.  9.  Assured  of  God's  heaving,  he 
for  Divine  guidance,  on  account  of  his  watch-  suddenly  defies  his  enemies  by  an  address 
ful.malignant.and  deceitful  enemies;  and  also  indicating  that  he  no  longer  fears  tlieai;  10. 
for  their  destruction,  as  being  also  God's  ene-  and  knows  they  will  be  disappointed  and  m 
niies.  At  the  same  time  he  expresses  his  their  turn  (cf .  v.  3}  be  terror-stricken  or  con- 
contidence  that  God  will  extend  aid  to  His  ,  founded. 
people.  PSALM  VII. 

1.  meditation— moanings  of  that  half-uttered  ]  Ver.  1-17.  Shiggaion—a,  plaintive  song  or 
form,  to  wliich  deep  feeling  gives  rise— groan-  elegy.  Though  ooscure  in  details,  this  title 
ings,  asEom.  8.  26, 27.  2.  Hearken— incline 'the  seems  to  intimate  thai  the  occasion  of  this 
ear,  Ps.  lO.  i7)  (cf.Ps.  61.  2)— give  close  atten-  Psalm  was  some  event  in  David's  persecu- 
tion, my  cry— i.e.,  tor  helpiPs.  61.  2;  Jer.  8.  tion  by  Saul.  He  prays  for  relief,  because 
19.).  my  King— thus  by  covenant  relation  in-  j  he  is  innocent,  and  God  will  be  glorified  in 
terested  in  my  cause.  3.  aired— lit.,  set  in  his  vindication.  He  thus  passes  to  the  cele- 
order,  as  the  shewbread  was  placed  or  set  in  bration  of  God's  righteous  government,  in 
order  ; Ex.  40.  23.).  4.  For,  &c.— God  only  re-  defending  the  upright  and  punishing  the 
gards  sincere  worshippers,  evil— or  the  evU  wicked,  whose  malignant  devices  will  result 
man.  dwell— lodge,  remain  under  protection,  in  their  own  ruin;  and,  confident  of  God's 
6.  frolisli- vain-glorious  and  insolent,  ini-  aid,  closes  with  rejoicing, 
qaity  especially  such  as  denotes  a  negation,  1,  2.  Though  many  enemies  set  upon  him, 
or  delect,  i.e.,  of  moral  principle.  6.  leasing  one  is  singled  oitt  as  prominent;  and  com- 
— a  lie.  the  Moody  .  .  .  man— iif.,  man  oj  pared  to  a  wild  beast  tearing  his  prey  to 
biood- murderer.  7.  But—  as  Ps.  2.  6,)  lit,  .  pieces  (cf.  1  Sam.  26.  19;  20.  l;  'zx  -23.1  3.  if  I 
and.  house— (1  Chr.  9.  23,)  the  tabernacle,  have  done  this— i.e.,  the  crime  charged  in  the 
temple—  lit.,  palace,  applied  to  God's  resid-  "  words  of  Cush"  (cf.  1  Sam.  24.  9.;.  4.  If 
ence,  the  Holy  of  Holies  (1  Sam.  3.  3 ;  2  1  have  injured  my  friend,  yea,  I  have  de- 
Sam.  22.  7;);  the  inner  part  of  the  taber-  livered.&c.—Tliis  makes  a  good  sen^e,  but  in- 
nacle.  toward  —  not  in,  the  high  priest  terrupts  the  course  of  thought,  and  hence 
alone  was  allowed  to  enter.  8.  enemies—  it  is  proposed  to  render— i/I/iaw  ,swifec/.?n.V 
lit.,  watchers  (Ps.  27.  11),  hence  special  need  enemy— \n  either  case  cf.  l  Sam.  24.  417;  3). 
of  guidance,  in  thy  right  eousness— an  attri-  8. 11.  5.  This  is  the  consequence,  if  such  has 
bute  implying  faithfulness  in  promises  as  been  his  conduct,  mine  lionour— (cf.  Ps.  3.  3; 
well  as  thfeatenings.  make  thy  way  straight  4.  2,)— my  personal  and  official  dignity.  6. 
—i.e.,  make  the  way  of  providence  "plain.  9.  God  is  invoked  as  if  hitherto  careless  of 
The  wicked  are  not  reliable,  because  by  him  (Ps.  3.  7;  9.  18.).  rage— the  most  violent, 
nature  full  of  wickedness,oriii.,wicfced)ie.5«e.s,  like  a  flood  ri.sing  over  a  river's  banks,  the 
of  every  kind  (Rom.  8, 7.).  sepulchre— a  dwell  •  judgment .  .  .  commaiided— or  ordained  ;  a  just 
ing- place  of  corruption,  emitting  moral  decision.  7.  compass  thee— as  those  seeking 
putridness.  flatter— or  make  .smooth,  their  justice,  return  thou  ou  high  — as.sume  the 
tongue— speaks  deceitfully.  10.  Destroy— or,  judgment-seat,  to  be  honoured  as  a  just 
condemn  them  to  destruction  as  guilty.  11.  Eulerbythem.  8.  Thouuh  not  claiming  in- 
flefendest— (cf.  Mara.),  love  thy  name— thy  nocence  in  general,  he  can  confidently  do  so 
manifested  perfections  (Ps.  9.  10.).  12.  with  in  this  case,  and  in  demanding  from  the 
favour— or  acceptance,  alluding  to  the  favour  Judge  of  all  the  earth  a  judgment,  he  vir- 
sliown  to  an  acceptable  ofleriug  and  wor-  tualiy  asks  acquittal.  9.  the  hearts  and  reins- 
shipper  (Lev.  7.  IS;  19.  7.).     shield— (cf.  Ps.   the  affections  and  motives  of  men,  or  the 

3.  3.).  iseat  of  them  (cf.  Ps.  16.  7;  26.  2,);  as  we  use 

PSALM  VI.  :  heart  and  bosom  or  breast.    10.  defence— iii., 

Ver.  1-10.  On  Ncghxoth  (cf.  Ps.  4.)  upon' shield  iPs.  5.  12.).  11.  judgeth— as  v.9>.  ti.e 
Sheminifh  —  the  eiohtJi.—a,n  instrument  for  wicked— though  not  expressed,  is  implied,  for 
the  eigJtth  /cei/— or,  more  pr(:)bably,  the  bass,  they  alone  are  left  as  objects  of  anger,  12, 13. 
as  it  is  contrasted  with  Alamoth  (the  treble,  and  here  distinctly  pointed  out,  though  by 
Ps.  43  ,)  in  1  Chr.  16.  20,  21.  In  deep  afflic-  changing  the  person,  a  very  common  mode  of 
tion  the  Psalmist  appeals  to  God's  mercy  l^r  speech,  one  is  selected  as  a  representative  of 
relief  from  chastisement,  which  otherwise  wicked  men  generally.  The  military  figures 
must  destroy  him, and  thus  disable  him  for  are  of  obvious  meaning,  againsc  the  perse- 
God's  service.  Sure  of  a  gracious  answer,  he  cutors  —  some  render  "for  burning,"  but 
triu'^phantly  rebukes  his  foes.  the  former  is  the  best  sense.      Arrows  tor 

1.  He  owns  his  ill  desert  in  begging  a  relief  burning  would  be  appropriate  in  besieging 
from  chastisement.  2.  I  am  weak— as  a  wilt-  a  town,  not  in  warring  against  one  man 
ed  plant  :lsa.  24.  4.).  my  bories— the  very  or  a  company  in  owen  fight.  14.  The  first 
frame,  are  vexed— (Ps.  2.  5,)— shaken  with  clause  expresses  the  general  idea  that  wicked 
fear.  3.  how  loug?— shall  this  be  so  (cf.  Ps.  men  labour  to  do  evil,  the  others  carry  out 
79.5.:.  fcu— or,  a:id.  thou— tne  sentence  is  the  figuie  fully.  15,  16.  1  Sam.  iS  17; 
incomnlete  as  expressive  of  .stronu  emotion.   31.  2.  illustrates  the  statement  whether  al- 

4.  Rturii  —i.e.,  to  my  relief— or,  turn,  as  now  luded  to  or  not.  These  verses  are  expos  lory 
h.aving  His  face  averted,  for  thy  mercies'  of  v.  14,  showing  how  the  devices  of  the 
sake— to  illustrate  thy  mercy.    5.  (Cf.  Ps.  115.   wicked  end  in  disappointment,  falsifying 

381  I2l 


Datid  prayeth  agai7ist  his  enemies.    PSALMS  YIT-X.  Ood  praised  for  his  judgments. 


rSALM  VI 1. 
I  David  prays  apainst  the  malicf  of  his  enemies, 

professii.g  his  tntwcence :  iO  by  faith  he  sees  his 

defence,  und  derules  their  vain  entei prises 
"Shiggaion  of  David,  which  he  sanf;  unto  the 

liORD,  6  concerning  the  1  words  ot  Cush  the 

Beiijamite. 
Q  LORD  my  God,  in  thee  do  I  nut  my 
^-^  trust :  save  me  I'rom  all  them  tnat  per- 
Becute  me,  and  deliver  me; 

2  Lest  he  tear  my  soul  like  a  lion,  rending 
it  iu  pieces,  while  there  is  suoue  to  deliver. 

3  0  Lord  my  God,  *  if  I  have  done  this ;  it 
there  be  iniquity  in  my  hands; 

4  If  I  have  rewarded  evil  unto  him  that 
was  at  peace  with  me;  (yea,  •'I  have  de- 
livered Mm  that  without  cause  ia  mine 
enemy;) 

5  Let  the  enemy  persecute  my  soul,  and 
take  it;  yea,  let  him  tread  down  my  liie 
upon  the  earth,  and  lay  mine  hououi'  in  the 
dust.    Selah. 

6  Arise,  O  Lord,  in  thine  anger,  *  lift  up 
thyself,  because  of  the  ra^e  of  mine  ene- 
mies; and  awake  for  me  to  the  judgment 
that  thou  hast  conynanded. 

7  So  shall  the  coni,Tegation  of  the  people 
compiiss  thee  about:  for  then:  sakes  there- 
fare  return  thou  on  high. 

8  The  Lord  shall  judge  the  people:  judge 
me,  0  Lord,  accordmg  to  my  righteousness, 
and  according  to  mine  integiity  Umi  is  in 
me. 

9  Oh  let  the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  come 
to  an  end;  but  establish  the  just:  /lor  the 
righteous  God  trieth  the  heaiis  and  reins. 

10  3  My  defence  is  of  God,  which  saveth 
the  upright  in  heart. 

11  *God  judgeth  the  righteous,  and  God 
is  angry  with  the  tvicked  ever\  day. 

12  If  he  turn  not.  he  will  wlat  his  sword; 
he  hath  bent  his  bow,  and  made  it  ready. 

13  He  hath  also  prepared  for  him  the 
instruments  of  death;  he  ordaineth  his 
an-ows  against  the  persecutors. 

li  Behold,  he  travaileth  with  iniquity,  and 
hath  conceived  mischief,  and  brought  forth 
falsehood. 

15  5  He  made  a  pit,  and  digged  it,  ^  and  is 
fallen  into  the  ditch  ichich  he  made. 

16  His  'I  mischief  shall  return  upon  his 
own  head.and  liis  violent  dealing  shall  come 
down  upon  his  own  pate. 

17  I  wUl  praise  the  Lord  according  to  his 
righteousness;  and  will  sing  praise  to  the 
name  ot  the  Lord  most  high. 

PSALM  Vlil. 

Ood's  glory  magni/ed  by  hif  works,  and  by  his 

astonishing  litve  to  man. 


C)  LORD  our  Lord,  how  excellent  is  thy 
^^  name  m  all  the  earth!  who  hast  set  thy 
glorj'  above  the  heavens. 

2  Out  *  of  the  mouth  of  babes  and  suck- 
lings hast  thou  1  ordained  streiigth  because 
of  thine  enemies,  that  thou  mightest  stUl 
the  "  enemy  and  the  avenger. 

3  When  I  'J  consider  thy  heavens,  the  work 
of  thy  fingers,  the  moon  and  the  stars,  which 
thou  hast  ordained : 

4  What  *  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of 
him?  and  the  sou  of  man,  that  thou  visitest 
him? 

5  For  thou  hast  made  him  a  little  lower 
than  the  angels,  and  hast  crowned  him 
with  glory  and  hoi;oiu-. 

6  Ihou  /  madest  hini  to  have  domiiuou 


P8ALM  7. 
a  Hab  3.  1. 


«  Ps.  94  2. 
/I  Sa.  10  7. 

Jer.  n.20. 

Rev.  2.  23. 

3  My  buckler 
i«  upon 
God. 

4  Or,  God  is 
a  riv'hteoui 
judge. 

5  He  hath 
diicged  • 


rSALM  8. 
a  Psalm  81. 

title. 
6  Mat.  11.25. 

Mat.  21. 16. 

1  Cor.  1. 

1  founded. 

c  Ps.  44.  IB. 
d  Ps  111.2. 
e  Job  7.  17. 

Ps.  144.  3. 

neb.  2.  6. 
f  Ciui.  1  20. 
9  1  Cor.  15. 

27. 

Ileb.  2.  8. 

2  Plucks  and 
oxen  aU  of 
them. 

h  Ps.  35. 10. 


PSALM  9. 
1  tliou  hast 


a  Deu.  9.  14. 

Pro.  10.  7- 
3  Or,  The 

deatruc- 


petualend: 
ami  their 
cities  hast 


6  Ps.  90.  2. 
Heb.  1.  U. 
high 


place 


17.8. 

6  Or, 

aSlieted. 
d  Pb.  13.  6. 
e  Ex.  7.  5. 
0  That  is, 

Meditation. 
/Jobs.  13. 

Pa.  50.  22. 
0  Ps.  12.  6. 
ft  Ps.  72.  4. 

Pro.  23.18. 

Pio.  24.14. 
i  P>>alm  73. 


over  the  works  of  thy  hands;  « thou  haal 
put  all  things  under  his  feet: 

7  '^  All  sheep  and  osceu,  yea,  and  the  beasts 
of  the  til  Id; 

8  Th-e  fowl  of  the  air,  and  the  lish  of  the 
sea,  and  icfiatsoever  passeth  through  tiie 
paths  of  the  seas. 

9  0  Lord  our  Lord,  how  >*  excellent  is  thy 
name  in  ail  the  earth! 

PSALM  IX. 
I  David  pi-aises  God  for  executing  judgment  on 
his  enethies:  II  he  incites  others  to  pruise  him; 
13  Me  prays  that  he  may  have  cause  to  praist 
him. 
To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Muth-labben,  A 

TsaUw  of  David. 
T  WILL  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  with  my 
•*-  whol_f;  heart;  I  will  show  forth  all  thy 
man'eli*us  works. 

2  1  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thee:  I  will 
sing  praise  to  thy  name,  O  thou  Most  High. 

3  When  mine  enemies  are  turned  back, 
they  shall  fall  and  perish  at  thy  presence. 

4  1;  or  1  thou  hast  maintained  my  right  and 
my  cause;  thou  satest  in  the  thi'one  judg- 
ing 2  viglit. 

5  Thou  hast  rebuked  the  heathen,  thou 
hast  desitroyed  the  wicked,  thou  hast  "put 
out  their  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

G  a  o  thou  enemy,  destructions  are  come  to 
a  jiei-petual  end;  and  thou  hast  destroyed 
cities ;  their  memorial  is  perished  wit  L  them. 

7  I'ut  *  the  Loud  shall  endure  for  ever:  he 
hath  prepared  his  tlirone  for  judgment; 

8  And  he  shall  judge  the  world  iu  righ- 
teousness, he  shall  minister  judgment  to 
the  people  in  uprightness. 

y  The  Lord  also  will  be  *  a  refuge  for  the 
o])piessed,  a  refuge  in  times  of  trouble. 

10  And  they  that  know  '^  thy  name  will  put 
their  tnist  in  thee:  for  thou.  Lord,  hast  not 
forsiiken  them  that  seek  thee. 

11  Sing  praises  to  the  Lord, which  dwelleth 
in  Zimi :  declareaniong  the  people  his  doings. 

12  When  he  niaketh  inquisition  for  blood, 
he  reinembereth  them:  he  forgetteth  not 
the  cry  of  the  »  humlde. 

13  Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  Lord;  con- 
sider my  trouble  which  I  suffer  of  them 
that  hate  me,  thou  that  lillest  me  up  Horn 
the  gates  of  death ; 

14  Ih  t  I  may  show  forth  all  thy  praise 
in  the  ^-aes  of  the  daughter  of  Zion:  I  will 
rejoice  '^  in  thy  salvation. 

15  The  heathen  are  smik  down  in  the  pit 
that  they  made:  in  the  net  which  they  hid 
is  then-  t>wn  foot  taken. 

16  The  Lord  is  '  known  by  the  judgment 
which  he  execnteth:  the  wicked  is  snared 
in  the  work  of  his  own  hands.  6  Higgaion. 
S.lah. 

17  The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell, 
and  all  the  nations /that  forget  God. 

18  For  "  the  needy  shall  not  alway  be  for- 
gotten:  the  ''expectation  of  the  poor  shall 
not  perish  for  ever. 

19  Arise,  0  Lord;  let  not  man  prevail; 
let  the  heathen  be  judged  in  thy  sight. 

20  Put 'them  iu  fear,  0  1.oki>;  that  the 
nations  may  know  themselves  to  be  but 
men.    Selah. 

PSALM  X. 
1  David  ccmpluins  to  Ood  of  the  outrage  of  tht 
tvicked:  VI  he  prays  for  reartss:  \6  he  projease* 
his  confidence. 


■W7HY   standest  thou  afar  olf.  O  Lord? 
»''    why 

ti'oubief 


Lidest  thou  iliyselj'  lu  times  of 


God's  Love  to  Man.  ■ 


their  expectations.      17.  his  riprhte-'iisuess— 
;i's.  a.  8.).    Thus  illustrated  in  the  ilefence  of 
his  servant  and  punislin'eat  of  the  wicked. 
PSALIM  Vlll. 

Ver.  1-9.  Uiwn  or  according  to  the)  Gittith, 
probably  means  that  the  mus  cal  per- 
iormance  Avas  directed  to  be  according  to  a 
tune  of  that  name;  which,  derived  from  Gath, 
a  wine-pross,  d.enotes  a  tune  (used  in  con- 
nection vvitli  gathering  the  vintage;  of  a  joy- 
ous character.  All  the  Psalms  to  which  this 
term  is  prefixed  are  ol"  such  a  character.  'Ihe 
Psalmist  gives  vent  to  his  admiration  of 
God's  manifested  perfections,  by  celebrating 
Hi^conde.sceiiding  and  beneficent  providence 
to  man  as  evinced  by  the  position  of  the  race, 
as  onianaHy  created  andassigued  a  dominion 
over  the  works  of  His  hands. 

1.  thy  name— perfections  iFs.  5.  11;  7.  IT.). 
who  hc,st  act— lit.,  which,  set  thou  thy  glory 
&c.,  or.  which  glory  of  thme  set  thou,  <fec., 
make  it  u  ore  conspicuous  as  if  earth 


PSALMS  Vin,  IX._  God  Praised  for  msjudomcnia. 

expositions  (Heb.  2.  6-8;  l  Cor.  lo.  27,  --S,  rliat 
the  language  liere  emidoyed,  finds  its  tuiril- 
ment  only  in  the  final  exaltation  ni  Chri-i'.s 
human  nature.  There  is  no  limit  lo  the  "  all 
tliinas"  mentioned,  God  only  excepted,  who 
"  puts  all  things  under."  Man,  in  the  person 
and  glorious  destiny  of  Jesus  ff  ISazareth, 
the  Second  Adam,  the  Jiead  and  representa- 
tive of  the  race  will  not  only  be  rest'  red  to 
his  original  position,  but  exalted  lar  beyond 
it.  ■  ■  The  last  enemy,  death ."  th  rough  fear  of 
which,  man,  in  his  i/resent estate,  is  "all  his 
htetime  in  bondage,"  "shall  be  destroyed." 
Then  all  things  wiU  have  been  put  under 
his  feel,  '"principalities  and  powei's  beiny 
made  subject  lo  him."  This  view,  so  far 
from  being  alien  from  the  scope  of  the  pas- 
sage, is  more  consistent  than  any  other ;  for 
man  as  a  race  cannot  well  be  conceived  to 
have  a  higher  honour  put  upon  him,  than  to 
be  thus  exalted  in  the  person  and  destiny  of 
Jesus  of  IVazareth.    And  at  the  same  time. 


were  too  small  a  theatre  for  its  display.  A  i  by  no  other  ot  His  glorious  manifestatiuna 
similar  exposition  suits  the  u.5ual  render- 1  has  God  more  illustriously  dec.aied  those 
ing.  '-i.  !6o  manliest  are  God's  perfections,  attributes  which  distinguish  His  name  than 
that  by  very  weak  instruments.  He  conclu-  in  the  scheme  of  redemption,  of  which  this 
sively  sets  torth  Jrdis  praise.  Infants  are  not  economy  forms  such  an  important  ai.d  essen- 
omy  wtinderiul  illustrations  of  God's  power  tial  feature.  In  the  generic  import  of  the 
and  skill,  in  their  physical  constitution,  in- '  language,  as  describing  man's  present  rela- 
stinc^s,  and  early  developed  intelligence,  but  1  tion  to  the  works  of  G'  d's  hands,  it  may  be 
also  in  tlieir  spontaneous  admiration  of  I  regarded  as  typical,  thus  atiowmg  not  only 
God's  works,  by  which  they  put  to  shame— i  the  usual  application,  but  also  this  hi.lier 
sdd— or,  silence  men  who  rail  ai.d  cavil  i  sense  which  the  inspired  writers  of  the  N.T, 
against  God.  A  siiecial  illustration  of  the  have  assigned  it.  9.  Apjiropriately,  the 
passage  is  afforded  in  Mat.  21.  16,  when  our :  writer  closes  this  brief  but  pregnant  and 
Saviour  stiVicd  the  cavillers  by  quoting  these  sublime  song  of  praise  with  the  terms  of 


words;  tor  the  glories  with  which  God  in- 
vested His  incarnate  Son,  even  in  His  humi- 
liation, constitute  a  most  wonderful  display 


admiration  with  which  it  was  opened. 
PSALM  IX. 
Ver.  1-20.     Upon  Muth-labben.  or,  after  the 


of  the  perfections  of  His  wisdom,  love,  aid  i  wanner,  according  to  "  death  to  the  Soji,"  by 
power,  in  view  of  the  scope  of  v.  4-8  see  ;  which  some  song  was  known,  to  whose  air  or 
below,),  this  quotation  by  oiu-  Saviour  niay  '  melody  the  Musician  is  directed  to  perform 
be  regarded  as  an  exposition  of  the  propheti-  j  this  Psalm.  This  mode  of  denoting  a  song  by 
calcliaracteroi  the  words,  sucklings— among  some  prominent  word  or  words  i^  still  coiir- 
the  Hebrews  were  probably  of  an  age  tolmon  cf.  Ps.  22.).  The  Psalmist  pr.dses  God 
speak  cf.  1  Sam.  1.  22-21;  Mark,  7.  27.).  or-  for  deliverance  from  hi-  eneniies,  ai:d  cele- 
daiued— founded,  or  prepared,  and  perfected,  jbrates  the  divine  government,  for  providing 
which  occurs  in  Mat.  21.  16;  taken  from  the  security  to  God's  peoj'le  and  punishment  to 
Sept.  has  the  same  meaning,  streiigih— In  ;  the  wicked.  'J  lius  encouragiiig  himself,  he 
the  quotation  in  the  N.T.,  pmise  occurs  as  prays  for  r-evv  occasions  to  recount  God's 
the  consequence  or  efi'ect  put  for  the  cause  mercies,  and  confident  of  His  continued 
(cf.  Ps.  118.  14.1.    aviuger  — as  inPs.  44.  le;  judguent  on  the  wicked  and  vindication  of 


one  desirous  of  revenge,  disposed  to  be  quar- 
relsome, and  so  apt  to  cavil  against  God's 
governnient.  3,  4.  The  allusion  to  the  mag- 
n.ftceuce  of  the  visible  heavens  is  introduced 
for  the  pui'pose  of  illustrating  God's  con- 
descension, who,  though  tbe  mighty  creator 
of  these  glorious  worlds  of  light,  makes  man 
the  ob.iect  of  regard  and  recipient  of  favour. 
man— lit.,  frail  mart,  an  allusiun  to  his  essen- 
tial infirmity,  son  of  man— only  varies  the 
form  of  speech,  visitest— in  favour  (Ps.  O.j. 
10.).  This  favour  is  now  more  fully  illu>trat- 
ed.  5-8.  God  has  placed  man  next  in  dignity 
to  angels,  and  but  a  little  lower,  and  crowned 
him  with  the  empire  of  the  world,  glory  and 
honour- are  the  attributes  of  royal  dignity 
(Ps.  21.  5;  45.  3.).  The  position  assigned  man 
is  that  dt  scribed  (Gen.  l.  26-28.'  as  belonging 
to  A'laiii,  in  his  original  condition,  the  terms 
employed  in  detailing  tlie  subjects  of  man's 
dominion  corresponding  with  those  there 
used.  In  a  nodifled  sense,  in  his  oresent 
faUen  state,  n  an  is  still  invested  \\ith  some 
remains  of  this  original  dominion.  It  is  very 
evident,  however,  by  the  apostle's  inspired 
382 


the  oppressed,  he  implore^  a  prompt  and 
efficient  manifestation  of  the  divine  sove- 
reignty. 

1.  Heart-felt  gratitude  will  find  utterance. 
3-6.  When  ...  are  tu'  ned  back— it  is  the  result 
of  God's  power  alone.  He,  as  a  righteous 
judge  (Ps.  7. 11,1,  vindicates  His  people.  He 
rebukes  by  acts  as  well  as  words  (Ps.  6.  1; 
IS.  15,),  and  so  effectually  as  to  destroy  the 
uaires  of  nations  as  \\ell  as  persons.  6.  Lit., 
As  to  theevemu  rnishcd are }tis rtmis for e'cer. 
Thou  (God)  hast  destroyed.  &c  l  Sam.  15.  3, 
7;  27.  8,  9.;.  The  wicked  are  utterly  undone. 
Their  ruins  shaU  never  be  repaired.  7,  8. 
God'setcni-ilpossessionof  a  throneof  ju-tice 
is  contvasnd  with  the  ruin  of  the  wicke.l. 
9,  10.  So  hat  the  opi)resstd,  and  all  who 
know  Him  i  s.  5.  3;  7.  l,),  find  Him  a  sure  re- 
fuge. 11.  iGi.  Ps.  2.  6;  3  4).  12.  f ' r  blr.oa— 
i.e.,  murders  'Ps.  5.  6,),  includng  all  the  op- 
pressions of  His  people,  n  aktth  irqU'^ition— 
(cf.  Gen.  9.  5.).  He  vdll  avenge  their  cause. 
13.  Ruies— or,  regions— of  re  tii- gates  being' 
the  entrance  is  put  for  the  boi.n.is.  14. 
gates . , .  Ziou— the  enclosure  of  the  city  {cf. 


David  dGmplaint  of  the  wicked. PSALMS  XI-XIV. 


David  eravefh  Mlp  of  Ood. 


2  1  The  wicked  in  his  pride  doth  persecute 
the  poor:  let  them  be  taken  in  the  devices 
th:U  they  have  iiiiH^iiK'd. 

3  For  the  wicked  boasteth  of  his  2  heart's 
desire,  and  shlesseth  the  covetous,  w/toni 
the  LoED  abhorreth. 

4  The  \\icked,  throusrh  the  pride  of  his 
countenance,  will  not  seek  after  God:  *  God 
is  not  in  all  his  thoui^hts. 

5  His  ways  are  always  giievons;  thy  judg- 
ments are  far  above  out  of  his  sight:  as /or 
all  his  enemies,  he  ntilleth  at  them. 

6  He  hath  said  in  his  heart,  I  shall  not  be 
Tioved:  tov  I  shall  6  never  he  in  adversity. 

7  His  mouth  is  full  of  cmsing  and  6  deceit 
and  fraud;  mider  his  tongue  is  mischief 
aaid '  vanity. 

8  He  sitteth  in  the  lurking-places  of  the 
villages:  in  the  secret  places  doth  he  mur- 
der the  innocent:  his  eyes  8  are  privily  set 
against  the  poor. 

9  He  lieth  in  wait  0  secretly  as  a  lion  in  his 
den:  he  lieth  ui  wait  to  catch  the  poor:  he 
doth  catch  the  poor,  when  he  draweth  him 
into  his  net. 

10  10  He  croucheth,  and  humbleth  himself, 
that  the  poor  may  fall  ii  by  his  strong 
ones. 

11  He  hath  said  in  his  heart,  God  hath 
forgotten:  he  hideth  his  face;  he  will  never 
eee  it. 

12  Arise,  0  Lord;  O  God,  lift  up  thine 
baud:  forget  not  the  12  humble. 

13  Wherefore  doth  the  wicked  contemn 
God?  he  hath  said  in  his  heart,  Thou  wilt 
not  reiiuire  it. 

14  Tliou  hast  seen  it;  for  thou  beholdest 
mischief  and  spite,  to  requite  it  with  thy 
hand:  the  poor  la  conimitteth  himself  unto 
thee;  thou  till  the  helper  of  the  father- 
less. 

15  Break  thou  the  arm  of  the  wicked  and 
the  evil  nnan:  seek  out  his  wickedness  till 
thou  find  none. ' 

16  The  Lord  is  King  for  ever  and  ever: 
the  heathen  are  perished  out  of  his  land. 

17  Lord,  thou  bast  heard  the  desire  of  the 
humble:  thou  wilt  1*  prepare  their  heart, 
thou  wilt  cause  thine  ear  to  heai-; 

18  To  judge  the  fatherless  and  the  op- 
piessed,  that  the  man  of  the  eaith  may  no 
more  i*  oppress. 

PSALM  XL 

I  David  encourages  biniftlf  in  Ood  against  his 

enemies;  4  he  rcjoicei  in  the  provplence  and 

justice  of  God. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

TN  the  Lord  j>ut  I  my_  trust:  how  say  y^to 


Flee  as  a  bu:d  to  your  moun- 


tain! 


2  For,  lo,  the  wicked  bend  their  bow,  they 
make  ready  their  arrow  upon  the  string, 
that  they  may  1  privily  shoot  at  the  upright 
in  heart. 

3  If  the  foundatioris  be  destroyed,  what 
can  the  righteous  dof 

4  The  "  Lord  is  in  his  holy  temple,  the 
Lord's  throne  is  in  heaven:  his  eyes  ''be- 
h'lld,  hLs  eye-lids  try.  the  children  of  men. 

5  The  Lord  '  trieth  the  righteous ;  but  the 
wicked  and  him  that  loveth  violence  his 
Boul  hateth. 

6  Upnn  the  wicked  he  shall  vain  2  snares, 
fire  ami  brimstone  andean  horrible  tem- 
pest: this  itoall  I't  the  portion  of  their  cup. 

7  For  the  righteous  Lord  loveth  righte- 
oasnei^s;hiscouuteniuico  doth  behold  the 
QpriKht. 


PSALM  10. 

1  in  tbe 
priiie  of 
the  wirked 
he  doth 
persecute. 


core  tout 
bl-fseth 
himiielf.  he 
abhorreth 
the 

LORD. 

1  Or,  all  hit 

thoughts 


5  an 


oGod. 
I  jene- 

generation. 

6  deceits. 

7  Or, 
iniquity. 

8  hide  thern- 
Eclves. 

9  in  tlie  se- 
cret places. 

10  He 
broakoth 
himself. 

U  Or,  into 
hii  strong 
parts. 

12  Or, 
afflicted. 

13  cleaveth. 
liOr, 

ostebliih. 
15  Or, 
terrify. 


ODeu  »1.17. 
b  iiira  9.  8. 
«  Jer.  61.  39. 


8  VN  ho  1 
give. 


PSALM  XIL 

1  David,,  destitute  of  human  comfort,  craves  help 
of  God:  3  God's  judgments  on  the  wicked,  6  bu 
promises  to  protect  the  righteous. 


TTELP,  2  Lord;  for  the  godly  man  ceas- 
■•■  et)i ;  for  the  faithful  fail  trom  among 
the  cliildren  of  men. 

2  They  speak  vanity  every  one  with  his 
nei'-'hbour:  with  flattering  lips,  and  with 
3u  double  heart,  do  they  spt-ik. 

3  The  Lord  shall  cut  off  all  flattering  lips, 
and  the  tongue  that  speaketh  *  pnud 
things; 

4  Who  have  Baid,  With  our  tongue  will 
we  urevail ;  our  lips  5  are  our  own:  who  is 
loru  over  us? 

5  For  the  oppression  of  the  poor,  for  the 
signing  of  the  needy,  now  will  I  arise,  saith 
the  Lord;  I  will  set  him  in  satety  from  him 
that  6  puUeth  at  him. 

6  The  words  of  the  Lord  are  pure  words: 
as  silver  tried  in  a  furnace  of  eaith,  puri- 
fied seven  times. 

7  Thou  shalt  keep  them,  O  Lord,  thou 
Shalt  preserve  7  them  from  this  generation 
for  ever. 

8  The  wicked  walk  on  every  side,  when 
the  vilest  8  men  are  exalted. 

PSALM  illL 

1  David  craves  help  of  God:  3  he  prays  Ood  to 
support  him,  thai  Ms  enemies  may  not  insult  over 
him ;  5  he  trusts  in  the  divine  mercy. 
To  tiie  1  ciiief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

UOW  long  wilt  thou  forget  me,  0  Lord? 

-'-'■  for  ever?  "  how  long  wUt  thou  hide 

thy  face  from  me? 

2  How  long  shall  I  take  counsel  in  my 
soul,  having  son'ovv  in  my  heart  daily?  how 
long  shall  mine  enemy  be  exalted  over  me? 

3  Consider  and  hear  me,  0  Lord  my  God: 
lighten  *  mine  eyes, '  lest  1  sleep  the  sleep 
0/ death; 

4  Lest  mine  enemy  say,  I  have  prevailed 
against  him;  and  those  that  trouble  me 
rejoice  when  I  am  moved. 

5  Lut  I  have  trusted  in  thy  mercy;  my 
heart  shall  rejoice  in  thy  salvation. 

6  I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  because  he 
hath  dealt  bountifully  with  me. 

PSALM  XIV. 

1  David  describes  the  general  corruption  of  marl' 

kind:  i  the  iniquit;/  of  the  wicked i  7  he  pray$ 

for  God's  sah'iition. 

To  the  cliief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

T'HE  *»  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart.  There 

-*-    is  no  God.     They  are  corrupt;  they 

have  done  abominable  works;  there  is  none 

that  doeth  good. 

2  The  Lord  looked  down  from  heaven 
upon  the  children  of  men,  to  see  if  thei'e 
were  any  that  did  midcrstand,  and  seek 
God. 

3  They  are  all  gone  aside,  they  are  all  to- 
gether become  i  filthy;  (Nereis none  that 
doeth  good,  no,  not  one. 

4  Have  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  no 
knowledge?  who  eat  up  my  peo]de  as  they 
eat  bread,  and  call  not  upon  the  Lord. 

5  There  'were  they  in  great  fe.ar:  for  God 
is  in  the  generation  of  the  righteous. 

6  Ye  have  shamed  the  counsel  of  the  poor, 
because  the  Lord  is  his  refuge. 

7  3  oh  that  the  salvation  of  Israel  were 
come  out  of  Zion!  When  the  Lord  bring, 
eth  back  the  captivity  of  liis  i>eople,  Jaceb 
eball  rejoice,  and  Israel  sball  be  glad. 


David  Complains  of  the  Wicked.      PSALMS  X— XII. God!s  Providence  and, Justice. 

Ps.  48. 12;  Isa.  23.  12,)  or,  ch\ir.ch,  as  denoted;  overloiik  sin,  however  forbearing;  for  He 
by  this  phrase  contrasted  with  that  of  death,  carefully  examines  or  beholds  all  wicked- 
carries  out  the  idea  of  exaltation  as  w  ell  as  ness.  and  will  mark  it  by  His  providential 
deliverance.    Signal  favoui;s  should  lead  ua   {th]i  hand)  punishment,    mischief  and  spite- 


to   render  signal  and   puDlic  thanks.     15.   . 

16.    The  undesigned  results  of  the  devices   Ps.  6. 7;7. 14.) 

of  the  wicked  prove  them  to  be  of  (■od's  den)  on  thee 

overrulin.'  or  ordering,  especially  when  thos( 

results  are  destructive  to  the  wicked  them 


provocation  and  trouble  of  the  sufferer  cf. 

committetii— or  leaves  (his  bur- 

15.  arm— power,    till  th(iU  find 

none— so  far  from  not  requiiing  .v.   U.  V.i.), 

(lOd  will  utterly  destroy  the  wicked  nnd  his 


means  meditation,  and,   deeds  Ps.  9.  5,6;  .H.  Iti; 


16  18.  God 


selves.     Hi^'gi  .        ,  ... 

conibined  with  Selah,  seems  to  denote  a  re  yns.  The  wicked,  if  ior  a  time  successful, 
p.iuse  of  \tnusnal  solemnity  and  enip'.iasis  sliall  be  cut  off.  He  hears,  u.  d  conlir  usthe 
(cf.  Fs.  8.  2.).  Though  Selah  occurs  seventy-  hearts  of  His  suffering  people  (Ps.  U2.  7,), 
t.hvee  times,  this  is  the  only  case  in  wjiich  executes  justice  for  the  feeble,  and  represses 
Hi:4gaion  is  found.     In  the  view  which  is  ,  the  pride  and  violence  of  conceited  though 


given  here  of  the  retribution  on  the  wicked  ;  frail  m 
as  an  instance  of  God's  wise  and  holy  order-  j 
in;:,  we  may  well  pause  in  adoring  wonder 


Ver.  1-7. 


Ps.9.  16.] 

PSALM  XL 
On  title  cf.  Ititr. 


Alluding  to 


.._,d  faith.  17.  shall  be  turned— or,  shall  turn,  j  some  event  in  his  history,  as  1  Sam.  Si.  13, 
retreatingunder  God's  vengeance,  and  driven:  the  Psalmist  avows  his  confidence  in  God, 
by  Him  to  the  extreme  of  destruction,  even  when  admonished  to  flee  from  his  raging 
hell  itself.  Those  who  forget  God  are  classed  ,  persecutors,  whose  destruction  of  the  usual 
with  the  depraved  and  openly  profane.  18.  j  fotmdations  of  safety  rendered  all  his  eflbrts 
(Cf.  Ps.  13.i.»tlie needy— Wi.,  poor,  as  deprived  ;  useless.  The  grounds  of  his  confidence  are 
of  anything ;  hence  miserable,  expectation  \  God's  supreme  dominion.  His  watchful  care 
'    '        '  '  ■■      )  by  af-  of  His  iieople.  His  iwitred  to  the  wicked,  and 

Ipt  not '  judgments  on  them,  and  His  love  for  right- 
and  of  I  eousness  and  the  righteous. 

1.  my  soul— me  (Ps.  3.  2.).    Ylss— lit.,  flee  ye; 


cf  the  poor— or,  meek,  humble  made  s.  >  by  af 
fliction.     19.  Arise— (cf.  Ps.  3.  7.j.     '  ^ 
man— (Ps.  8.  4.i.    let  .  .  .  be  judged 
course  condemned      ""    ^     ^^^^ 


20.  By  their  effectual! 


subjection,  make  them  to  realise  their  frail ;  i.e.,  he  and  his  companion,    us  a  bird  to  your 
nature  (Ps.  8.  4,j.  and  deter  them  from  aU  1  niount:iin— having  as  such  no  safety  but  in 


conceit  and  future  rebellion. 
PSALM  X. 
Ver.  1-18.    The  Psalmist  mourns  God's  ap- 


flight  (cf.  1  Sam.  26.  20;  Lam.  3.  .52.).  2.  privily 
—lit.,  m  darkness,  treaclierously.  3.  Lit, 
The  foundations  [i.e.,  of  good  order  and  " 


parent  indifference  to  Ids  troubles,  v/hmh] vnll  he  di'stroyed,  what  has  the  righteous 
are  aggravated  by  the  successful  malice,  |  done  (to  sustain  them)?  All  his  efforts  have 
blasphemy,  pride,  deceit,  and  profanity  of!  failed.  4.  temple  ...  heaven— the  connection 
the  wicked.  On  the  just  and  discriminating:  seems  to  denote  God's  heavenly  residence; 
providence  of  God,  he  relies  for  the  destruc-  { tlie  term  used  is  taken  from  the  place  of  His 
tion  of  theiu  fake  security,  and  the  defence  visible  earthly  abode  (Ps.  2.  6;  3.  4;  5.  7.). 


of  the  needy. 


Thence  He  inspects  men  with  close  scrutiny. 


1.  These  are,  of  course,  figurative  terms :  5.  The  trial  of  the  righteous  results  in  their 
(cf.  Ps.  7.  6;  13.  1;  &c.).  hidest— supply  </)ine 'approval,  as  it  is  contrasted  with  God's  hatred 
eves  or  face.  2.  Lit.,  In  pride  of  the  wicked  I  to  the  wicked,  6.  Their  punishment  is  de- 
theu  (the  poor  or  humble,  v.  17;  Ps.  12.  l^,]  shall  j  scribed  by  viv^  figures  denoting  abtmdant, 
he  taken  in  the  devices  they  (the  proud)  hare  ;  sudden,  furious,  and  uttej.-  destruction  (cf. 
imaaincd.     3.  Ms  heart's  (or  soid's)  desire—  Gen.  19.  24;  .lob,  18.  15;  Ps.  7.  15;  9.  15. >.    cup 


I.e.,  his  success  in  evQ, 
(the   wicked)    Uesseth 


and  blessetli,  &c.—he 
the  covetous,  he   de- 


is  a  frequent  figure  for  God's  favour  or 
wrath  (Ps.  l^;.  .5;  23,  5;  Mat.  20.  22,  23.)    7.  his 


spisKih  the  Lord.  4:._Thefaceexpresses'theseii-j  countenance— iii.,  i/i,etr /aces— a  use  of  the 


conceit,  whose  fruit  is  practical  atheism  (P; 
14. 1.1.    5,  6.  Such  is  his  confidence  in  tl-.e  per 


plural  applied  to  (iod,  like  Gen.  1.  .^u,  .>.  ^^, 
11.  7;  Isa.  C.  8.  &c.,  denoting  the  fulness  of 


manence  of  his  way  or  course  of  life,  that  he  His  perfections,  or  more  probably  originating 


disregards  God's  providential  government, 
lout  of  dght,  because  he  will  not  look,  Isa.  26. 


reference  to  the  trinity  of  persons.  Faces 
used  as  eyes,  [v.  4),  expressing  here  (iod's 


PSALM  XII. 

On  title  cf .  Intr.  and  Ps.  6.   The 


11,),  sneers  at  his  enemies,  and  boasts  per- !  complacency  towards  the  upright,  (cf.  Ps.  34. 
petual  freedom  from  evil.     7-10.  The  ma-  15, 16.). 
lignitJ^  and  deceit  (Ps.   140.  3,),  of  such  are  I 
followed  by  acts  combining  cunning,  fraud,      Ver.  1-8. 

and  violence  cf.  Pro.  1.  11,  18,),  aptly  illus-  Psalmist  laments  the  decrease  of  good  men. 
trated  by  the  habits  of  the  lion,  and  of  I  The  pride  and  deceit  of  the  wicked  provokes 
hunters  taking  their  prey.  Poor,  in  v.  8,  10, ;  God's  wrath;  whose  promise  to  avenge  tlie 
14,  represents  a  word  peculiar  to  this  Psalm,  |  cause  of  pious  sufferers  will  be  verified  even 

amidst  prevailing  iniquity. 
1.  the  faithful— or  W.,  faithfidness  iPs.  31. 

23.).    2.  The  want  of  it  is  illustrated  by  the 


meaning  the  sad  or  sorrowful ;  in  -y 
usual,  it  means  the  pious  or  meek  sufferer.  I 
ir  vily  set  — he  watches  with  half 


ey 

closed  eyes,  appearing  not  to 

—as  a  lion  gathers  himself  into  as  small  com 

pass  as  possible  to  make  the  greater  spring, 


croncheth !  prevalence  of  deceit  and  instability. 


Boasting  (Dan.  7.  25;  is,  like  flattery,  a  species 
of  lying.  lips  and  .  .  .  tongue— for  persons.    5. 


fall  by  Ms  scrong  ones— the  figure  of  the  lion  |  'The  writsr  intimates  his  confidence  by  de- 
is  dropped,  and  this  phrase  means  the  ac-l  picting  God's  actions  cf.  Ps.  9.  l!i;  10.  12,1  as 
complices  of  the  chief  or  leading  wicked  j  coming  to  save  the  poor  at  whom  the  wicked 
man.  11.  As  before,  such  condvict  implies  1  sneers  Ps.  10.  5.).  6.  The  words— //f.,  saying 
disbelief  or  disregard  of  <4od's  government,  i  o/  v.b.).  seven  times— thoroughly  (Dan.  3  19. 


19..   Cf.  Ps.  9. 19;3.  7.).    hu  nble—  c 

Marg.' 

13.  14, 

383 


17,  and  7.  them— Ma?Y/.).  8.  The  wicked  roam  un- 
lift  up  thine  hand- exert  tliy  power. !  disturbed,  doing  evil,  when  vileues.s  or  vile 
It  is  m  vain  to  suppose  God  will  j  men  ar<i  exalted. 


Hope  of  eterlasting  life. 


PSALMS  xv-xvm. 


David  praiseth  God 


PSALM  XV. 

David  deferibts  a  citizen  of  Zion. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

T  ORD,  who  shall  i  abide  in  thy  taberna- 

*^  cle?  who  shall  dwell  "  in  thy  holy  hill? 

2  He  *  that  walketh  uprightly,  and  work- 
eth  riirhteousnesa,  and  speaketn  the  truth 
iu  his  heart. 

S  i/e  titat  backbiteth  not  with  his  tongue, 
nor  (loeth  evil  to  his  neighbour,  nor  2  tak- 
eth  ap  a  reproach  against  his  neighbour. 

i  1  u  whose  eyes  a  vile  person  is  conteirmed ; 
but  he  honoiu-etli  ttiem  that  Tear  the  Lord. 
He  that  "  sweareth  to  his  own  buit,  and 
changeth  not. 

€  He  <^  that  putteth  not  out  his  money  to 
usury,  nur  tiikttli  reward  against  the  inno- 
cent. He  that  doeth  these  things  shall 
nevei'  be  moved. 

PSALM  XVL 

1  David,  in  distrust  vf  merit,  and  hatred  of  idol- 
atr.u,  flees  to  ■>i)d  fur  preservution:  6  he  shows 
the  hopf  of  liis  culling,  of  the  resu,reciion,  and 
lije  everlasting- 

1  Michtam  of  David. 
pRE.SERVE  me,  0  God:  "  for  in  thee  do 
■*■    1  put  my  trust. 

2  O  my  soul,  thou  hast  said  unto  the 
LoKD,  'lliou  art  my  Lord:  my  goodness 
extendtth  not  to  thee; 

3  JJiU  to  the  saints  that  are  in  the  earth, 
and  £y  the  excellent,  in  whom  is  all  my  de- 
light. 

4  Their  sorrows  shall  be  multiplied  that 

2  hasten  a/ttr  another  god:  their  driiik 
otierings  ot  blood  will  I  not  ofler,  nor  take 
up  tluLr  naiui's  into  my  lips. 

5  'Ihe  Lord  is  the  portion  3  of  mine  in- 
heritance and  of  my  cup:  thou  maintainest 
my  lot. 

6  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleasant 
places;  yea.  I  have  a  goodly  heritage. 

7  I  will  bless  the  Loan,  who  hath  given 
me  counsel;  my  reins  also  instruct  me  m 
the  night  seasons. 

8  I  have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me: 
because  he  is  at  my  right  hand,  1  shall  not 
be  moved. 

9  Therefore  my  heart  is  glad,  and  my 
glory  rejoiceth:  my  tlesh  also  shall  *  rest  in 
nope: 

10  Tor  *thou  wilt  not  leave  "my  soul  in 
hell;  neither  wilt  thou  sutler  thuie  <*  Holy 
Oi.e  lo  st(-  conuption. 

11  Th.iu  wilt  show  me  the  path  of  life:  in 
thy  pieseni-e  is  fulness  of  joy;  at  thy  right 
hand  tliere  art  pleasures  lor  evermore. 

PSALM  XVIL 
1  Dav  id  ■prays  to  God  to  be  saved  from  his  ene- 
mies ;  iu  he  shows  their  pride,  craft,  and  eager- 
ness :   1 3  A<  prays  against  them  iti  confidence  of 
his  !u)pe. 

A  Prayer  of  David. 
TJEAll  1  the  right,  0  Lord,  attend  unto 
■*"'•  my  cry,  give  ear  unto  my  prayer,  that 
gott/i  -  not  out  of  feigned  lips. 

2  Let  my  sentence  come  Ibith  from  thy 
presence ;  let  thine  eyes  behold  the  things 
that  are  equal. 

3  Thou  hast  proved  mine  heart;  thou  hast 
visited  me  in  the  ni^ht;  thou  hast  tried  me, 
and  slialt  find  notLuig:  lam  pmposed  tluU 
my  mouth  siiall  not  transgress. 

4  Concerning  the  works  of  men,  by  the 
word  of  thy  hps  1  have  kept  me  from  the 
paths  ot  the  destroyer. 

5  Hold  up  my  goings  in  thy  paths,  that 
B3>  footsteps  3  slip  not. 

3Si 


«  P«.  2.  6. 
b  U.  33.  15. 
2  Or,  receir- 


P8ALM  16. 

1  Or,  a  gol- 
den PsiUm. 

a  P..  25.  20. 

2  Or,  givo 


3  of  my  part. 

4  dwe;:  con- 
fidently. 

6  Pb.  49.  15. 
Acts  2.  27. 
ActB  LJ.ciS, 


PSAL4117. 

1  justice. 

2  wiiliout 
lips  of 
deceit. 

3  be  not 

i  Or,  that 

them 
Ttiiich 
trust  in 
thco  from 
tliuse  tliat 


against 
tl.e  Boul. 
7  U-he  lilje- 
ness  of 
him,  (that 
i»,  of  every 
ono  of 
them)  is 


8  sitting. 

9  prevent 
his  £ac«. 

W  Or.  by  thy 
Bword. 

11  Or,  their 
children 
are  full. 

»  I  John  3.2. 

6  Col.  1.  16. 


PSALM  18. 
a  2  Sam.  22. 
6  Ps.  144.  1. 

1  my  roclc. 

c  Ueb.  2.  13. 
d  P».  76.  4. 
«Ps.  110.3. 

2  Kelial. 

3  Or,  cords. 
/  Acts  4.  31. 

4  by  hi«. 

g  li.  C4. 1. 

A  P«.  99.  1. 
i  Pa.  lOi.  3. 
j  Fi.  97. 2. 


6  I  have  called  upon  thee,  for  thou  wilt 
hear  me,  0  God:  incline  thine  ear  unto  me, 
a7Hi  hear  my  speech. 

7  Show  ths  marvellous  loving-kindness, 
O  thou  tthat  savest  by  thy  right  hand 
them  which  put  their  trust  in  thee  from 
those  that  rise  up  against  them. 

8  Keep  me  as  the  apple  of  the  eye;  hide 
me  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, 

9  From  the  wicked  6  that  oppress  me, 
from  6  my  deadly  enemies,  wlio  compass 
me  about. 

10  They  are  inclosed  in  their  owp  fat:  with 
their  mouth  they  speak  proudly. 

11  They  have  now  compassed  us  in  our 
steps  ;  they  have  set  their  eyes  bowing 
down  to  the  earth; 

12  1  Like  as  a  lion  that  is  gi'eedy  of  his 
prey,  and  as  it  were  a  young  Hon  8  lurking 
m  secret  places. 

13  Arise,  O  Lord,  9  disappoint  him,  cast 
him  down:  deliver  my  soulliom  the  wicked, 
1"  ivhich  is  thy  swcrd: 

14  From  men  which  are  thy  hand,  0 
Lord,  from  men  of  the  world,  which  have 
their  portion  in  this  life,  and  whose  belly 
thou  liUest  with  thy  hid  treasure :  i^  they 
are  full  of  children,  and  leave  the  rest  of 
their  subatance  to  their  babes. 

15  As  for  me,  "  i  will  behold  thy  face  m 
righteousness:  I  shall  be  satistied,  when  I 
awake,  with  *  thy  likeness. 

PSAL.M  XVIIL 
David's  psalm  of  thanksgiving  for  Ood't  mani- 
fold and  tuarveilous  blessings. 
To  the  chief  Musician,  A  rsalm  of  David  the 
servant  of  tlie  Lord,  who  spake  unio  the 
Lord  the  words  of  "  this  song  m  the  day  that 
the  Lord  delivered  hiui  from  the  liand  of  all 
his  ei.oiuies,  and  from  the  iiand  of  Saul:  And 
he  said, 
T  i>  WILL  love  thee,  0  Lord,  my  strength, 
■*■    2  The  Lord  is  my  rock,  and  my  for- 
tress,  and  my  deliverer;  my  God,  i  mj 
strength, '  in  whom  I  will  tmst;  my  buck- 
ler, and  the  horn  of  my  salvation,  and  my 
high  tower. 

3  1  uill  call  upon  the  Lord,  ^  who  is  wor- 
thy to  be  praised:  so  shall  I  be  saved  from 
mine  eneniies. 

4  The  *  sorrows  of  death  compassed  me, 
and  the  floods  of  2  ungodly  men  made  me 
afraid. 

5  Tiie  3  sorrows  of  hell  compassed  me 
about;  the  snares  of  death  prevented  me. 

6  In  my  distress  I  called  upon  the  Lord, 
and  cried  unto  my  God:  he  heard  my  voice 
out  of  his  temple,  and  my  cry  came  before 
him,  even  into  his  ears. 

t  Then  /  the  earth  shook  and  trembled: 
the  foundations  also  of  the  hills  moved  and 
were  shaken,  because  he  was  wroth. 

8  There  went  up  a  smoke  *  out  of  his  nos- 
trils, and  tire  out  of  his  mouth  devomed: 
coals  were  kindled  by  it. 

9  He  *  bowed  the  heavens  also,  and 
came  down:  and  darkness  was  under  his 
feet. 

10  And  ft  he  rode  upon  a  cherub,  and  did 
fly ;  yea,  •  he  did  fly  upon  the  wings  of  the 
wind. 

11  He  made  darkness  his  secret  place; 
his  J  pavilion  round  about  him  wtra 
dark  waters  and  tuick  clouds  of  the 
.SKies. 

12  At  the  brightness  that  was  before  hiiu 
bis  thick  clouds  passed,  hail  atou^i  and 
coals  of  hie. 


Corruption  of  Mankind. 

PSALM  XTII. 

Ver.  1-6.  On  title  cf.  Intr.  The  Psalmist, 
mourning  (Jod's  absence  and  the  triumph 
of  his  enemies,  prays  for  relief  ere  he  is 
totally  destroyed,  and  is  encouraged  to  hope 
his  trust  will  not  be  in  vain. 

1.  The  forms  of  expression  and  figure 
here  used  are  freciuent  (cf.  Ps.  9.  12,  IS;  10. 
11,12.).  How  long  .  .  .  lor  ever— shall  it  be 
for  ever?  2.  The  counsels  or  devices  of 
his  heart  aflord  no  reliet.  3.  ligiuen  n.ine 
eyes— dim  with  weakness,  denotin£>-  approach- 
ingdeath  (cf.  iSam.  14.  27-29;  Ps.  (>.  7;  :.^.  10.;  4. 
rcjoi.e-7/7.,  shout  as  in  iriumjilt.  1  am  inovid 
—cast  down  from  a  firm  position  (Ps.  lO.  6.). 
5,  6.  Tru.-t  is  followed  by  rejoicing  in  the  de- 
liverance which  Gffd  effects,  and,  instead  of 
his  enemy,  he  can  lift  the  song  of  triumph. 
ISALM  .\IV. 

"Ver.  1-7.  Tlie  practical  atheism,  and  total 
and  universiil  depravity,  or  the  wicked,  v^ith 
their  hatred  to  the  good,  are  set  lorth.  Yet, 
as  they  dread  God's  judgments  when  He  vin- 
dicates His  people,  the  Psalmist  prays  for 
His  delivering  power. 

1.  Sinners  are  termed  /ools,  because  they 
think  and  act  contrary  to  right  reason  iGen. 
34.  7;  Josh.  7.' 15;  Ps.  39.  8;  74.  18,  22.'.  in  his 
heart— to  himself  iGen.  6.  12.).  2.  locked 
—in  earnest  inquiry,  understind- as  opposed 
to  fool.  3.  &M\Y— lit.,  spoil ed,  or,  sourtd,  cor- 
rupted (Job,  15.  Ifi;  Pom.  3.  12.).  4-6.  Their 
conduct  evinces  iudifiereuce  rather  rhan  ig- 
norance of  God;  lor  wlien  He  aj)pears  in 
judgment  they  are  stricken  with  great  fear. 
WHO  rat  uTj  my  people— to  express  their  beastly 
fury  (Pro*  30.  14;  Hab.  3.  14;);  to  call  on  the 
Lord  is  to  worship  Him.  7.  cap: ivit.— de- 
notes any  great  evil.  Zion— God's  abode, 
from  which  He  revealed  His  pnriioses  of 
mercy,  as  He  now  d(.es  by  the  C'huich  ;cf'.  3. 
4;  20.  2,),  and  which  He  rules,  and  all  other 
things  for  the  good  of  His  people  lEph.  l.  22.J. 
PSALIM  XV. 

Ver.  1  -5,  Those  who  are  fit  for  communion 
with  (lod  may  be  known  by  a  conformity  to 
His  law,  which  is  illustrated  in  various  im- 
portant jarticul  rs. 

1.  abide— or,  sojourn  fcf  Ps.  5.  4,),  where  it 
means  under  God's  protection;  here,  as  (Ps. 
23.  6;  27.  4,  G,),  communion,  tabernacle— seat 
or  the  ark  (2  Sam.  6.  17  ),  the  symbol  of  God's 
presence,  holy  hiil— (cf.  Ps.  2. 6.).  2.walketh 
— (cf.  Ps.  1.  l.\  upriglitly— in  a  complete 
manner,  as  to  all  partsot  conduct  (Gen.  17, 1,), 
not  as  to  degree,  worlieth— or  does,  right- 
eoubness— what  is  right,  in  his  heart— sincerely 
(Pro.  23.  7.).  3.  He  neither  slanders  nor 
spreads  slander.  4.  Love  and  hate  are  regu- 
lated by  a  regard  to  God's,  sweareih  .  .  . 
hurt- or  what  so  results  (cf.  Lev.  5.4.).  5. 
(Cf.  Lev.  25.  37;  Dent.  23.  19.  2u.j.  usury— is 
derived  from  a  verb  meaning  to  bite.  All 
gains  made  by  the  wrongful  loss  of  others 
are  forbidden,  taketh  leward,  Arc  ,— the  in- 
nocent would  not  otherwise  be  condemned 
(cf.  Ex.  23.  8;  Dent.  16.  19.).  Bribery  of  all 
sorts  is  denounced,  doeth  tl  ese,  <tc,— Such 
persons  admitted  to  God's  presence  and  fa- 
vour shall  nevei-  (Ps.  10.  6;  13.  5.)  be  moved. 
PSALM  XVI. 

Ver.l-U.  Michtam  or,  by  the  change  of  one 
letter,  Michtnh—n  writing,  such  as  a  poem  or 
son-  cf.  I.-a.3S.  9  ).  Such  a  change  of  the  letter 
ni  for/' was  not  unusual.  The  position  of  this 
word  in  connection  with  the  author's  name, 
being  that  usually  occupied  by  some  term, 
384 


PSALT^IS  XITI-^XVI. 


Preservation  in  God, 


such  as  Psj.nlm  or  Song,  denoting  t)ie  style  of 
matter  of  the  composition,  favours  this  view 
of  its  meaning,  though  we  know  not  why 
this  and  Ps.  56.-fi0.  should  l)es])ecial!y  called 
a  writiiui.  A  golden  (P.-alm  .  or  a  M<morial, 
are  explanations  proposed  I  y  some— neither 
of  which,  however  applicable  here,  appear 
adapted  to  the  other  Psalms  wliere  the  term 
occurs.  According  to  Peter  (Acts,  2.  25,)  and 
i  Paul  Acta,  13. 35, , this  Psalm  relates  toChrist, 
and  expresses  tlje  feelings  or  His  human  na- 
ture, in  view  of  His  sufferings  and  victoiy 
over  death  and  the  grave,  including  His  sub- 
sequent exaitation  at  the  right  hand  of  God. 
Sucli  was  the  exposition  of  the  best  earlier 
Christian  intepreters.  Some  moderns  have 
held  tii.at  the  Psalm  relates  exclusively  to 
David,  but  this  view  is  expressly  contradicted 
by  the  ai  ostles;  others  hold  that  thelanguage 
of  the  P.salm  is  applicable  to  David  as  a  type 
of  (.'hrist.  capable  of  the  higher  sense  assigned 
it  in  the  IS'  .T.  .But  then  the  language  of  v.  10 
cannot  be  u.sed  of  David  in  any  sense,  lor 
"he  saw  corruption."  Others  again  propose 
to  refer  the  first  part  to  David,  anrl  the  last 
to  Christ;  but  it  is  evident  that  no  change 
in  the  subject  of  the  P.saim  is  indicated.  In- 
deed, the  peisoa  who  apue-.iis  t"  Gi  d  lor  help 
is  evidently  the  same  who  rejoice-  in  having 
found  it.  In  referring  the  wliole  Psalm  to 
Chii.<t,  It  is,  however,  by  no  me.iiiS  denied 
that  much  of  its  language  is  expressive  of 
the  feelings  of  His  people,  so  far  as  m  their 
humble  measure  they  have  the  .eelings  of 
trust  in  God  expressed  by  Him,  their  head  and 
reprtsentalive.  Such  use  of  His  ianL,uage, 
as  recorded  in  His  last  prayer  John.  ]7.); 
and  even  that  He  used  in  Gethsemane,  under 
similar  modifications,  is  equally  proper.  The 
projiriety  of  this  reference  of  the  Psalm  to 
Christ  wi.l  appear  in  the  scope  and  inter- 
pretation. In  view  of  the  sufierings  before 
Him,  the  Saviour,  with  thatin.^tmctive  dread 
of  death  manifested  in  Ciethsemane,  calls 
on  God  to  "preserve"  Him:  He  avows  Hia 
delight  in  holiness  and  abhorrence  of  the 
wicked  and  their  wickedness;  and  for  "the 
joy  that  was  set  lefore  Him,  despi.sing  the 
shame,"  encourages  Himself;  contemplating 
the  glories  of  the  heritage  apjiointea  Him. 
Thus  even  death  and  tlie  grave  lo^e  their 
terrors  in  the  assurance  of  the  victory  to  be 
attained  and  "the  glory  that  should  fol- 
lov/." 

1.  Preserve  me-«keep  or  watch  over  my  in- 
terests, ill  thee  ...  1  .  .  .  t-  ust— as  one  seek- 
ing shelter  from  pressing  danger.  2.  n.ysou; — 
must  be  supplied;  expressed  in  similar  cases 
(Ps.  42.  5,  11.).  my  goodne.ss  .  .  .  thte— 'ihia 
obscure  passage  is  variously  expounded. 
Either  one  of  two  expositions  fails  in  with 
the  context.  My  goodness  or  merit  is  not  on 
account  of  thee— ie.,  is  not  for  thy  benefit. 
Then  follows  the  contrast  of  v.  3.  but  is  in 
1  respect,  or  for  the  saints,  &c.—i.e.,  it  enures 
I  to  them.  Or  my  goodness— or  happiness  is 
!  not— besides  thee— i.e.,  without  thee  I  have 
:  no  other  source  of  happiness.  Then,  "  to  the 
saints,"  &c.  means  that  the  san  e  priA'ilega 
of  deriving happinessfromGodonly  IS  theirs. 
The  first  is  most  consonant  with  the  ]\iessia- 
I  nic  ciiaracter  of  the  Psalm,  though  tlie  latter 
I  is  not  inconsistent  with  it  3.  saiirs— or  iier- 
:  sons  con-ecrated  to  God,  set  aj'Mrt  from 
others,  to  liLs  service,  intho  faril  — /.t.,  land 
i  of  Palestine— the  residence  of  (.'od's  chosen 
1  people— figuratively  for  the  Church,    excel- 


PSALJIS  XVII,  xvin. 


noye  of  Everlasting  Life. 
lent— or  nobles,  distinguished  for  moral  ex- j  dominion  over  him. 


Of  Worldly  Men. 
Thou  wilt  show  me— 


cellence.  4.  He  expresses  his  abhorrence  of  j  guide  me  to  attain.  tl'e_pathof  life— or.  li 
those  who  seek  other  sources  of  happiness  i  the  plural  denoting  variety  and  abundance— 
or  objects  of  worship,  and,  by  characteris-j  immortal  lilessedness  of  every  sort— as  life 
ing  their  rites  by  drink-offerings  of  lilood,  often  deaotes.  in  t'y  presence- or,  before 
clearly  denotes  idolaters.  The  v.-ord  for  sor-\thy  faces.  The  frequent  u?e  of  this  plural 
rovja  is  by  some  rendei'ed  idols;  but,  thoii':;h '  form  for  faces  may  contain  an  allusion  to  the 
a  similar  word  to  that  for  idols,  it  is  not  the  i  Trinity  (Num.  6.  25,  20;  Ps.  17. 15;  31. 16. .  at 
same.  In  selecting  such  a  term,  there  may  thy  right  hand— to  which  Christ  was  exalted 
be  an  allusion,  by  the  autlior,  to  the  sorrows  (Ps.  110.  1;  Acts,  2.  .iS;  Col.  3. 1  H.  b.  1. 3.'.  Fn 
produced  l>y  idolatrous  practices.    6-7.  God  the  glories  of  this  state,  f!e  shall  see  of  the 

.-^,.-    ,,  «.        .,  .J 1-  .._,!.  __.i  -,^...x    tra^jail  (Isa.  53.10,  U;  rhil.2.  9,!,of  hissoul, 

and  be  satisfied. 

PS.AL]\l  XVII. 
Ver.  1-15.  This  Psalm  is  termed  a  prayer, 
becau.?e  the  language  of  petiticn  is  iircdon  i- 
nant.  Withajui-tcaiue  since  ely  i  re-ented, 
the  writer  prays  f'^r  a  just  deci.^jibn  and  help 
and  protection.  Pie-uliiig  former  mercies  as 
a  ground  of  liope.  lie  br-es  l.is  prjiyer  in  ^  iew 
of  tlie  malice, pride,  rap:icity,  and  soltishress 
of  his  foes,  whose  rhnr;ic  er  is  ''ontrp.sted 
with  his  pious  devotion  snd  del  glit  n  Ood's 
favour.  2.  sentence— acquitting  judsnient. 
from  thy  presence— thy  tribi  ml.  thivgs  that 
are  equal— just  and  right,  do  tin  ii  re^'ard.  3. 
proved  .  .  .  visl'ed  .  .  .  tried— his  character  was 
most  rigidly  tested,  at  all  times,  and  by  aU 
methods,  affliction  and  others  (Ps.  7.  10.). 
purposed  that,  (tc— or,  my  mouth  does  not 
exceed  my  purpose— I  am  sincere.  4.  works 
of  men— sinful  practices,  by  tie  word  of  thy 
liDs— asauuide  (Ps.  119.  9, 11,  95.'.  destroyer- 
violent  man.  5.  May  V  e  read  as  an  as'-ert'on; 
"my  steps  or  goings  have  held  on  to  thy 
paths."  6.  wilt  he^r  me— i.e.,  graciously  ;Ps. 
3.  4.1.  7.  Show— set  apart  as  special  and  emi- 
nent (Ex.8. 18;  Ps.  4.  ?,.).  thyrigi  tiiaiid-for 
thy  power.  8.  Similar  figures  denoting  the 
iireciousness  of  God's  people  in  his  sight,  in 
Deut.  .'^2.  10-11;  Mat.  23.  37.  9.  compass  me 
— fcf.  Ps.  118. 10-12.).  10.  iiiclcsed  .  .  .  ?>it-are 
become  proud  in  prosperity,  and  insolent  to 
God  iDeut.  32.  15;  Ps.  73.  7.}.  11.  They  pur- 
sue us  as  beasts  tracking  their  prey.  12. 
The  figure  made  more  special,  by  that  of  a 
lion  lurking.  13-15.  disavpoiut— 'i<.,  come  hC' 
fore,  or,  encounter  Mm,.  Supply  unth  before 
sv-ord  {V.  13,',  and  hand  (v.  14.).  These  de- 
note God's  power,  men  . .  .  world— all  men  of 
this  present  time.  They  appear,  by  fulness 
of  bread  and  large  famil  es,  to  be  prosperous 
but  {v.  15,',  he  implies  this  will  be  transient 
contrasting  his  better  portion  in  a  joyfu 
union  with  God  hereafter. 

PSALM  X\TII. 
Ver.  1-50.  "  The  servant  of  the  Lord," 
which  in  the  Hebrew  precedes  "David,"  is  a 
significant  part  of  the  title  and  not  a  mere 
epithet  of  David',  denoting  the  inspired  cha- 
racter of  the  sonu,  as  the  production  of  one 
intrusted  with  the  execution  of  God's  will. 
He  was  not  favoured  by  (iod,  because  he 
served  Him,  but  served  Hi  m  because  select- 
ed and  appointed  by  (4od  in  His  sovereign 
mercy.  After  a  general  expres.«ion  of  praise 
and  confidence  in  God  for  the  future,  David 
gives  a  sublimely  poetical  description  of 
God's  deliverance,  which  he  char.icterises  as 
an  illu  stration  of  God's  justice  to  the  in  nocent 
and  His  righteous  government.  His  own 
prowess  and  success  are  celebrated  as  the  re- 
ults  of  divine  aid.  and,  corjfident  of  its  con- 
tinuance, he  closes  in  terms  of  triumphant 
raise.  2  Sam.  22.  is  a  copy  of  this  P.salm, 
with  a  few  unimportant  variations,  recoriled 
there  as  a  part  of  the  history,  and  repeated 


is  the  cliief  good,  and  supplies  all  need  Peut 
10.  9.).  portion  of  mine  inheritance  and  of  my 
cup— may  contain  an  allusion  to  the  daily 
supply  of  food,  and  also  to  the  inheritance  of 
Levi  (Deut.  18.  l,  2).  maintainest— or,  dravust 
out  my  lot— enlargest  it.  The  next 
carries  out  this  idea  more  fully,  given  me 
counsel— cared  for  me.  my  reins — the  suv>posed 
seat  of  emotion  and  thought  (Ps.  7.  9;  2G.  2.\ 
iustrnc  me— or,  excite  to  acta  of  praise  fisa 
63. 11 ,  l.>;  Heb.  12. 2.).  8.  With  God's  presence 
and  aid  he  is  sure  of  safety  (Ps.  10.  6;  15.  5; 
John,  12.  -z',  2«;Heb.  .5.  7,8..  9.'glory— as  heart 
iPs.  7.  .5,  ,  for  self.  In  (.\cts,2.  26,',  after  the 
Sept.,  my  tongue  as  "the  glory  of  the  frame' 
—the  instrument  for  praisim^  God.  flesh— if 
taken  as  opposed  to  soul  w.  10,  ,  it  may  mean 
the  body;  otherwise,  the  whole  person  [cf 
Ps.  6:5.  1;  8-1.  2. .  '  est  in  hop'?— (cf.  Mnrg.  .  10. 
soul- or,  .self.  Tills  use  of  soul  for  the  person 
is  frequent  (Gen.  12.  5:  46  26;  Ps.  3.  2;  11.  1; 
7.  2.)  even  when  the  body  may  be  the  part 
chieily  affected,  as  P-s.  3.5,  13;  10.5. 18,^  Some 
cases  are  cited  as  Lev,  22.  4;  Num.  6.  6;  9. 
C.  10;  19  13;  Hag.  2.  13,  (fee.)  which  seem  to 
justify  assigning  the  meaning  of  hody,  or 
dead  body;  but  it  will  be  found  that  the 
latter  sense  is  given  by  some  adjunct  ex- 
pressed or  impl'ed.  In  those  cases  person  is 
the  i.roper  sense,  wilt  r.ot  'eave  . . .  hell- 
abandon  to  the  power  of  (Jo'>,  39.  14;  Ps. 
49.  !0.1.  Hell  as  (Gen.  42.  38;  Ps.  6.  6;  Jon. 
2.  2,  ,  the  state  or  region  of  death,  and  so 
frequently— or  the  grave  itself  (Job,  14.  13; 
17.  13;  Eccl.  9.  10.  &c.)  So  the  Greek  Hades 
cf.  Acts,  2.  27,  31.1.  The  context  alone  can 
settle  whether  the  state  mentioned  is  one  of 
sulferins.  and  place  of  the  damned  cf.  Ps. 
9.  17;  Pro.  5.  5;  7.  27.).  wilt .  .  .  suffer— lit., 
give,  or,  appoint.  Holy  One— Ps.  4.  3.),  one 
who  is  the  object  of  God's  favour,  and  so  a 
recipient  of  divine  grace  which  he  exhibits 
—P'ons.  to  see— or,  experience  — undergo 
(Luke,  2.  26.^  corruption— Some  render  the 
word,  the  pit,  which  is  possible,  but  for  the 
obvious  sense  which  the  apostle's  exposition 
(Acts,  2.  27;  13.  36,  .'.7,1.  gives.  The  sense  of  the 
whole  passage  is  clearly  this:— by  the  use  of 
JfesJi  and  soid,  the  disembodied  state  pro- 
duced by  death  is  indicated;  but,  on  the 
other  hand,  no  more  than  the  state  of  death 
is  intended;  for  the  last  clause  of  v.  10  is 
strictly  parallel  with  the  first,  and  Holy  One 
Corresponds  to  soul,  and  corruption  io  hell. 
A*  ffoi^i/;>nfl,  or  David  Acts,1.3.  36,.37,\which 
denotes  the  person,  including  soul  and  body, 
is  used  for  body,  of  which  only  corruption 
can  be  predicated  (cf.  Acts,  2.  31. ^ ;  so  on  the 
contrary,  soul,  which  literally  means  the  im- 
material part,  is  used  for  the  person.  The 
language  n^aybethusparaphrased,  "In death 
I  shall  hope  for  resurrection;  for  I  shall  not 
be  left  under  its  dominion  and  within  its 
bounds,  or  be  subject  to  the  corruption  which 
ordinarily  ensues."  11.  Eaised  from  the  dead, 
he  shall  die  no  more,  death  hath  no  more 
384  [li 


David  Praiseth  Ood . 


PSALM  XIX^ for  His  Manifold  HUsdngs. 

here  as  part  of  a  collection  designed  for  per-  mine  iniquity— perhaps  the  tlionsht  of  his 
manent  use.  heart  to  kill  Saul  a  l?am.  '>\.  6. >.  1'liat David 
1.  I  will  love  thee— with  most  tender  affec-  does  not  allude  to  all  Ids  conduct,  in  all 
tion.  2,3.  'i'he  various  terms  used  describe  relations  is  evident  from  Ps.  51.  l,  &c.  25- 
Godas  an  object  of  the  most  implicit  and  27.  God  renders  to  uien  according  to  their 
reliable  trust,  rock— ^ii.,  a  cleft  rock,  tor  deeds  in  a  penal,  not  vindictive,  sense  (Lev, 
conceabnent.  strength— a  firm  immovable  20.  2:5,  24.) .  mercifid— or,  kind  (Ps.  4..-^..).  fro- 
rock,  horn  of  )ny  salvation— the  horn,  as  the  ward— contrary  to.  the  Lfflicted  ceople— i.e., 
means  of  attack  or  defence  of  some  of  the  the  humbly  pious,  liigli  i>.oks— pride  (Ps. 
strongest  animals,  is  a  frequent  emblem  of  lul.  .5;  131.  l.).  28  To  (lirt  one  light  is  to 
power  or  strength  efficiently  exercised  (cf.  make  prosi)erous  Job,  is.  r,,  C;  n.  17.  .  thou 
Deut.  3.;.  1";  Luke.  1.  69.  .  tovrex—lit.Jurih  —is  emphatic,  as  if  to  say,  I  can  fulJy  con- 
place,  beyond  reach  of  danger,  to  be  praised  fide  in  thee  for  help.  29.  And  this  on  past 
—lor  past  lavours,  and  worthy  of  confidence. :  experience,  in  his  military  lite,  set  forth  by 


4.  soriows— ?i(.,  bcnids  as  of  and  cPs.  116 
floods— denotes  multitude,     deati'— and  hell 


these  fi^'ures.    SO-32.  God's  perfection  is  the 
source  of  his  own,  which  has  rosidted  from 


cf.  Ps.  16. 10, —are  personified  as  man's  great  his  trust  on  the  one  hand,  and  God's  pro- 
enennes  (cl.  Rev.  20.  13,  14.).  prevented— en-  i  mised  help  on  the  other,  tried—"  a.^  metala 
countered  me,  crossed  my  path  and  endan- '  are  tried  by  fire  and  proved  genuine,"  Ps. 
gered  ray  safety.  He  does  not  mean  he  was  12.6.:.  Shield  [Fs.  3.3.).  G<r<i/nf/ was  essen- 
in  their  power.  6.  He  relates  his  mediods  tial  to  free  motion  on  account  of  the  loose- 
to  iirocure  relief  when  distressed,  and  his  ness  of  oriental  dresses,  hence  it  is  an  ex- 
saccess.  ;emple— (cf.  Ps.  11.  4..  7, 8.  God's  pressive  figure  for  de.scril.ini>;  the  gift  of 
corning  described  in  figiires  drawn  from  His  stren-th.    33-  6.  God's  help  farther  descrilied 


appearance  on  iiinai  cl.  Dent.  32. 22.).    smoke 

out  

Ps.  74.  1.).  by  it— ic,  the  fire  (Ex.  19.  18. 
9.  darkness- or, adensec.'otid  Ex.  19. If!;  Deut 
5.  2-'.).     10.  clierub— angelic  agents  (cf.  Gen 


^  ...     He  pives  swiftness  to  pursue  or  elude  hi3 
s  nGstnls-;-better  in  his  wrath  (cf.  j  enemies  (Hab.  .3.  19,),  stren'.;th,  protection, 
"  '      and  a  firm  footing,    thy  gentle); ess— as  ap- 
plied to  God— condescension— or,  that  wh'ch 
He  gives,  in  the  sense  of  huvuUtu  icl.  Pro. 


3.  24,),  the  figures  of  which  were  placed  over  j  22.  4.).  enlargedmy  steps— iiade  amiile  roi*m 
the  ark  (1  Sam.  4.  4,),  representing  God's  1  (cf.  Pro,  4.  12.).  37-41.  In  actual  conflict,  !;y 
dwelling;  used  here  to  enhance  the  majesty  i  (clod's  aid,  the  defeat  of  his  enemies  is  ccr- 
of  the  divine  advent.  Angels  and  winds  i)>a,y  turn.  A  present  and  continued  success  is 
represent  all  rational  and  irrational  agencies  I  expressed,  that  rose  up  against  me— /iL,  in- 
of  God's  providence  cf.  Ps.  104.  3, 4.'.    dirt  liv  '  surgents  iPs.  3.  1;  44.  6  1.    given  me  the  n^nks 


-rapidity  of  motion  adds  to  the  grandeur  of 
the  sceric.  11.  dark  waters— or,  clouds  heavy 


-lit,  he 
(Ex.  23 


acks  oj  the  necks— uiaAe  them  retreat 
.  27;  Josh.  7.  8.)^   42.  This  conquest 


with  vapour.  12.  Out  of  this  obscurity,  which '  was  complete.  43-45.  Not  only  does  He  con- 
impresses  tlie  i-eholder  w  ith  aw  e  and  dread,  1  quercivil  foes,  biit foreigners,  who  are  driven 
He  reveals  Himself  by  sudden  light  and  the  [  from  thtir  places  of  refuge,  submit,  fee- 
means  of  His  terrible  wrath  Josh.  10.  U;  Ps.  l(cf  Jl/arsr.)— i,e.,  show  a  forced  subjection. 
78.47.).  13.  Thestormbreaksforth— thunder  46.  Tlie  Lord  liveth— contrasts  Him  with 
follows  lightning,  and  hail  with  repeated  I  idols  ( 1  Cor.  8.  4.h  47,  48.  ;  vengetli  n-.e- iiis 
lightning,  as  often  seen,  like  bails  or  coals  of!  cause  is  espoitsed  by  i  ;od  as  His  own.  lirest 
fire,  succeed  Ex.  9. 23.).  14.  The  fiery  bright- 1  me  up— to  safety  and  honours.  49,50.  Paul, 
ness  of  lightning,  in  shape  like  burning  ar-l(Poni.  15.  9,1.  quotes  from  this  doxolo'4y  :o 
rows  rapidly  shot  through  the  air,  well  repre- ,  show  that,  under  the  O.-T.  economy,  other.s 
sentstheniostterriblepartofanawfulscorm.  than  the  Jews  were  regarded  as  sulijectsuf 
Beforetheterrorsof  such  a  scene  the  enemies  that  spiritual  Kovernment,  of  which  I'avid 
are  confpunded  and  overthrown  in  dismay,  i  was  head,  and  in  which  character  his  delivcr- 
15.  The  tempest  of  the  air  is  attended  1  -y  ap- 1  ances  and  victories  were  tyjiical  of  the  more 
propriate  results  on  earth.  The  language, ;  illustrious  trium;>hs  of  David's  greater  Son. 
though  not  expressive  of  any  special  physical  i  The  langua'.;e  of  v.  50  justifies  this  view  in  its 
changes,  represents  the  utter  subversion  of  i  distinct  allusion  to  the  great  promise  (cf. 
the  order  of  nature.  Before  such  a  God  ;  2  fciam.  7.).  In  all  David's  successes  he  saw 
nonecan  stand.  16-19.  fromabove-  as  seated  j  the  pledges  of  a  fulfilment  of  that  pronu>,e, 
on  a  throne,  directing  these  terrible  .scenes,  and  he  mourned  in  all  his  adversities  not 
God— sent— Hi5  hand  (Ps.  144.  7,),  renched  ■  only  in  view  of  his  personal  suffering,  but 
down  to  His  humble  worshiiiper  anddeliver-  because  he  saw  in  them  evidences  of  danger 
ed  him.  maiy  waters— calamities  (Job,  oO.  to  the  great  interests  which  were  committed 
14;  Ps.  124.4,5.;.  prevented— (y.  3.).  a  large  to  his  keeping.  It  is  in  th.ese  aspects  <f  lus 
pi  ce— denotes  safety  or  relief,  as  contrasted  character  that  we  are  led  pn'periy  to  appre- 
with  the  siraits  of  di.stress  (Ps.  4. 1.'.  Allhis  date  the  importance  attached  to  his  soirowa 
deliverance  is  ascribed  to  God,  and  this  sub-  and  sufferings,  his  joys  and  succes.ses. 
liis.e  poetical  representation  is  given  to  in-  j  PSALM  XIX. 

spire  the  pious  with  confidence  and  the  Ver.l-14.— Afterexhibitingtheharmonioua 
wicked  with  dread.  20-24.  The  statements  revelation  of  God's  lerlections  made  by  His 
of  innocence,  ri;;hteousness,<bc.,  refer,  doubt-  works  and  His  word,  the  Psalmist  prays  for 
less,  to  his  iiersona!  and  official  conduct  and  conformity  to  the  divine  teaching, 
his  purposes,  during  all  the  trials  to  which  1.  the  glory  of  God— is  the  sum  of  His  per- 
lie  was  suVijected  in  Saul's  persecutions  and  fections  iPs.  24.  7-10;  Rons.  1.  20.),  haudyw.rk 
Alisaloni's  rebellions,  as  well  as  the  various  —old  English  for  work  of  his  hands,  lirnia- 
wars  in  which  he  had  been  engaged  as  the  ment— another  word  for  heavens  iien.  l.  S.). 
hend  and  defender  of  (iod'sChurch  and  peorde.  2.  uttereth— pours  forth— as  a  stream— a  per- 
iiiTiihr,  be.o.e  him— in  my  relation  to  (JodI  petnal  testimony.  3.  Though  there  is  no 
have  been  perfect  as  to  all  parts  of  His  law.  articulate  speech  or  words;  yet.  without 
The  perieciion  does  not  relate  to  degree,  these,  their  voice  is  heard  (ct.  Marg.].  4. 
3S4  [2] 


for^  manifold  Ueisings. 


13  The  Lord  also  thundered  m  the  heav 
ejis.  and  the  llij^hest  gave  *his  voice;  hail 
st'-iics  and  coab  of  fire. 

14  Vea,  2  he  sent  out  his  arrovs,  and  scat- 
tered them;  and  he  shot  out  lightnings, 
aJid  I'iscomJited  them. 

15  I'hon  the  oh,",nnel.H  of  waters  were  seen, 
and  t!ie  foundatii^ns  of  the  world  v/ere  dis- 
covLTed  at  thy  rehnke.  0  Lord,  at  the  blast 
of  ti;e  breath  of  thy  nostrils. 

li)  lie  "'  sent  from" above,  he  took  me,  he 
diew  nie  out  of  5  many  waters. 

17  lie  (ielivered  me  from  my  strong  enemy, 
and  ftoni  tht-m  which  hated  me:  for  they 
were  'oo  strorar  for  me. 

IS  Tliej  prevented  me  in  the  day  of  my 
calamity:  nut  the  Lord  was  my  stay. 

19  lie  "  brought  me  lorth  also  into  a  large 
place;  he  delivered  me, because  he  delighted 
m  me. 

20  The  "  Lord  rewarded  me  according  to 
my  righteousness;  according  to  the  clean- 
nes^i  of  my  hands  hath  he  recompensed  me. 

21  For  1  have  kept  the  ways  of  the  Lord, 
and  have  not  wickedly  departed  from  my 
God. 

22  For  all  his  judgments  were  before  me, 
and  I  did  not  put  away  his  statutes  from 
me. 

23  I  was  also  u])right  6  before  him,  and  I 
kept  myself  from  mine  iniquity. 

24  Therefore  ^  hath  the  Lord  recompensed 
me  according  to  my  righteousness,  accord- 
ins  to  the  cleanness  of  my  hands  "i  in  his 
evesight. 

25  U'ith  '  the  merciful  thou  wilt  show 
thvself  merciful;  with  an  upright  man  thou 
wilt  show  thyself  upright ; 

26  With  tho  pure  thou  wilt  show  thyself 

Fure;  and  *■  with  the  fro  ward  thou  wilt 
show  thyself  fio ward. 

27  For  thou  wilt  save  the  afflicted  people; 
but  wilt  bring  down  *  high  looks. 

28  For  '  thou  wilt  lis^ht  ray  9  candle:  the 
Lord  my  God  will  enlighten  my  darkness. 

29  For  by  thee  I  have  i"  run  through  a 
troop;  and  by  my  God  have  I  leaped  over 
a  wall. 

SO  .4s  for  God,  **  his  way  is  perfect: "  the 
word  of  the  Lord  is  "  tiied ;  he  is  a  buckler 
to  all  those  that  trust  in  him. 

31  For  "'  who  is  God  save  the  Lord?  or 
who  is  a  rock  save  our  God? 

S2  /( is  God  that  girdcth  me  with  strength, 
and  maketh  my  wa^'  perftct. 

33  lie  tn.aketh  my  feet  like  hinds'/eet,  and 
aetteth  me  upon  my  high  places. 

34  lie  teacheth  my  hands  to  war,  so  that 
a  bow  of  steel  is  broken  by  mine  arms. 

35  Thou  hast  also  given  me  the  shield  of 
thy  salvation:  and  thy  right  hand  hath 
holden  me  up.  and  ^-  thy  gentleness  hath 
made  me  gieat. 

S6  Thou  hast  enlarged  my  steps  under  me, 
that  13  my  feet  did  not  slip. 

37  I  have  pursued  mine  enemies,  and  over- 
taken them;  neither  did  I  turn  again  till 
they  were  consumed. 

38  I  have  wounded  them,  that  they  were 
not  able  to  rise:  thej  ai'e  fallen  under  my 
feet. 

39  For  thou  hast  girded  me  with  strength 
unto  the  battle:  thou  hast  i*  subdued  under 
me  those  that  mst;  up  against  me. 

41)  Tlii'U  hast  also  given  me  the  necks  of 
mine  eiiemiis,  that  T 
that  hate  me. 

41  Thejr  cried,  but  tln'rewae  none  to  save 


fSAJM_TCL Ood'&  works  proclaim  his  glory. 


might  destroy  them 


PSALM  18. 
t  p..  29.  3. 
I  It.  30.  30. 
m  Ps.  144.  7. 
6  Or,  froat 

walerl. 
«  Ps.  118.  6. 


»  Pro.  6.  17 
t  Job  13  6. 
9  Or,  Ump 
lU  Or, 

broken, 
ti  Deu.3:i  4. 

Dan.  4  37. 

Rer.  15.3. 
V  Ps.  12.  0. 

P»n9.140. 

Pro.  -M.  6. 

11  Or, 
refin«d. 

«'Deu.32  31. 

12  Or.  with 
thy  mcck- 
neit  thou 
ha«t  mul- 
tiplied 
me. 

13  mine 

14  caused  to 


?he  ear. 

16  the  son! 
of  the 

stranger. 

17  lie, 

or,  yield 

obedience. 
V  Mic.  7. 17. 
z  Jer.  lU.  10. 

18  giveth 


tlioir  voice 

out  these 
their  voice 

a  Or,  Their 
role,  or, 
direction. 

3  Or, 
doctrine. 

4  Or, 
restoring. 

5  truth. 

6  the  drop- 
ping of 

7  Or,  much. 
0  my  rock. 


them;  *  even  unto  the  Lord,  but  he  an- 

Bweied  them  not. 

42  Then  did  1  beat  them  small  as  the  dust 
before  the  wind ;  I  did  cast  them  out  as  the 
dirt  in  the  streets. 

43  Thou  hast  delivered  me  from  the  striv- 
ings of  the  t)eople;  and  thou  ha.st  made  me 
the  head  of  the  heathen  :  a  people  wh07n  I 
have  not  known  shall  sen-e  me. 

44  16  As  soon  as  they  hear  of  me,  they 
shall  obey  me:  16  the  strangers  shall  l^ sub- 
mit themselves  unto  me. 

45  The "stiiingers  shall  fade  away,  and  be 
afraid  out  of  tl  eir  close  places. 

46  The  '  Lord  liveth;  and  blessed  hr  my 
liock;  and  let  the  God  of  my  salvation  be 
exalted.  * 

47  It  is  (iod  that  i*  avengeth  me,  and 
13  subdi;eth  the  people  under  me. 

48  lie  di'li\treth  me  fioin  mine  enemies; 
yea,  thou  iiltesl  me  up  above  those  that 
rise  up  against  me:  thou  hast  delivered  me 
from  the  -"  violent  man. 

49  Thereibre  will  1  21  give  thanks  unto 
thee,  O  Lord,  among  tn^.  heathen,  and 
sing  praises  unto  thy  name. 

50  Great  deliverance  giveth  he  to  his  king; 
and  showeth  mercy  to  his  anointed,  to 
David,  and  to  his  seed  for  evermore. 

PSALM  XIX. 
1  The  erfvturea  sh<-,w  Gnd's  glry.    7  Fx(tlUnej/ 
of  God'.'  law.     IJ  Jjavid  pruii.'  for  grace 
To  the  Chief  Musician,  A  rsalni  of  David. 
'piIE  "  heavens  declare  the  glory  of  God; 
■*■  and  the  firmament  showeth  liis  handy- 
work. 

2  Day  unto  dayuttereth  speech,  and  night 
unto  night  showeth  knowledge. 

3  Thert  is  no  speech  nor  language  ito/iere 
their  voice  is  not  heard. 

4  ^  Their  line  is  gone  out  through  all  the 
earth,  and  their  words  to  the  end  of  the 
world.  In  them  hath  he  set  a  tabernacle 
for  the  sun; 

5  Which  is  as  a  bridegroom  coming  out  of 
his  chamber,  and  rejoiceth  as  a  strong  man 
to  nm  a  race. 

6  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  the 
heaven,  and  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  it: 
and  there  is  nothing  hid  from  the  heat 
thereof. 

7  The  3  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  *  con- 
verting the  soul:  the  testimony  of  the  Lord 
is  <ure,  making  wise  the  simple: 

8  The  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right, 
rejoicing  the  heart:  the  commandment 
ol  the  Lord  is  pure,  enlightening  the 
eyes: 

9  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring 
for  ever:  the  judgments  of  the  Lord  cere 
6  true  and  righteous  altogether. 

10  More  to  be  desiied  are  they  than  gold, 
yea,  than  much  fine  gold;  sweeter  also  thau 
nonev,  and  i'  the  honeycomb. 

11  Aloreover  bythem  is  thyser\'ant  warned: 
and  in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  re- 
ward. 

12  Who  can  understand  his  errors?  cleanse 
thou  me  from  secret  faults. 

13  Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  pre- 
sumptuous sins;  let  them  not  have  domin- 
ion over  me:  then  shall  1  be  upright,  and  I 
shall  be  innocent  from  "  the  great  tra?i8- 
gression. 

14  Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  atid  the 
meditation  of  my  heart,  be  acceptiible  ia 
thy  sii,'lu,  O  Lord,  8  my  strength,  and  my 
redeemer. 


The  Church's  CovJicUnce  in  God.  TSALMS  XX— XXII.       A  Thanksgiving  for  Vktoi-y. 
Their  line— or,  instruction— tlie  influence  ex-  under  David,  but  also  under  his  last  greatest 
erted  by  their  tacit  display  of  Gt)d's  perfec- , successor,  '"The  King  ol  the  Jews 


tions.    Paul,  (Rom.  10.  8,;,  quoting  from  the  ■ 
Sept.,\\:<es  sound,  which  gives  the  same  sense. 


1.  thy  strength  ...  iliy  salvage  n— as  sup- 
plied by  thee.    2.  The  sentiment  aliirmeil  m 


6.  <3.  The  sun,  as  the  most  glorious  heavenly  the  first  clause  is  re-affirjued  by  the  ne-atiou 
body,  is  specially  used  to  illustrate  the  sen- 1  of  its  opposite  in  the  second.  3.  prcventesc 
tiiiient;  and  his  vigorous,  cheerful,  daily,  —/i(.,  to  meet, /'-ere  in  good  sense,  ov,frt,end- 
and  extensive  course,  and  his  reviving- heat ;  s/i?.p  iFs.  59.  lO.I.  (cf.  opposite,  Ps.  17.  V.i.]. 
(including  li^ht  well  display  the  wondrous  i  blessings  of  goodness— wluchconter  happiness, 
■wisdom  of  his  Maker.  7-9.  The  law  is  de-j  crown  of  pure  gold— a  figure  tor  the  highest 
scribed  by  six  names,  epithets,  and  effects,  royal  prosperity.     4-6.  ;Cf.  2  Ham.  7,  I'li-lC). 


It  is  a  rule,  God's  testimony  for  the  truth,  |  The  glory  and  blessedness  of  the  king 
JUs  special  and  geueralprescriptiori  of  duty, !  head  of  his  line,  including  Christ,  as  welJ 


las 


fear  (as  its  c.iuse),  and  judicial  decision.  It; in  being  Gods  specially  selected  servant. 
is  distinct  and  certain,  reliable,  right,  pure, ;  exceeded  that  of  ad  others,  made  him  most 
liolv,  and  true.  Hence  it  revives  those  de-  i  bltssed— or  set  him  to  be  blesdngs,  as  Abra- 
pressed  by  doubts,  makes  wise  the  unskilled  ham  ^Gen.  12.  2.).  with,  thy  countenance— by 
(2  Tun.  3.  1.5.),  rejoices  the  lover  of  truth,  i  sis-Zt^  of  thee  {Ps.  16.  11,),  or,  by  thy  favour 
strengthens  the  desponding  (Ps.  13.  4;  34.  6,), ;  expressed  by  the  light  of  thy  countenance 
provides  permanent  principles  of  conduct,  i  (iN  um.  fi.  25,),  or  both.  7.  The  mediate  cause 
ai.d  by  (lOd's  grace  briims  a  rich  reward,  as  the  king's  faith,  the  eflicient,  God's  mercy. 
12-14  The  clearer  our  view  of  the  law,  the  1 8.  The  address  is  now  made  to  the  king, 
more  manitest  are  our  sins.  Still,  for  its  iliand— denotes  power,  and— right  hand— a 
full  effect,  we  need  divine  grace  to  show  us  :  more  active  and  efficient  degree  of  its  exer- 
our  faults,  acquit  us,  restfa,iu  us  from  the  '  else,  find  out— reach,  lay  hold  of,  indicating: 
practice,  and  free  us  from  the  power,  of  sin. :  success  in  pursuit  of  his  enemies.  9.  Ihe 
Thus  cnly  can  our  conduct  be  blameless,  and  I  king  is  only  God's  agent,    anser— lit.,  face,  as 


our  words  and  thoughts  acceptable  to  God. 
I'SALM  XX. 


j  appearing 'against  them,    as  a  fiery  oven— as 
'ill  it.    10.  fruit— children  (Ps.  37.  25;  Hos. 


Ver.  1-9.  David  probably  composed  thisjo.  IC).  11  This  terrible  overthrow,  reaching 
Psalm  to  express  the  prayers  of  the  pious  for  I  to  posterity,  is  due  to  their  crimes  (Ex.  20. 
his  success  as,  at  once,  the  head  of  the  Church  i  5,0.).  12.  turn  their  back-iti.,  plaice  them 
and  nation.  Like  other  compositions  of  I  [as  to  the]  s/iotti'der.  against  the  face  of  them 
•which  David,  in  such  relations,  is  the  sub- 1— The  shooting  agamst  their  faces  would 
ject,  its  sentiments  have  a  permanent  value  [  cause  them  to  turn  their  backs  in  night.    13. 


-the  prosperity  of  Christ's  kinudom  beinj 
involved,  as  well  as  typified,  in  that  of  Israei 
and  its  king, 


The  glory  of  all  is  ascribable  to  God  alone. 
PSALM  XXII. 
Ver.  1-31.     The  obscure  words  Aijeleth 


i.  hear  tiiee— graciously  (Ps.  4. 1.).  name  of !  SJ'ia/iar  in  this  title  have  various  explana- 
— or,  manifested  perfections,  as  power,  wis-  tions.  Most  interpreters  agree  in  translat- 
dom,  (fee.  defend  thee— set  thee  on  high  from  ing  them  by  "Hind  of  the  morning.  _  But 
dauiier  iPs.  9.  9;  IS.  3.).  2.  strengthen  thee— !  great  difference  exists  as  to  the  meaning  of 
sustain  in  conflict;  even  physical  benefits  1  these  words.  By  some  they  are  supposed  (cf. 
may  be  included,  as  courage  for  war,  &c.,  as  !  Ps.  9.)  to  be  the  name  of  the  tune  to  which  the 
such  mav  proceed  from  a  sense  of  divine  fa- !  words  of  the  Psalm  were  set;  by  others,  the 
vour,  secured  in  the  use  of  spiritual  privi-  name  of  a  musical  instrument.  Perhaps  the 
letres.  3.  all  thy  offsrings— or,  gifts,  vegetable  j  best  \-iew  is  to  regard  the  phrase  as  enigma- 
offerings,  accept— iii.,  turn  to  ashes  (cf.  1  Ki.  i  tically  expressive  of  the  subject— the  sufferer 
18.  38-.)  Selah—  Ps.  3.  2.).  4.  thv  counsel— or,  j  being  likened  to  a  liind  pursued  by  hunters 
plan.  5.  salvation— that  wrought  and  expe-  [in  the  early  morning,  M.,  the  dawn  of  day,) 
rienced  by  him.  set  up  our  banners— (Num.  —or  that,  while  hind  suggests  the  idea  of  a 
2.  3.10,),  in  usual  sense,  or,  as  some  render— I  meek,  innocent  sufferer,  the  addition  of 
muij  ive  be  made  great.  6.  He  speaks  as  if  morning  denotes  relief  obtained.  The  feel- 
suddenly  assured  of  a  hearing.  Ms  holy  hea-  ings  of  a  pious  sufferer  in  sorrow  and  deliver- 
veu  — or.  lit.,  the  heavens  of  His  holiness,  ance  are  vividly  pourtrayed.  He  earnestly 
where  He  resides  (Ps.  2.  C;  11.  4).  saving .  .  .  pleads  for  divine  aid  on  the  ground  of  his 
hand— His  power  which  brings  salvation,  his  relation  to  God,  whose  past  goodness  to  His 
anointed— not  only  David  personally,  but  as  i  people  eucourages  hope,  and  then  on  account 
the  specially  appointed  head  of  His  Cliurch.  i  of  the  imminent  danger  by  which  he  is 
7.  remember— or,  cause  to  remember,  men- i  threatened.  The  language  of  complaint  is 
tion  thankfuUy.  (1  Sam.  17.  45;  Ps.  33.  16,).  i  turned  to  that  of  rejoicing. in  the  a.ssured 
8  They— i.e.,  who  trust  in  horses,  &c.  stand  '  pros:  lectof  relief  from  suffering  and  triumph 
urrigni— K<.,  v)e  have  straightened  cmrse toes !  over  Ms  enemies.  The  use  oi  the  words  of 
nil  from  our  distress  and  fears.  9.  let  th°.  |  the  first  clause  of  v.  1,  by  our  Saviour  on  the 
King  hear— as  God's  representative,  delivered  j  cross,  and  the  quotation  of  i;  18  by  John, 
to  deliver.  Perhaps  a  better  sense  is, "  Lord,  \  (19.  24.),  and  of  y.  22  by  Paul,  (Heb  2.  12,',  as 
save  the  king,  hear  us  when  we  call,"  or  fulfilled  in  His  history,  clearly  intimate  the 


PSALM  XXI. 


rophetiral  and  Messianic  purport  of  the 
salm.    The   ntensity  of  the  grief   and  the 


Ver.  1-13.  Thepious  are  led  by  the  Psalmist  completeness  and  glory  of  the  deliverance 
to  celebrate  (^od^s  favour  to  the  king  in  the  .and  triumph,  alike  appear  to  be  unsuitable 
bounties  already  conferred  and  in  prospec- 1  representations  of  the  tortimes  ot  any  less 
t  ve  victories.  The  doxologv  added  m:iy  re- ;  personage.  In  a  general  and  modified  sense, 
late  to  both  Psalms;  the  preceding  of  peti-  :  (cf.  on  Ps.  16.).  the  experience  here  detailed 
tion  chiefly, this  of  thanksgiving,  ascribing  1  mav  be  adapted  to  the  case  of  all  Christians 
honour  to  (.nd  for  His  dispL^y  of  grace  ana  suffering  from  spiritual  foes,  and  delivered 
power  to  His  Church  iu  all  ages,  not  only  i  by  divine  aid,  inasmuch  as  Ohnst,  ux  Uig 
3SS  3£ 


A  thanksgiving  for  vlctori;. 


psALisrs  xx-xxn. 


PSALM   XX. 

I  The  ehuTch  bl(.<se$  tht  king  in  his  exr^loitst  6  the 

erfresaea  a  eoyijiiimee  in  Ood's  tauour. 

To  the  Chief  Musician.  A  Pp.alm  of  Uavld. 

'THK  LoHD  hear  thee  in  thedayoftrouble; 

the  name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  i  defend 

thee. 

2  Send  2  thee  help  from  the  sanctuary,  and 
s  streiiKthen  thee  out  of  Zion. 

3  lifitieiiihrrall  thy  offerings,  and  *  accept 
thy  burnt  s.-icrilice.    Selah. 

4  C-IH.M  tJiie  iiccording  to  thine  own  heart, 
Riivi  fulfil  fill  thy  counsel. 

5  ^Ve  will  rejoice  in  thy  salvation,  and  in 
the  name  of  our  God  we  will  set  up  our 
banners:  the  Lord  fulfil  all  thy  petitions. 

S  Now  know  I  that  the  Lord  savttlr  his 
anointed:  he  will  hear  him  6froiii  hi/holy 
heaven  «  with  the  saving  strength  of  his 
rit,'hi  hand. 

1  Some  trust  in  chariots,  and  some  in 
horses  •  but  we  will  «  remember  the  name, 
of  the  LoKD  our  God. 

8  They  are  broucrht  down  and  fallen;  but 
w.  are  risen,  and  stand  ujiright. 

9  Sffve,  Lokd:  let  the  King  hear  us  when 
we  call. 

PSALAI  XXL 

1  A  thanksgiving  for  victory.  7  with  eonfidenee  of 

further  success. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

'THE  king  shall  joy  in  thy  strength,  0 

Lord  ;  and  in  thy  salvation  how  greatly 

shall  he  rejoice! 

2  Thou  liiist  given  him  his  heart's  desire, 
and  hast  not  witUholden  the  request  of  his 
lips.    Selah. 

o  For  thou  preventest  him  with  the  bles- 
sings of  guxjdness:  thousettest  a  crowu  of 
pure  gold  on  his  head. 

4  He  asked  life  of  thee,  and  thou  gavest  it 
him,  tvi7t  length  of  days  for  ever  and  ever. 

5  liis  glory  w  great  in  thv  salvation:  hon- 
our and  majesty  hast  thou  laid  upon  him. 

6  For  thou  hast  i  made  him  most  blessed 
for  ever:  thou  hast^madehdra  exceeding 
glad  with  thy  countenance. 

7  For  the  king  trusteth  in  the  Loed;  and 
through  the  mercy  of  the  Most  High  he 
shall  not  be  moved. 

8  Thine  hand  shall  find  out  all  thine  ene- 
mies: thy  right  hand  shall  find  out  those 
that  hate  thee. 

_  9  Thou  shalt  u:ake  them  as  a  fiery  oven 
in  the  time  of  thine  anger:  the  Lokd  shall 
swallow  them  up  in  his  Avrath,  and  the  fire 
shall  devour  them. 

10  Their  fruit  shalt  thou  destroy  from  the 
earth,  and  theii-  seed  from  among  the  chil- 
dren of  men. 

11  For  they  intended  evil  against  thee; 
they  imagined  a  mischievous  device,  which 
they  are  not  able  to  perform: 

12  Therefore  3  shalt  thou  make  them  turn 
their  *  back,  ivhen  thou  shalt  make  ready 
thine  arrows  upon  thy  strings  against  the 
fece  of  them. 

13  Be  thou  exalted,  Lord,  in  thine  own 
strength :  so  will  we  sing  and  praise  thy 
power. 

PSALM  XXIL 

1  David  complains  in  great  discouragement:  9  he 

prays  in  great  distress :  21  he  promises  public 

thanksgiving  and  praise. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  i  Aijeleth  Shahar, 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
TVf  Y  «  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  for- 
^■^  soken  ine?  u-hy  art  thou  so  far  2  from 


PSALM   20. 
I  sot  thee  on 


inakG  iat. 
frora  the 
heaven  of 


right  hand, 
a  2  Chr.  11. 
11. 


be  Hes- 
Bings. 

2  gladdened 
him  with 

joy- 

3  Or,  thou 

Bhult  Bet 
thim  as  K 


I'SALM   22. 

1  Or,  the 
hind  of  the 
morning. 

«  Ma.  27.  46. 

2  from  my 
salvation. 

6  Heb.  5.  7. 

3  there  is  no 
silence  to 

e  Ex.  15. 11. 


ti.el.OKD. 
G  Or,  if  he 
delight  in 
him. 

7  Or.  kept«Bt 

safety. 

8  nota 


thcii 


/  I'a.  35.  21. 

10  Or,  sun- 
dered. 

ff  Pro.  17.  22. 
h  ila.  '.i7.  35. 

Mark  15. 

24. 

Lu.23.33. 

Johnl9,23. 

JohniO.SS. 
(  Lu.  23.  34. 

11  my  only 
one. 

12  from  th* 

y  2  Ti.  4.  17. 
A  John2'U7. 
I  J.ev  7.  11 
"1  Joh.i  6.61. 
n  Ps  2.  8. 
0  Mat.  0. 13. 
V  U.  S6. 19. 


Sn^erings  of  (he  Messiah. 

helping  rae,  and  from  t>  the  words  of  my 
roaring? 

'.'  0  my  God,  T  cry  in  the  day-time,  but 
thon  hi'rtrestnot;  and  in  the  night  season, 
and  3  ani  not  silent. 

3  I^ut  Thou  art '  holy,  O  thov.  that  in- 
habitest  the  praises  of  Israel. 

4  Our  fathers  trusted  in  thee:  they  trusted, 
and  thou  didst  deliver  them. 

5  They  cried  unto  thee,  and  were  de. 
livered:  tliey  trusted  in  thee,  and  were  not 
confounded. 

6  But  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  man:  d  a 
reproach   of  men,  and  despised   ot  the 


eople. 
7  All'1 


7  All 'they  that  see  me  laugh  me  to  scorn: 
they  *  shoot  out  the  lip,  tiey  shake  the 
head,  saying, 

8  6  lie  fnisied  on  the  Lord  that  he  would 
deliver  him:  let  him  deliver  him,  6  seeing 
he  delighted  in  him. 

9  But  thou  art  he  that  took  me  out  of  the 
womb;  thou  7  didst  make  me  hope  when  1 
was  upon  my  mother's  breasts. 

10  I  was  cast  upon  thee  from  the  womb: 
thou  art  my  God  from  my  mother's  belly. 

11  Be  not  far  from  me,  for  trouble  is  near; 
for  there  is  8  none  to  help. 

12  Many  bulls  have  compassed  me:  strong 
bv.Us  of  Bashan  have  beset  me  rourd. 

13  They  9  gapied  upon  /  me  with  their 
mouths,  as  a  ravening  and  a  roniing  lion. 

14  I  am  poiu-ed  out  like  water,  and  all  my 
bones  are  i^^out  of  joint:  my  heart  is  like 
wax ;  it  is  melted  in  the  midst  of  my  bowels. 

15  My^strc ngth  is  dried  up  like  a  potsherd; 
and  my  tongue  deaveth  to  my  jaws;  and 
thou  hast  brought  me  into  the  dustof  death. 

16  For  dogs  have  compassed  me;  the  as- 
sembly of  the  wicked  have  encl(jsed  me: 
they  ''pierced  my  hands  and  my  feet. 

17  1  may  tell  all  my  bones:  they  look  and 
stare  upon  me. 

18  They  <  part  my  garments  among  them, 
and  ciist  lots  upon  my  vesture. 

19  But  be  not  thou  far  from  me,  0  Lord: 
O  my  strength,  haste  thee  to  help  me. 

'20  Deliver  my  soul  from  the  sword ;  n  my 
darling  i'-^  trom  the  power  of  the  dog. 

'Il  Save^me  from  the  lion's  mouth :  lor  thou 
hast  heard  me  from  the  horns  of  the  uni- 
corns. 

22  I  will  declare  thy  name  unto  *my 
brethren:  in  the  midst  of  the  congregation 
will  I  praise  thee. 

23  Ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  praise  him;  all 
ve  the  seed  of  Jacob,  gloiii'y  him;  and  fear 
him,  all  ve  the  seed  of  Israel. 

24  For  he  hath  not  despised  nor  abhorred 
the  attiiction  of  the  atliicted;  neither  hath 
he  hid  his  face  from  him;  but  when  he 
cried  unto  him,  he  heard. 

25  My  praise  shall  be  of  thee  in  the  great 
congregation:  I  will  pay  my  vows  before 
them  that  fear  him. 

26  The  '  meek  shall  eat  and  be  satisfied: 
they  shall  praise  the  Lord  that  seek  him: 
your  heart  *"  shall  live  lor  ever. 

27  All "  the  ends  of  the  worid  shall  re- 
member, and  tmnunto  the  Lord;  and  all 
the  kindreds  of  the  nations  shall  worship 
before  thee. 

28  I'or  "  the  kingdom  is  the  Lord's;  and 
he  is  the  governor  among  the  nations. 

29  All  thty  that  be  t,at  upon  earth  shall  eat 
and  worship:  P  all  they  that  go  dow  u  to  the 
dust  shall  bow  before  him:  and  none  cao 
keep  aiive  his  own  soul. 


The  Suffering KALM  XXIH. oj  the  Messiah. 

human  nature,  was  their  head  and  represen-  discussion, /involvini^  questions  as  to  the 
tative.  I  genuineness  of  the  Hebrew  word  translated 

1.  A  summary  of  the  complaint.  Deser-  pierce,)  which  cannot  be  made  inteliiKible  to 
tion  by  God,  when  overwhehned  by  distress,  the  En?lish  reader.  Though  not  quoted  in 
is  the  clitiiax  of  the  sutferer's  misery,  words  the  N.  T.,  the  remarkable  aptness  of  the  de- 
cf  my  roaring— .^hows  that  the  cou)pIaint  is  scription  to  the  facts  of  the  Saviour's  history, 
expressed  intelligently,  though  the  term  together  with  difticulties  attending  any  other 
rearing  is  figurative,  taken  from  the  conduct  mode  of  explaining  the  clause  in  the  llebrew, 
of  in-ational  creatures  in  pain.  2.  The  long  justify  an  adherence  to  the  terms  of  our  ver- 
distress  is  evinced  by— am  not  silent— /ii.,  ?(o^  sion  and  their  obvious  meaning.  17.  His 
silence  to  mc,  either  meaning,  1  continually  emaciated  frame,  itself  an  item  of  his  miserj' 
cry;  or,  corresponding  with  mou  hearest  not,  is  rendered  more  so,  as  the  object  of  delighted 
or,  answerest  not,  it  may  mean,  there  is  no  contemplation  to  his  enemies.  The  verbs, 
rest  or  quiet  to  me.  3.  Still  he  not  only  look,  and  stare,  often  occur  as  suggestive  of 
refrains  from  charging  God  foolishly,  but  feelings  of  satisfaction  (of.  Ps.  '^7.  13;  54.  7; 
evinces  his  confidence  in  God  by  appealing  118.7.).  18.  This  literally  fulfilled  prediction 
to  htm.  thou  art  holy— or  possessed  of  all  the  j  closes  the  sad  picture  of  the  exposed  and  de- 
attributes  which  encourage  trust,  and  the '  serted  sufferer.  19,  20.  He  now  turns  with 
right  object  of  the  jjraise^  of  the  Church;,  imabated  desire  and  trust  to  God,  who,  in 
hence  the  suff'erer  need  not  despair.  4,  5. ;  His  strength  and  faithfulness,  is  contrasted 
Past  experience  of  God's  people  is  a  ground  |  with  the  urgent  dangers  described,  my  soul 
of  trust.  The  mention  of  "our  fathers"  does  ' —or,  self  !cf.  Ps.  3.  2;  16.  10.).  my  darling— 
not  destroy  the  applicability  of  the  words  as  ;  lit,  rmi  only  one,  or,  solitary  one,  as  desolate 
the  language  of  our  Saviour's  human  nature,  and  afflicted  (Ps.  25. 16;  35. 17.).  21.  Deliver- 
6.  He,  who  was  despised  and  rejected  of  His  ance  pled  in  view  of  former  help,  when  in 
own  people,  as  a  disgrace  to  the  nation,  might  I  the  most  imminent  danger,  from  the  most 
well  use  these  words  of  deep  abasement '  powerful  enemy,  represented  by  the  unicorn 
which  express  not  His  real,  but  esteemed,  -ua- ;  or  wild  buffalo,  the  lion's  mouth— icf.  v.  13.). 
lue.  7.  8.  For  the  Jews  used  one  of  the  ges- 1  The  lion  often  used  as  a  figure  representing 
tures,  (Mat.  27.  39,),  here  mentioned,  when  i  violent  enemies;  the  connecting  of  the 
taunting  Him  on  the  cross,  and  {v.  43,)  re-  mouth  intimates  their  rapacity.  22-24.  He 
proached  Him  almost  in  the  very  language  of  declares  his  purpose  to  celebrate  God's  gra- 
this  passage,  trusted  in  the  Lord— lit.,  rolled  cious  dealings  and  publish  His  manifested 
—i.e.,  his  burden,  (Ps.  37. 5;  Pro.  16.  3,),  on  the  i  perfections  (name,  Ps.  5.  11,),  &c.,  and  forth- 
Lord.  This  is  the  language  of  enemies  sport- 1  with  invites  the  pious,  those  who  have  a  re- 
ing  with  his  faith  in  the  hour  of  his  deser-)  verential  fear  of  God,  to  unite  in  special 
tion.  sho  t  cut  [or,  open]  the  lit)— (cf.  Ps.  35.  j  praise  for  a  deliverance,  illustrating  God's 
21.).  9,  10.  Though  ironically  spoken,  the  kind  regard  for  the  lowly,  whom  men  neg- 
exfaortation  to  trust  was  well  founded  on  his  lect.  To  hide  the  face  or  eyes  expresses  a 
previous  experience  of  divine  aid,  the  special  studied  neglect  of  one's  cause,  and  reftisal  of 
illustration  ot  which  is  drawn  from  the  period  aid  or  sympathy  (cf.  Ps.  30.  7;  Isa.  ].  15.). 
of  helpless  infancy,  didst  make  me  hcpe— or  25,26.  My  praise  shall  be  of  thee— or,  perhaps 
Hi.,  mode  me  secure.  11.  From  this  state-  better,  from  thee— i.e.,  God  gives  grace  to 
ment  of  reasons  for  the  appeal,  he  renews  it,  praise  him.  With  offering  praise,  he  farther 
pleading  his  double  extremity,  the  nearness  evinces  his  gratitude,  by  promising  the  pay- 


of  trouble,  and  the  absence  of  ahelper.  12, 13. 
His  enemies,  with  the  vigour  of  bullsandra- 
pacity  of -lions,  surround  him,  eagerly  seek- 
ing his  ruin.  The  force  of  both  figures  is 
greater  without  the  use  of  any  particle  de- 
noting comparison.  14,  15.  litter  exhaus- 
tion and  hopeless  weakness,  in  these  circum- 


ment  of  his  vows,  in  celebrating  the  usual 
festival,  as  provided  in  the  law,  (T)eut.  12. 18; 
16.  11,),  of  which,  the  pious  or  humble,  ana 
they  that  seek  the  Lord,  His  true  worship- 
pers, shall  partake  abundantly,  and  join  lihn 
in  praise.  In  the  enthusiasm  produced  by 
his  lively  feelings,   he   addresses  such  in 


people,  others  shall  be  brought  to  acknow- 
ledge and  worship  God;  the  fat  ones,  or  the 


stances  of  pressing  danger,  are  set  forth  by  j  words,  assuring  them  of  God's  peiijetual  fa- 
the  most  expressive  figures:  the  soUdiiy  of ;  vour.  The  dying  of  the  heart  denotes  death 
the  body  is  destroyed,  and  it  becomes  like  (1  Sam.  25.  37;);  so  its  living  denotes  life, 
water;  the  bones  are  parted;  the  heart,  the  27-31.  His  case  illustrates  God's  righteous 
very  seat  of  vitality,  melts  like  wax;  all  the  government.    Beyond  the  existing  time  and 

juices  of  the  system  are  dried  up;  the  tongue  , ''    '^^ '""  '"  ' ''  "        ' 

can  no  longer  perform  its  office,  but  lies! 

parched  and  stiffened  cf.  Gen.  49. 4;  2  Sam.  14.  i  rich  as  well  as  the  poor,  the  helpless  who 
14;  Ps.  58.  8.).  In  this,  (rod  is  regarded  as  the  j  cannot  keep  themselves  alive,  shall  together 
ultimate  source,  and  men  as  the  instruments.  !  unite  in  celebratmg  God's  delivering  power, 
the  dust  of  death— of  course  denotes  the  grave. !  and  transmit  to  unborn  people  the  records 
We  need  not  try  to  find  the  exact  counter- 1  of  his  grace,  it  shall  be  accounted  to  the  Lord 
part  of  each  item  of  the  description  in  the  for,  &c.— or,  it  shall  be  told  of  the  Lord  to  a 

.i_..i c  —  o-...-_...j ^...; —     rn.-    gencratiou.    God's  wonderful  works  shall  be 

^cit,x,v-  „.„e.""e, ov-...„xv,o  i..^....^..  ^x  .X.O- 1  told  from  generation  to  generation,    that  he 

torical  scenes,  presenting  substantial  truth, !  hath  done— supply  it,  or  this— i.e.,  what  the 
.„     .  ^.  ,_•-,    i,       ,      i  Psalm  has  unfolded. 


particulars  of  our  Saviour's  sufferings.    Fi 
gurative  language  resembles  pictures  of  his 


under  illustrations,  which,  though  not  essen- 
tial to  the  facts,  are  not  inconsistent  with  I 
them.    Were  any  portion  of  Christ's  terrible  I 


Ver.  1-6 


sufferings  specially  designed,  it  was  doubt-  from   scenes  of  pastoral 


PSALM  xxni. 

Under  a  metaphor  borrowed 
life. 


with   which 


less  that  of  the  garden  of  Gethsemane.  16. '  David  was  familiar,  he  describes  God's  pro- 
Evil-doers  are  well  described  as  dogs,  which,  |  vidential  care  in  providing  refreshment, 
in  the  East,  herding  together,  wild  and  rapa-  guidance,  protection,  and  abundance,  and  so 
cious,  are  justly  objects  of  great  abhorrence,  j  affording  grounds  of  confidence  in  His  per* 
The  last  clause  has  been  a  subject  of  much '  petual  favour. 


David's  eonfidenee  in  Ood. ^PSALMS  XXIH-XXVIl.      Sis  faith  in  Gods  protection. 


r£RE 


YHE 


80  A  seed  shall  serve  hira ;  it  shall  be  ac- 
counted to  the  LoKD  for  a  generation. 

31  They  shall  come,  and  shall  declare 
his  righteonsness  unto  a  people  that  shall 
be  born,  that  he  hath  done  this. 
PSALM  XXIII. 

J>avid'3  confidencf  in  Ood't  groM, 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
Lord  is  "  iny  shepherd,  1  shall-  not 
want. 

2  lie  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  i  green 
pastures:  '  he  leadeth  me  beside  the  2  still 
waters. 

3  He  restoreth  ray  soul:  he  leadeth  me  in 
the  paths  of  righteouBness  for  his  name's 
Bake. 

4  Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley 
of  the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil:, 
for '  thou  art  vrith  me ;  thy  rod  and  thy  stafi' 
they  comfort  me. 

6  Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the 
presence  of  mine  enemies:  thou  3  anointest 
my  head  with  oil;  my  cup  runneth  over. 
6  Smely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow 
me  all  the  days  of  my  life ;  and  I  will  <*  dwell 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord  *  for  ever. 

PSALM  XXIV. 
1  Ood  t  lordship  over  the  world:  S citizens  of  his 
Bpirit%ial  kingdoiy>.    7  The  Lard's  toUmn  cn- 
tranoe  into  his  sanctuary. 

A  Fsalm  of  David. 
"  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  ful- 
ness thereof;  the  world,  and  they  that 
dwell  therein: 

2  For  he  hath  founded  it  upon  the  seas, 
and  established  it  upon  the  tfoods. 

3  Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the 
Lord?  and  who  shall  stand  in  his  holy 
place? 

4  1  He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and*  a  pure 
heart;  who  bath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto 
vanity,  nor  sworn  deceitfully. 

6  He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the 
Lord,  and  righteousness  from  the  God  of 
his  salvation. 

6  This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  seek 
him,  that  seek  thy  tace,  2  O  Jacob.  Selah. 

7  Lilt  up  your  heads,  0  ye  gates:  and  be 
we  lift  up,  ye  everlasting  doors;  "and  the 
King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

8  Who  is  this  King  of  glory?  The  Lord 
Btrong  and  mighty,  the  Lord  mighty  in 
battle. 

9  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates;  even  lift 
Viem  up,  ye  everlasting  doors;  and  the 
King  of  glory  shall  come  in. 

10  Who  is  this  King  of  glory?  The  Lord 
of  hosts,  he  is  the  Kmg  of  glory.    Selah. 

PSALM  XXV. 
I  David's  eonfidenee  in  jirayer,  2  being  grieved  at 
the  malice  of  his  enemies  i  16  he  prays  for  help 
inaffiiction. 

A  Pjolm  of  David. 
TTNTO"  thee,0  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  soul. 
'-^  2  O  my  God,  I  *  trust  in  thee:  let  me 
not  be  ashamed;  let  not  mine  enemies  tri- 
omph  over  me. 

3  Yea,  let  none  that  wait  on  thee  be 
ashamed :  let  them  be  ashamed  which 
transgress  without  cause. 

4  Show  •  me  thy  ways,  0  Lord  ;  teach  me 
thy  paths. 

5  Lead  me  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  me: 
fbr  thou  art  the  God  of  my  salvation ;  on 
thee  do  I  wait  all  the  day. 

6  Remember,  O  Lord,  i  thy  tender  mer- 
cies and  thy  loving-kindneBses;  for  they 
mvt  been  &fit  of  old. 


PSALM  23. 

a  JoholO.ll. 
1  Pe.  2.  £5. 


6  Key.  7.17. 
2  waters  of 

quietneis. 
0  Is.  43.  2. 
8  ciakestfat. 
rf  2  Cor.  5.1. 
4  to  length 

of  ds;>. 


PSALM  24. 

0  Ex.  9.  29. 

Job  41.  11. 

1  The  clean 
of  hards. 

1  Tim.  2.  8. 
b  Mat.  5.  8. 

2  Or,  O  God 
of  Jacob. 

e  Hag.  2.  7. 
Mai.  S.  1. 
1  Cor.  8. 8. 


PBAhH  3^. 
a  Lam.  3. 41. 
6  Ro.  10. 11. 
e  Ex.  33.  13. 

1  thy  bow 616. 
d  Ps.  51.  1. 
e  P«.  31.  8. 

Pa.  79.  9. 

Ps.  Ifjy  21. 

Ps.  143.11. 
/■Rom.  5.20. 
g  Ps   37.  23. 

2  shall  Iodg« 
ID  good- 
Pro.  19.  23. 

h  Ps.  37.  li, 

22,29. 
i  Prov.3.32. 

John  7.  17. 

John  16.15. 

2  Cor.  4. 

2-6. 

3  Or,  and  hi* 
covenant 
to  make 
them  know 
it. 


;  - 


141.  8. 


4  bring  forth. 
*  Ps.  69.  le. 

Ps.  8«.  16. 
{  2  Sam.  IC. 

12. 
6  hatred  of 

violence. 
•nPi.  130.  8. 


PSALM  26. 
«  Ps.  7.  8. 
6  Ps.  28.  7. 

Pro.  29. 25. 
«  Ps.  1.  1. 

Jer.  15. 17. 
d  Ps.  31.  6. 
«  £x.  30.  19. 

Ps.  73. 13. 

1  Ti.  2.  8. 

1  of  the 
tabernaelo 
of  thy 
honour. 

2  Or,  Take 
not  away. 
1  Sam.  25. 


7  Remember  not  the  sms  of  my  youth, 
nor  my  transgressions:  <*  according  to  thy 
mercy  remember  thou  me  for  thy  goodness* 
sake,  O  Lord, 

«  Good  and  upright  is  the  Lord:  there, 
fore  will  he  teacli  sinners  in  the  way. 

9  The  meek  will  he  guide  in  .iudgment; 
and  the  meek  will  he  teach  his  way. 

10  All  the  paths  of  the  Lord  art  nieroy 
and  truth  unto  such  as  keep  his  covenant 
and  liis  testimonies. 

11  For  '  thy  name's  sake,  0  Lord,  pardon 
mine  iniquity; /for  it  is  grtat. 

12  What  man  is  be  that  fe:ireth  the  Lord? 
him  »  shall  he  teach  in  the  way  that  he 
shall  choose. 

13  His  soul  2  shall  dwell  at  ease;  and 
his  'i  seed  shall  inherit  the  earth. 

14  The  *  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them 
that  fear  him ;  s  and  he  wUl  show  them  his 
covenant. 

15  Mine  >  eyes  are  ever  toward  the  Lord; 
for  he  shall  *  pluck  my  feet  out  of  the  net, 

16  Turn  *  thee  unto  me,  and  have  mercy 
upon  me;  for  I  am  desolate  and  afflicted, 

17  The  troubles  of  my  heart  are  enlarged: 

0  bring  thou  me  out  of  my  distresses. 

18  Look  '  upon  mine  affliction  and  my 
pain;  and  forgive  all  my  sins. 

19  Consider  mine  enemies,  for  they  are 
many ;  and  they  hate  me  with  5  cniel  hatred. 

20  O  keep  my  soul,  and  tielivei  me:  let  me 
not  be  ashamed;  for  I  put  my  trust  in 
thee. 

21  Let  integiity  and  uprightness  preserve 
me ;  for  1  wait  on  thee. 

22  Kedeem »»  Israel,  O  God,  out  of  all  his 
ti'oubles. 

PSALM  XXVL 

1  Vavid,  in  emifidenee  of  his  integrity,  resorts  to 

God:  8  his  love  to  Ood's  hoxise, 

A  Jftalm  of  David. 

JUDGE  »  me,  0  Lord;  for  I  have  walked 

*'  in  mine  integrity:  *  I  have  trusted  also 

in  th.;  Lord;  therefore  I  shall  not  slide. 

2  Examine  me,  0  Lord,  and  prove  me; 
try  my  reins  and  my  heart. 

3  For  thy  loving-kindness  is  before  mine 
eyes ;  and  1  have  walked  in  thy  truth. 

4  1'  have  not  sat  with  vain  persons,  nei- 
ther will  I  go  in  with  dissemblers. 

5  1  have  <i  hated  the  congregation  of  evil- 
doers; and  will  not  sit  with  the  wicked. 

6  I  *  will  wash  mine  hands  in  innocency: 
so  wiU  I  compass  thine  altar,  O  Lord; 

7  That  1  may  publish  with  the  voice  of 
thanksgiving,  and  tell  of  aU  thy  wondious 
works. 

8  Lord,  I  have  loved  the  habitation  of  thy 
house,  and  the  place  i  where  thine  honour 
dwelleth. 

9  -  Gather  not  my  soul  with  sinners,  nor 
my  life  with  a  bloody  men; 

10  In  whose  hands  is  mischief,  and  their 
right  hand  is  *  fuU  of  bribes. 

11  But  as  for  me,  1  will  walk  in  mine  in- 
tegiity: redeem  me,  and  be  merciful  unto 
me. 

12  My  foot  standeth  in  an  even  place:  in 
the  congi-egations  will  I  bless  the  Lord. 

rSALM  XXVIL 

1  David  SKStains  his  faith  by  the  potver  of  Ood, 

i  by  hit  love  for  the  service  of  God,  by  prayer. 

A  Jfsiilm  of  David. 

THE  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation; 
■*■  whom  shall  1  fear?  the  Lord  is  the 
strength  of  my  lil'e:  of  whom  shall  1  be 
afraid« 


DavicCs  Confidence  m  God.        PSALMS  XXIV-XXVT. 


He  Prays  to  God. 


1.  Christ's  relation  to  His  people  is  often  all  ci'eatures,  and  especially  the  heavenly 
representedbythefigureof  a slieylierd  (John,  armies  (Josh. 5. 14;  1  Ki.  22.19.).  Whetlier.aa 
10.  14;  Heb.  13.  20;  1  Pet.  2.  25;  5.  4,;  and  I  some  think,  the  actual  enlargement  of  the 
therefore  the  opinion  that  He  is  the  Lord  i  ancie^nt  gates  of  Jerusalem  be  tlie  basi^  of 
here  so  described,  and  in  Gen.  48.16;  Ps.80.  l;lthe  figure,  the  effect  of  the  whole  is  to  im- 
Isa.  40.  11,  is  not  without  some  good  reason.  \  press  us  with  a  conception  of  the  matchless 
2.  green  pastures—or,  pastures  of  tende.r  grass,  1  majesty  of  God. 
are  mentioned,  not  in  i-esyect  to  food,  but  as  PSALM  XXV. 

places  of  cool  and  refreshing  rest,  the  still  j  Ver.  1-22.  The  general  tone  of  this  Psalm 
waters— are,  lit.,  vjaters  of  stillness,  whose :  is  that  of  prayer  lor  help  from  enemies, 
quiet  flow  invite  to  repose.  They  are  con- !  Distress,  however,  exciting  a  sense  of  .sin, 
trasted  with  boisterous  streams  on  the  one  |  humble  confession,  supplication  for  pardon, 
hand,  and  stagnant,  offensive  pools  on  the  i  preservation  from  sin,  and  flivine  guidance, 
other.      3.  To  restore  the  soul  is  to  revive  1  are  prominent  topics. 

or  quicken  it  (Ps.  19.  7,),  or  relieve  it  (Lam.  1. ,  1.  lift  up  my  soul— (Ps.  24.  4;  8G.  4,1,  set  my 
11,19.).  patlisofrigliteousuess— those  of  safety,  \  affections  icf.  Col.  3.  2.).  2.  not  be  ashamed— 
as  directed  by  God,  and  pleasing  to  Him.  |  by  disappointment  of  hopes  of  relief  3.  The 
for  his  uame's  sake— or,  regard  for  His  per-  prayer  generalised  as  to  all  who  wait  o»  God 
fections,  pledged  for  His  people's  welfare. '  —i.e.,  who  expect  His  favour.  On  the  other 
4.  In  the  darkest  and  most  ti-ying  hour  God ;  hand,  the  disappointment  of  the  perfidious, 
is  near,  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death— is  '■  who,  unprovoked,  have  done  evil,  is  invoked 
a  ravine  overhung  by  high  precipitous  cliffs,  i  (cf.  2  Sam.  22.  9.).  4,  5.  On  the  ground  of 
filled  with  dense  forests,  and  well  calculated '  former  favour,  he  invokes  divine  guidance, 
to  inspire  dread  to  the  timid,  and  afford  a;  according  to  God's  gi-acious'wsys  of  dealing 
covert  to  beasts  of  prey.  "While  expressive  ofi  and  faithfulness.  6,  7.  Confessing  past  and 
any  great  danger  or  cause  of  terror,  it  does '  present  sins,  he  pleads  for  mercy,  not  on  pal- 
not  exclude  the  greatest  of  all,  to  which  it  is  ;  liations  of  sin,  but  on  God's  well-known  be- 
most  popularly  applied,  and  which  its  terms  :  nevolence.  8, 9.  upright— acting  according  to 
suggest,  thy  rod  and  thy  staff— are  symbols  i  His  promise,  sinners— the  general  term,  li- 
of  a  shepherd's  office.  By  them  he  guides  mited  by  the  meek— who  are  'penitent,  in 
his  sheep.  5,  6.  Another  fi,giire  expresses  judgment— rightly,  the  way— and  his  way- 
God's  provident  care,  a  table— or,  food,  an- ;  God's  way  of  providence.  10.  paths— similar 
ointing  oil— the  synibol  of  gladness,  and  the :  sense— his  modes  of  dealing  (cf.  v.  4.).  me:cy 
overflowing  cup— which  represents  abund-;  and  truth— (Job,  14,),  God's  grace  in  promis- 
ance— are  prepared  for  the  child  of  God.  who  ;  ing  and  faithfulness  in  performing.  11. 
may  feast  in  spite  of  his  enemies,  confident;  God's  perfections  of  love,  mercy,  goodness, 
that  this  favour  will  ever  attend  him.  Tliis ;  and  truth  are  manifested  [his  name,  cf.  Ps.  9. 
beautiful  Psalm  most  admirably  sets  before  1 10,)  in  pardoning  sin,  and  the  greatness  of 
us,  in  its  chief  figure,  that  of  a  siiepherd,  the  sin  renders  pardon  more  needed.  12,  13. 
gentle,  kind,  and  sure  care  extended  to  God's  I  What  he  asks  for  himself  is  the  common  lot 
peoDle,  who,  as  a  shepherd,  both  rules  and  i  of  all  the  pious.  The  phrase— inherit  the 
feeds  them.  The  closing  verse  shows  that  the  earth— (cf.  Mat.  5.  5,),  alluding  to  the  promise 
blessings  mentioned  are  spiritual.  of  Canaan,  expresses  all  the  blessings  in- 

PSALM  XXIV.  eluded  in  that  promise,  temporal  as  well  as 

Ver.  1-10.  God's  supreme  sovereignty  re- 1  spiritual.  14.  The  reason  of  the  blessing  ex- 
quires  a  befitting  holiness  of  life  and  heart  I  plained— the  pious  enjoy  commnnion  with 
in  His  worshippers;  a  sentiment  sublimely  I  God  [d.  Pro.  3.  21,  22,),  and,  of  course,  learn 
illustrated  by  describing  His  entrance  into  I  His  gracious  terms  of  pardon.  15.,,His  trust  in 


the  sanctuary,  by  the  symbol  of  His  wor- 
ship—the ark,  as  requiring  the  most  profound 
homage  to  the  glory  of  His  Majesty. 

1.  fulness— every  thing,  world— the  habit- 
able globe,  with,  they  that  dwell— forming  a 
parallel  expression  to  the  first  clause.     2, 


God  is  fixed,  net— is  frequently  used  as 
figure  for  dangers  by  enemies  (Ps.9.  15-  10.  9.), 
16-19.  A  series  of  earnest  appeals  for  aid, 
because  God  had  seemed  to  desert  him  (cf. 
Ps.  r.i.  1;  17. 13,  &c.,),his  sins  oppressed  him, 
his  enemies  had  enlarged  his  troubles  and 


etically  represents  the  facts  of  Gen.  1.  9.  |  were  multiplied,  increasing  in  hate  and  viol- 


3,  4.  The  form  of  a  question  gives  vivacity. 
Hands,  ton(iue,&ndhe(irtnve  organs  of  action, 
speech,  and  feeUng,  which  compose  charac- 
ter, lifted  up  bis  soul— is  to  set  the  affections 
(Ps.  25.  1)  on  an  object;  here,  vanity— or,  any 
false  thmg,  of  which  swearing  falsely,  or  to 
falsehood,  is  a  specification,  hill  of  the  Lord 
— iCf.  Ps.  2. 6,  (fee. ).  His  Church— the  true  or  in- 
visible, as  typified  by  the  earthly  sanctuary. 
5.  righteousuess— the  rewards  which  God  be- 
stows on  His  people,  or  the  grace  to  secure 
those  rewards  as  weil  as  the  result.  6.  Jacob— 
by  Jacob,  we  may  understand  God's  people  (cf . 
Isa.  43.  22;  44.  2,  &c.,).  corresponding  to  "the 
generation,"  &c.,  as  if  he  had  said,  "those 
who  seek  thy  face  are  thy  chosen  people." 
7-10.  The  entranceof  the  ark,  with  theattend- 
ing  procession,  into  the  holy  sanctuary  is  pic- 
tured to  us.  The  repetition  of  the  terms  gives 
emphasis.  Lord  of  Jiosts— or  fully.  Lord  God 
of  hosts  (Hos.  12.  5;  Amos,  4.  13,)  describes 
God  by  a  title  indicative  of  supremacy  over 

3sr 


ence  (Ps.  9.  8;  18.  48.).  20.  keep  my  soul- 
(Ps.  10.  1.).  nut  my  trust— flee  for  psfuge  (Ps. 
2.  12.).  21.  "In  conscious  innocence  of  the 
faults  charged  by  his  enemies,  he  confidently 
commits  his  cause  lo  God.  Some  refer— in- 
tegrity, &c.— to  God,  meaning  His  covenant 
faithfulness.  This  sense,  though  good,  is  an 
unusual  application  of  the  terms.  22.  Ex- 
tend these  blessings  to  all  thy  people  in  all 
their  distresses. 

PSALM  xxvr. 

Ver.  1-12.  After  appealing  to  God's  judg- 
ment on  his  avowed  integrity  and  innocence 
of  the  charges  laid  by  his  enemies,  the  Psalm- 
ist professes  delight  in  God's  worship,  and 
prays  for  exemption  from  the  fate  of  the 
wicked,  expressing  assurance  of  God's  fa- 
vour. 

1.  Judge— decide  on  my  case— the  appeal  of 
innocence,  in  iniue  integrity— freedom  from 
blemish  'cf.  Ps.  25.  21.).  His  confidence  of 
perseverance  results  from  trust  in  God's  sus- 


David's  trust  in  God. 


PSALMS  XXYIII-XXX. 


Pod's  glory  and  majesty. 


2  When  the  wicked,  even  mine  enemies 
and  my  foes,  i  came  upon  me  to  eat  up  my 
flesh,  they  stumbled  and  fell. 

3  Though  an  host  should  encamp  against 
me,  my  heart  shall  not  fear-  though  war 
ehould  rise  against  me,  in  this  ■will  1  be 
confident. 

4  One  thing  have  I  desired  of  the  Lokd, 
that  will  1  seek  after;  that  I  may  dwell  in 
the  house  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  my 
lile.  to  behold  2  the  beauty  of  the  LoED, 
and  to  enquire  in  his  temple. 

5  For  "  in  the  time  of  trouble  he  shall  hide 
me  in  his  pavilion:  in  the  secret  of  his  ta- 
bernacle snail  he  hide  me;  he  shall  set  me 
up  upon  a  rock. 

6  And  now  shall  mine  head  be  lifted  up 
above  mine  enemies  round  about  me : 
therelbre  will  I  offer  in  his  tabernacle  sac- 
rinees  3  of  joy ;  1  will  sing,  yea,  1  will  sing 
praises  imto  the  Loud. 

7  Hear,  O  Lord,  when  I  cry  with  my 
voice:  have  mercy  also  upon  me,  and  an- 
swer me. 

8  *  When  thou  saidst.  Seek  ye  my  face ; 
my  heart  said  unto  thee,  Thy  face,  Lord, 
wul  1  seek. 

S  Hide  not  thy  face  far  from  me;  put  not 
thy  servant  away  in  anger:  thou  hast  been 
my  help ;  leave  me  not,  neither  forsake  me, 
O'God  of  my  salvation. 

10  When  my  father  and  *  my  mother  for- 
sake me,  then  the  Lord  &  will  take  me 

U  Teach  me  thy  way,  0  Lord,  and  lead 
me  in  6  a  plain  path,  because  of  l  mine 
enemies. 

12  Deliver  me  not  over  mito  the  will  of 
mine  enemies:  for  *  false  witnesses  are  risen 
up  against  me.  and  such  as  breathe  out 
craelty. 

13  /  had  fainted,  unless  I  had  believed  to 
Bee  the  goodness  of  the  Lord  in  the  land 
of  the  living. 

14  Wait  on  the  Lord  ;  be  of  good  courage, 
and  he  shall  strengthen  thine  heait:  wait, 
I  say,  on  the  Lord. 

PSALM  XXAnn. 

1  David  prays  against  his  enevxies:  6  hebUlStS 
Qodi  9  he  pyaj/s  for  the  people, 
A  Fsalm  of  David. 
TTNTO  thee  will  1  cry,  O  Lord  my  rock; 
*^  be  not  silent  i  to  me:  lest,  if  thou  be 
silent  to  me,  I  become  like  them  that  go 
down  into  the  pit. 

2  Hear  the  voice  of  my  supplications  when 
I  crj-  \mto  thee,  when  I  litt  up  my  hands 
8  toward  thy  holy  oracle. 

3  Draw  me  not  away  with  the  wicked,  and 
with  the  workers  of  iniquity,  which  speak 
peace  to  their  neighbours,  but  mischief  is 
m  ttieir  hearts. 

4  Give  "  them  according  to  their  deeds, 
and  accordbig  to  the  wickedness  of  their 
endeavours:  give  them  after  the  work  of 
then  hands;  render  to  them  their  desert. 

5  Eecause  they  regard  not  the  wcirks  of 
the  Lord,  nor  tne  operation  of  his  hands, 
he  shall  destroy  them,  and  not  build  them 

6  Blessed  he  the  Lord,  because  he  hath 
heard  the  voice  of  my  supplications, 

7  The  Lord  is  '  my  strength  and  my  shield ; 
my  lieart  tiusted  in  him,  and  I  am  helped: 
therefore  my  heart  greatly  rejoiceth;  and 
with  my  song  will  I  praise  him. 

8  The  Lord  is  a  their  strength,  and  he  is 
the  ^  saving  strength  of  his  auointed^ 


PSALM  27. 1 

1  approached  ) 
BgaiDBt  m«. 

2  Or,  the 
deligbt. 

o  1..  4.  6. 
S  of  shouting, 
4  Or,  My 


face  seek 

thy  face. 
6  Is.  49. 15. 
6  wiU  gather 

me. 

Is.  40. 11. 

6  a  way  of 
plainseis. 

7  those 
which  ob- 


F8ALM  28. 

1  from  me. 

2  Or,  toward 
the  oracle 
of  thy 
sanctuary. 

«  2  Tim.  4. 

14. 

P«.  IS.  2. 
8  Or,  his 

rength. 
4  strength  of 

salvations. 

Or,  rule. 


PSALM  29. 

1  yo  sons  of 
the 
mighty. 

2  the  honour 
of  his 

3  Or,  in  his 

glorious 
sanctuary. 

4  Or,  g:reat. 
6  in  power. 

6  inmnjesty. 
a  Deu.  4.  48. 

7  cutt«th 

6  Nu.'lS.  26. 

8  Or,  to  be 
in  pain, 
and  so 
bring 
forth. 

9  Or,eTery 
whit  of  it 
utteretb, 
etc. 


moment  in 
a  Ps.  63.  3.' 

4  singing, 

5  settled 
slre.sth 
for  my 
mountain, 

b  Psalm  104. 


e  Psalm  115. 

17. 

Is.  88. 18. 
0  That  i», 

my  tongue, 

or,  aiy 


a  Save  thy  people,  and  bless  thine  inherit 
tftnce:  &  feed  them  also,  and  lift  them  up 
for  ever. 

PSALM  XXIX. 
1  David  exhorts  'princes  to  give  glcrp  to  Ood,  S6y 
reason  of  his  power,  11  and  protection  of  hu 
people. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
rj.IVE  unto  the  Lord,  O  lye  mighty,  give 
^-"    unto  the  Lord  glory  and  strength. 

2  Give  unto  the  Lord  2  the  glory  due  unto 
his  name ;  worship  the  Lord  3  in  the  beauty 
of  holiness. 

3  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  upon  the  waters; 
the  God  of  glory  thunderetn:  the  Lord  is 
upon  *  many  waters. 

4  The  voice  of  the  Lord  is  6  poweiful; 
the  voice  of  the  Lord  is  ^  full  of  majesty. 

5  The  voice  of  the  Lord  breaketh  the 
cedars ;  yea,  the  Lord  breaketh  the  cedars 
of  Lebanon. 

6  He  maketh  them  also  to  skip  like  a  calf; 
Lebanon  and  *  Suion  like  a  young  mu- 
corn. 

7  The  voice  of  the  Lord  7  divideth  the 
flames  of  fire. 

8  The  voice  of  the  Lord  shaketh  the  wil- 
derness:  the  Lord  ehaketh  the  wilderness 
of  *Kauesh. 

9  The  voice  of  the  Lord  maketh  the 
hinds  8  to  calve,  and  discovereth  the  forests: 
and  in  his  temple  ^  doth  every  one  speak 
of  his  glory. 

10  The  Lord  sitteth  upon  the  flood;  yea, 
the  Lord  sitteth  King  tor  ever. 

11  The  Lord  wUl  give  strength  unto  his 
people ;  the  Lord  will  bless  his  people  with 
peace. 

PSALM  XXX. 

1  David  praises  Cod  J  or  his  deliverance:  i  ttt 

exhorts  others  to  praise  him,  by  the  example  of 

Qod's  dealing  ttiith  him. 

A  Psalm  and  Song  at  the  dedication  of  tli9 

hou.so  of  David. 
T  WILL  extol  thee,  0  Lord;  for  thou  haafc 
-*■  lifted  me  up,  and  hast  not  made  my  foes 
to  rejoice  over  me. 

2  0  Lord  my  God,  I  cried  unto  thee,  and 
thou  hast  healed  rne. 

3  O  Lord,  thou  hast  brought  up  my  sonl 
from  the  grave:  thou  hast  kept  me  alive, 
that  1  should  not  go  down  to  the  pit. 

4  Suig  unto  the  Loud,  0  ye  saints  of  his, 
and  give  thanks  i  at  the  remembrance  or 
his  holiness. 

5  For  '■^  his  anger  endureth  hid  a  moment; 
"  in  his  lavour  is  life:  weeping  may  endure 
3  for  a  night,  but  *  joy  cometh  in  the  moiu- 
ing. 

6  And  in  my  prosperity  I  said,  I  shall 
never  be  moved. 

7  Lord,  by  thy  favour  thou  hast  6  made 
my  mountain  to  stand  strong:  tliou ''  tiidst 
hide  thy  lace,  and  1  was  troubled. 

8  I  cried  to  thee.  O  Lord  ;  and  unto  the 
Lord  I  made  supplication. 

9  What  profit  is  there  in  my  L'lood,  when 
I  go  down  to  the  pit?  '  fc^hall  the  dust 
praise  thee?  shaU  it  declare  thy  truth? 

10  Hear,  0  Lord,  and  have  mercy  upon 
me:  Lord,  be  thou  my  helper. 

11  Thou  hast  turned  for  me  my  momuing 
into  dancing:  thou  hast  put  oti'  my  sact 
cloth,  and  girded  me  with  gladness: 

12  To  the  end  that  "^  my  glory  niiiy  suig 
praise  to  thee,  and  not  be  silent.  O  Lord 
my  God,  I  will  give  thanks  unto  thee  Ibi 
ever. 


David  Sustaineth  his  Faith.       PSALJIS  XXVU-XXX. 


Go^s  Glory  and  Majesty. 


taining  grace.  2.  He  asks  the  most  careful  against  his  enemies,  as  being  also  those  of 
scrutiny  of  his  affections  and  thoughts  (Ps.  God,  is  followed  by  the  Psalmist's  praise  in 
7-  9,),  or  motives.  3.  As  of  en,  the  ground  assurance  of  a  favourable  answer,  and  a 
of  prayer  for  present  help  is  former  favour. ;  prayer  for  all  God's  people. 


4-8.  As  exemplified  by  the  fruits  of  divine : 
grace,  presented  in  his  life,  especially  in  hi.- 


1.  my  rock— (Ps.  IS.  2,  31.).    be  not  sile  t  to 
lit.,  from  me,  deafor  iiattentive.  become 


avoiding  the  vvicked  and  his  purposes  of  j  like  them.  &c.— share  their  fate,  go  down 
cleaving  to  God's  worship,  wash  mine  hands  ,  into  the  pit— or,  grave  (Ps.  30.  3.).  2.  lift  up 
—expressive  symbol  of  freedom  from  sinful  i  my  hands—a  gesture  of  prayer  (Ps.  63.  4;  141. 
acts  (cf.  Mat.  27.  24.).  the  habitation  of  thy  2.) .  oracle-  place  of  ype'tking  Ex.  26.  22- 
house— where  thy  house  rests— as  the  taber-  j  iNum.  7,  89,),  where  God  answered  His  people 
nacle  was  not  yet  permanently  fixed,  honour  |  (cf .  Ps.  5. 7.).  3.  Draw  me  not,  &c.-  -implies  pu- 
dwelleth— conveys  an  allusion  to  the  Holy  of  uishinent  as  well  as  death  ,cf.  Ps.  26.  9.).  Hy- 
Holies.  9.  Gather  not,  &c.— bring  me  not  to !  pocrisy  is  the  special  wickedrtens  mentioned, 
death,  bloody  men— (cf.  Ps.  5.  6.).  10.  Their  j  4.  The  imprecation  is  justified  in  v.  5.  The 
'    '  -'■'■•■••■  ^  ,  r       ,    force  of  the  lassage  is  greatly  enhanced  by 

&c.— He  contrasts  his  character  ]  the  accunmlatioai  of  terjns  describing  their 
sin.    endeavours— points  out  their  deliberate 


whole  conduct  is  that  of  violence  and  fraud, 

11,  12.  But, 

and  destiny  with  that  of  the  wicked  (cf.  v. 

aft  _ 
Hence  he  will  render  to  God  his  praise  pub 
licly. 

PSALM  XX  vn. 

Ver.  1-14.  With  a  general  strain  of  confid- 
ence, hope,  and  joy,  especially  in  God's  wor- 
ship, in  the  midst  of  dangers,  the  Psalmist 
introduces  prayer  for  divine  help  and  guid- 
ance. 

1.  light— is  a  common  figure  for  comfort. 
6trengrh— or  stronghold— affording  security 
against  aU  violence.  The  interrogations  give 
greater  vividness  to  the  negation  implied.  2. 
CHt .  .  .  my  flesh— (Job,  19.  22;  Ps.  14.  4  ).  The 
allusion  to  wild  beasts  illustrates  their  ra- 
pacity, they  stumbled— "they"  is  emphatic; 
7iot  I,  but  they  were  destroyed.  3.  In  the 
greatest  dangers,  in  this— i.e.,  then,  in  such 
extremity.  4,  5.  The  secret  of  his  confidence 
is  his  delight  in  communion  with  God  (Ps. 
16.  11;  23.  6;)  beholding  the  harmony  of  His 
perfections,  and  seeking  His  favour  in  His 
temple  or  •palace;  a  term  ai^plicabie  to  the 
ta''eruade  (cf.  Ps.  6.  I.i.     There  he  is  safe 


1,  2.).     even  place— free  from  occasions  of  sinfulness.    5.  Disregard  of  God's  judgments 
stumbling— safety  in  his  course  is  denoted,   brings  a  righteous  punishment,    destrov  .  . . 

" build...  up— The  positive  strengthened  by  the 

negative  form.  6.  suiplications— or,  cries  for 
mercy.  7.  The  repetition  of  heart  denotes 
his  sincerity.  8.  The  distinction  made  be- 
tween the  people,  their  strength— and  the 
anomt-ed— may  indicate  Absalom's  rebellion 
as  the  occasion.  9.  The  special  prayer  for 
the  people  sustains  this  view,  feed  tJiem— as 
a  shepherd  (Ps.  23.  l,  &c.). 

PSALM  XXIX. 
Ver.  1-11.  Trust  in  God  is  encouraged  by 
the  celebration  of  his  mighty  power  as  illus- 
trated in  his  dominion  over  the  natural 
world,  in  some  of  its  most  terrible  and  won- 
derful exhibitions. 

1.  Give— or,  ascribe  (Deut.  32.  3.).  mighty— 
or,  sons  of  the  mighty  (Ps.  89.  6.).  Heavenly 
beings  as  angels.  2.  name— as  (Ps.  5. 11;  8.  l.f. 
beauty  of  holiness— the  loveliness  of  a  spiritual 
worship,  of  which  the  perceptible  beauty  of 
the  sanctuary  worship  was  but  a  type.  3. 
The  voice  of  the  Lord— audible  exhibition  c: 
His  power  in  the  tempest,  of  which  thunder 


Ps.  31.  21;  61.  5.).  Tlie  figure  is  changed  in  i  is  a  specimen,  but  not  the  uniform  or  sole 
the  last  clause,  but  the  sentiment  is  the  same.  |  example,  the  waters— are  the  clouds  or  va- 
6  head  be  lifted  up— I  shall  be  placed  beyond  |  pours  (Ps.  18. 11;  Jer.  10. 1.;.).  4.  powerful. .  .  . 
the  reach  of  my  enemies.  Hence  he  avows  mpjesty— M<.,  in  poicer,  in  majesty.  5,  6.  The 
his  purpose  of  rendering  joyful  thank-offer- }  tall  and  large  cedars,  especially  of  Lebanon, 
ings.  7.  Still  pressing  need  extorts  prayer 
for  help,  cry  with  my  voice— denotes  earnest- 
ness. Other  things  equal.  Christians  in  ear- 
nest pray  audibly,  even  in  secret.     8.  The 


shivered,  utterly  broken.  The  waving  of 
the  mountain  forests  before  the  wind  is  ex- 
pressed by  the  figure  of  skipping  or  leaping, 

^_-., -.   7.  divideth— ^i^., /),e?i;sc>#'.    The  lightning,  like 

meaning  is  clear,  though  the  construction  in  flakes  and  splinters,  hewed  from  stone  or 


a  literal  translation  is  obscure.  The  E.  V 
supplies  the  implied  clause.  To  seek  God's 
face  is  to  seek  His  favour  (Ps.  lO.'j.  4.).  9. 
Hide  not,  fee— (Ps.  4.  6;  22.  24.),  Against 
rejection  he  pleads  former  mercy  and  love. 
10.  In  the  extremity  of  earthly  destitution 
(Ps.  31.  11;  38.  11.).  God  provides  (cf.  Mat. 
25.35.).  11.  thy  way— of  providence,  aplani 
path— (Ps.  26.  12.).  enemies— lit.,  watchers  for 
my  fall,  (Ps.  5.  8.'.    12.  -wiW— lit.,  soul,  dcsi 


wood,  flies  through  the  air.  8.  tlie  wilder- 
ness—especially Kadesh,  south  of  Judea,  is 
seleced  as  another  scene  of  this  display  of 
divine  power,  as  a  vast  and  desolate  region 
impresses  the  mind,  like  mountains,  with 
images  of  grandeur.  9.  Teiror-stricken  ani- 
mals and  denuded  forests  close  the  illustra- 
tion. In  view  ot  this  scene  of  awful  subli- 
mity, God's  worshipjiers  respond  to  the  call 
of,  (v.  2,',  and  speak  or  cry,  "glory!"     By 


(Ps.  35.  25.).  enemies— /i<.,  onprcssors.  False-  j  temple,  or  palace  (God's  residence.  Ps.  6.  .,  , 
hood  aids  cruelty  against  him.  breatlic  cut—  i  may  l.ere  be  meant,  heaven,  or  the  whole 
as  being  filled  with  it  (Acts.  9.  1.).  13.  The  '  frame  of  nature,  as  the  angels  are  called  on 
strong  emotion  is  indicated  ))y  the  incom- j  for  praise.  10,  11.  Over  this  terrible  rnging 
plete  sentence,  for  w Inch  the  E.  V.  sni'plies  \  of  th.e  elements  God  is  enthroned,  directipg 
proper  clause;  or,  omitting  that,  and  ren-jand  restraining  by  sovereign  power;   and 


dering,  yet  I  believed,  &c.,  the  contrast  of  his 
faith  and  his  danger  is  expres.-ed.  to  see— is 
to  experience  ;Ps.  22.  17.).  14.  Wait,  &c.— in 
confident  expectation.  The  last  clause  is, 
kt.,  and  icait,  &c.,  as  if  expecting  new  mea- 
sures of  help. 

PSALM  xxvni. 

Ver.  1-9.    An  earnest  cry  for  divine  aid 


hence  the  comfort  of  His  people.  "This 
awful  God  is  ours,  our  Father  and  our  Love." 
PSALM  XXX. 
Ver.  1-12.  Lit,  A  Pscdm-song—a,  composi- 
tion to  be  sung  with  musical  instruments, 
or  without  them— or,  "Song  of  the  dedica- 
tion." (fee.  specifying  the  particular  charac- 
ter of  the  Psalm,    Some  suppose  that  "of 


A.  prayer  in  calamiti/. 


PSALMS  XXXI-XXXin.       Blessedness  of  the  pa^-doned. 


PSALM  XXXL 
I  David,  ihoiving  his  confidence  in  God,  craves 
his  help:  19  he  extols   Ood'.i  goodness  to  them 
that  fear  him. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 
TN  thee,  0  Lokd,  do  I  put  my  trust;  let 
_  ine  never  be  ashamed:  deliver  me  in  thy 
righteousness. 

2  Uow  "» down  thine  ear  to  me;  deliver  me 
epeedily:  be  thou  i  my  strong  rock,  for  an 
house  of  defence  to  save  me. 

3  For  thou  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress ; 
therefore  '  for  thy  name's  sake  lead  me, 
end  guide  me. 

4  Pull  me  out  of  the  net  that  they  have 
laid  privily  for  me;  for  thou  art  my 
strength.  ,, 

5  Into  *  thine  hand  I  commit  my  spirit: 
thou  hast  redeemed  me,  0  Lord  d  God  of 
tnith. 

6  I  have  hated  them  that  regard  lying 
vanities:  but  I  tnist  in  the  Lord. 

7  I  mil  be  glad  and  rejoice  in  thy  mercy: 
for  thou  hast  considered  my  trouble ;  thou 
bast  *  kno\vn  my  soul  in  adversities; 

6  And  hast  not  shut  me  up  iuto  the  hand 
of  the  enemy:  /  thou  hast  set  my  feet  in  a 
large  room. 

9  Have  mercy  upon  me,  0  Lord,  for  I  am 
in  trouble :  mine  eye  is  consumed  with 
grief,  yea,  my  soul  and  my  belly. 

10  For  my  life  is  spent  with  giief,  and  my 
years  with  sighinj?:  my  strength  faileth  be- 
cause of  mine  uuquity,  and  my  bones  are 
consumed. 

11 1  was  a  reproach  among  all  mine  ene- 
mies, but  ^  especially  among  my  neigh- 
bours, and  a  fear  to  mine  acquaintance: 
they  that  did  see  me  without  fled  from 
me. 

12  I  am  forgotten  as  a  dead  man  out  of 
mind:  I  am  like  2  a  broken  vessel. 

13  For  I  have  henrd  the  slander  of  many: 
fear  '» was  on  every  side:  while  they » took 
counsel  together  against  me,  they  demised 
to  take  away  my  lite. 

14  But  I  trusted  in  thee,  O  Lord:  I  said, 
Thou  art  my  God. 

15  My  times  are  in  thy  hand:  deliver  me 
from  the  hand  of  mine  enemies,  and  from 
them  that  jiersecute  me. 

16  Make  J  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy  ser- 
vant: save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake. 

17  Let  *  me  not  be  ashamed,  O  Lord;  for 
I  have  called  upon  thee:  let  the  wicked  be 
ashamed,  and  3  let  them  be  silent  in  the 
gi-ave. 

18  Let  •  the  lying  lips  be  put  to  silence ; 
which  speak  *  grievous  thuigs  proudly  and 
contemjptuously  against  the  rigliteous. 

19  Oh  '"  how  great  is  thy  goodness,  which 
thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear  thee ; 
which  thou  hast 'Wrought  for  them  that 
trust  in  thee  before  the  sons  of  men! 

20  Thou  "  shalt  hide  them  in  the  secret  of 
thy  presence  from  the  pride  of  man;  °  thou 
Bhalt  keep  them  secretly  in  a  pa\'ilion  from 
the  strife  of  tongues. 

21  Blesed  be  the  Lord;  for  he  hath  showed 
me  his  marvellous  kindness  in  a  &  strong 
city. 

22  For  I  said  in  my  haste,  I  am  cut  off' 
from  before  thine  eyes:  nevertheless  thou 
heardest  the  voice  of  my  supplications 
when  I  cried  unto  thee. 

23  O  love  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints: 
for  the  Lord  p  prescrveth  the  faithful, 
aud  pieDtifiilly  rewardt-th  the  proud  doer. 


PSALM  31. 
a  Ps.  71.  2. 

1  to  mo  for  « 
rocUof 
strength. 

b  Ps.  25.  11. 
e  Lu.  ii3.  40. 
Acts  7.  59 
d  Heb.  6. 18. 
e  John  10.27. 
f  Ps.  18.  19. 
9  Ps.  88.  8. 

2  a  vessel 
that 
porisheth. 

ft  Jer.  20.  3. 

j^a.  2.  22. 

i  Mai.  27.  1. 

;•  Nu.  li.  25. 

Ps.  4.  5. 


cvit  cfi'  for 
the  prave. 

I  P«.  12.  3. 

1  a  hard 
thing. 

m  Is.  04.  4. 

nPs.  27.'6.' 
"Job  5.  21. 
6  Or,  fenced 
city. 


PSALM 
1  Or.  riv 


6  2  Cor.  6. 19. 
e  John  1. 47. 
d  Pro.  28.  13. 

la  05.  24. 

Lu.  15.  18. 

1  John  1.9. 
»  1  Ti.  1.  16. 
/Is.  65.  6. 

John  7.  34. 

2  in  a  time 
of  finding. 

ff  Pa.  9.  9. 

Ps.  27.  5. 

Pa.  31.  20. 

Ps.  119. 

114. 
ft  la.  48.  17. 

3  1  will 
counsel 
thee,  mine 
eye  shall 
be  upon 
thee. 

t  Pro.  13.  21. 

Rom.  2.  9. 
J  Ps.  34.  8. 

Ps   64.  12. 

Pro.  10.  20. 

Jer.  17.  7. 


PSALM   33. 

a  Is  42.  10. 
1  Or.  morcy. 
6  John  1.1-3. 

Heb.  11.3. 

2  Pet.  3.  5. 


:  Job  : 


13. 


iZPs.  148.6. 

fru.slratfl. 

e  Job  23.  13. 
Pro.  19.21. 
Is.  4<i.  10. 

3  to  genera- 
tion and 
genera. 


24  Be  of  good  courage,  and  he  shall 
strengthen  your  heart,  all  ye  that  hope  in 
the  Lord. 

PSALM  XXXIL 
1  Blessedness  of  him  whose  sins  are  forgiven.    8 
The  psalmist  exhorts  to  a  wellrregiilated  condvet 
by  its  many  bUssings. 

A  Fsalm  of  David,  1  Maschil. 
■RLESSED  is  he  whose  "  tmn.sgression  is 

forgiven,  whose  sin  it>  covered. 
2  Blessed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord 
ft  imputeth  not  iniquity,  and  "  in  whose 


spirit  ifi  ere  is  no  giiile. 


When  I  kept  silence,  my  bones  waxed 
old  through  my  roaring  all  the  day  long: 

4  For  day  and  night  th^  hand  was  hea\7 
upon  me:  my  moisture  is  turned  into  the 
drought  of  summer.    Selah. 

5  1  acknowledged  my  sin  imto  thee,  and 
mine  iniquity  have  I  not  hid.  d  i  said,  I 
will  confess  my  transgressions  unto  the 
Lord;  and  thou  forgavest  the  iniquity  of 
my  sin.    Selah. 

6  For  •  this  shall  every  one  that  is  godly 
pray  /  unto  thee  2  in  a  time  when  thuu 
mayest  be  found:  surely  hi  the  floods  of 
gi-eat  waters  they  shall  not  come  nigh  unto 
him. 

7  Thou  ^art  my  hiding-place;  thou  shalt 
preserve  me  from  trouble;  thou  shalt  com- 
pass  me  about  with  songs  of  deliverance. 
Selah. 

8  I  will  '^  instruct  thee  and  teach  thee  in 
the  way  which  thou  shalt  go:  3 1  will  guide 
thee  with  mine  eye. 

9  Be  ye  not  as  the  horse,  or  as  the  mule, 
ivhich  have  no  understanding;  whose  mouth 
must  be  held  in  with  bit  and  bridle,  lest 
they  come  near  unto  thee. 

10  iVIany  *  soitows  shall  be  to  the  wicked: 
but  >  he  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord,  mercy 
shaU  compass  liim  about. 

11  Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye 
righteous:  and  shout  for  joy,  all  ye  that  are 
upright  m  heart. 

PSALM  XXXIIL 
1  God  to  be  praised  for  his  goodness,  6  for  hi* 
power,  12  and  for  his  providence.  20  Confidcnct 
is  therefore  to  be  placed  in  him. 

"DEJOICE  in  the  Lord,  0  ye  righteous; 
for  praise  is  comely  ibr  the  upright. 

2  Praise  the  Lord  w^ith  harp:  sing  mito 
him  with  the  psaltery  and  an  instrument 
often  strngs. 

3  Sing  "  unto  him  a  new  song;  play  skil- 
fully with  a  loud  noise. 

4  For  the  word  of  the  IiOKD  is  right;  and 
all  Ills  works  are  done  in  truth. 

5  He  loveth  righteousness  and  judgment: 
the  earth  is  full  of  the  i  goodness  of  the 
Lord. 

6  By  the  *  word  of  the  Lord  were  the 
heavens  made;  and  all  the  host  of  them 
by  "^  the  breath  of  his  moutJi. 

7  He  gathereth  the  waters  of  the  sea  to- 
gether as  an  heap:  he  layeth  up  the  depth 
m  storehouses. 

8  Let  all  the  earth  fear  the  Lord:  let  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  world  st;md  in  awe 
of hhn: 

9  For  dhe  spake,  and  it  was  done;  he 
commanded,  and  it  stood  fast. 

lu  The  Lord  -  bringcih  the  counsel  of  the 
heathen  to  nought:  ne  maketh  the  devices 
of  the  people  of  none  elfect. 

11  The  "  counsel  of  the  LoRp  standeth  for 
ever,  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  ""to  all 
generations. 


A  Prover  m  Calamity. 


PSALMS  XXXr,  XXXn.     BlcsRcdti  ess  of  the  Pardm  ed. 


David"  shoii  d  be  connected  with  the  name  of  i  his  i;nshaken  confidence  in  (iod.  The  Psalni- 


the  composition,  and  not  with  "Itouse;"  and 
refer  for  tlie  occasi'in  to  the  selection  of  a  site 
for  the  temple  1  Chr.  21.  2(i-:iO;  22.  1.).  But 
'* house"  is  never  used  absolutely  for  the 
temple,  and  dediaiiion  does  not  well  apply 


ist  rests  on  God's  faitlifulness  to  His  promises 
to  His  people,  and  hence  avows  himself  one 
of  them,  detesting  all  who  revere  objects  of 
idolatry  cf.  Deut.  32.  21;  1  Cor.  8.  4...  7.  hast 
known  my  soul,  &c.— had  regard  to  me  in 


to  such  an  occasion.     Though  the  phrase  i  trouble.    8.  shut  me  up  .  .  .  enemy— abandon 
in  the  Heh.,  "dedication  of  the  house  of  [to  (1  Sam.  23. 11.  K    large  room— place  of  sa'ety 


;f.  Ps.  18.  19 


David"  is  an  unusual  form;  yet  it  is  equally 
unusual  to  disconnect  the  name  of  the  author  ]  extreme  weakness 
and  the  composition.    As  a  "dedicition  of  i mingled  sorrow 
David's  house"  (as  provided,  Deut.  20.  5,\  thf;;soul  and 


10.  mine  eye,  &c.— denotes 
(cf.    Ps.    6.    7.!.      grief— 

_    1  indignation  (Ps.  e.  7.). 

.  .  belly— the  whole  person.  Though 


scope  of  the  Psalm  well  corresponds  with  the  effects  ascribed  to  grief  are  not  mere 
the  state  ol  repose  and  meditation  on  hit  figures  of  speech,  spent .  .  .  consumed— must 
past  trials,  suited  to  such  an  occasion  (2  Sam.  be  taken  in  the  modified  sense  of  wasted  and 


or,  suffering  bj'  it  (cf.  on 
mong— or,  lit.,  from,  or, ' 


5.  11;  7.2.).    For  beginning  with  a  celebration  decaytd.    iniquity 

of  Uod's  delivering  favour  in  which  he  in-  Pb.  40.  12.).    11.  a        _  .  .    _ 

vites  others  to  join,  he  relates  his  prayer  ir  my  enemies.  The  latter  clauses  describe  the 
distress,  and  God's  gracious:  and  prompt  progress  of  his  disgrace  to  the  lowest  degree, 
answer.  |till,  12.  he  is  forgotten   as  one  dead,  and 

1.  lifted  me  up— as  one  is  drawn  from  a  well  i  contemned  as  a  useless  broken  vessel.     13. 
(Ps.  40.  2.).    2.  healed  me— affliction  is  often iForwntroducesfartherreasonsforhisprayer, 

'  the  unjust,  deliberate,  and  murderous  pur- 
poses of  his  foes.  14-18.  In  his  profession  of 
trust  he  includes  the  terms  of  the  prayer  ex- 
pressing it.  times— course  of  life,  deliver 
.  . .  l:ia;id— opposed  to  "  slmt  me  tip,"  <fcc.  ot 
V.  8.  make  .  .  .  shine— of.  ^um.  6.  25;  Ps.  4. 
6. ) .  Deprecatin  g  from  him  self,  he  imprecates 
on  the  wicked,  God's  displeasure,  and  prays 
that  their  virulent  persecution  of  him  may 
be  stopped.  19-21.  God  displays  openly  His 
purposed  goodness  to  His  people,  the  secret 
of  thy  presence— or,  covering  of  thy  counte- 
nance: the  protection  He  thus  affords;  cf. 
Ps.  27.  5  for  a  similar  figure;  "dwelling" 
used  there  for  "presence"  here.  Tlie  idea  of 
security  farther  presented  by  the  figure  of  a 
tent  and  a  fortified  city.  22.  For  I  said— ^ii., 
and  I  said,  in  an  adversative  sense.  I,  thus 
favoured,  was  despondent,  in  my  haste— in 
my  terror.  cu.t  off .  .  .  eyes— from  all  the  pro- 
tection of  thy  presence.  23,  24.  the  Lord  .  . . 
jroud  doer— /it.,  the  Lord  is  keeping  jaith— 
I  e.,  with  His  people,  and  is  repaying,  &c 
Then  let  none  despair,  but  take  courage, 
their  hopes  shall  not  be  in  vain. 
PSALM  XXKIl. 
Ver.  1-11.  Maschil—lit.,  giving  instruction. 
The  Psalmist  descrilies  the  blessings  of  His 
forgiveness,  succeeding  the  pains  of  convic- 
tion, and  deduces  from  his  own  experience 
instruction  and  exhortation  to  others. 

1,  2.  (Cf.  Eora.  4.  6.).  forgiven— lit.,  taken 
away,  opposed  to  retain  (John,  20.  23.). 
covered— so  that  God  no  longer  regards  the 


described  as  ^disease  Ps.  6.  2;  41.  4;  107.  20, 
and  so  rehef  by  healing.  3.  The  terms  de- 
scribe extreme  danger,  soul— or,  myself, 
grave— Mf.,  hell,  as  in  Ps.  16.  10.  hast  kept 
rsie  . .  .  pit— quickened  or  revived  me  from 
the  state  of  dying  (cf.  Ps.  28.  1.).  4.  remem- 
br  nice— the  thing  remembered  or  memorial, 
holiness— as  the  sum  of  God's  perfections  (cf. 
Ps.  22. 3,),  used  as  name  (Ex.  3. 15;  Ps.  135. 13.). 
5.  Relatively,  the  longest  experience  of  divine 
anger  by  the  pious  is  momentary.  These 
precious  words  have  consoled  millions.  6, 7. 
What  particular  prosperity  is  meant  we  do 
not  know.  Perhaps  nis  accession  to  the 
throne.  In  his  self-complacent  elation  he 
was  checked  by  God's  hiding  His  face  (cf.  Ps. 
22.  24;  27.  9.).  troubled  —  confounded  with 
fear  (Ps.  2.  5.).  8-11.  As  in  Ps.  6.  5;  88. 10;  Isa. 
38.  18,  the  appeal  for  mercy  is  based  on  the 
destruction  of  his  agency  in  praising  God 
here,  which  death  would  produce. .  The 
terms  expressing  relief  are  poetical,  and  not 
to  be  pressed,  though  dancing  is  the  transla- 
tion of  a  word  which  means  a  lute,  whose 
cheerful  notes  are  contrasted  with  mourning, 
or, ;  Amos,  5. 16,),waJling.  sackcloth— was  used, 
even  by  kings,  in  distress  '1  Chr.  21. 16;  Isa. 
37.  1,);  but  gladness,  used  lor  a  garment, 
shows  the  language  to  be  figurative.  12. 
Though— my— is  supplied  before— glory— it  is 
better  as  Ps.  16.  10,  to  receive  it  as  used  for 
tongue,  the  organ  of  praise.  The  ultimate  end 
of  God's  mercies  to  us  is  our  praise  to  Him. 

PSALM  XXXI.  .  . 

Ver.  1-24.  The  prayer  of  a  believer  in  time  |  sin  (Ps.  85.  3.^.  imputeth— charge  to  him,  aud 
of  deep  distress.  In  the  first  part,  cries  fori  treat  him  accordingly,  no  guile— or,  deceit, 
help  are  mingled  with  expressions  of  confid-  no  false  estimate  of  himself,  nor  insincerity 


ence.  Then  the  detail  of  griefs  engrosses 
his  attention,  till,  in  the  assurance  of  strong 
but  submissive  faith,  he  rises  to  the  language 
of  unuiingled  joyful  trust,  and  exhorts  others 
to  like  love  and  confidence  toward  God. 

1.  expresses  the  general  tone  of  feeling  of 
the  P.salm.  2-4.  .He  seeks  help  in  God's 
righteous  .-overnment  (Ps.  5.  8.),  and  begs  for 
an  attentive  hearing,  and  speedy  and  effec- 
tual aid.  With  no  other  help  and  no  claim 
of  merit,  he  relies  solely  on  God's  regard  to 
his  own  perfections  for  a  safe  guidance  and 
release  from  the  snares  of  his  enemies.  On 
the  terms  "rocks,"  <fec.,  cf.  Ps.  17.  2;  18.  2, 
5,6 


50;  20.  0;  23.  3;  25.  21.       5,  6.  commit  my  spirit 
—my  life,  or,  myself.    Our  Saviour  used  the 

wordsonthecross,  not  as  prophetical, but, as,-,.™. „--  --.  — -- 

many  pious  men  have  done,  as  expressive  ot'lperience  illustrates  the  statement  oi'  v, 
369 


before  God  (cf.  Rom.  8.  1.).  3,  4.  A  vivid  de- 
scription of  felt,  but  unacknowledged,  sin. 
when— lit.,  for,  as  v.  4,  the  hand— of  God.  or, 
power  in  distressing  him  (Ps.  38.  2.).  mois- 
ture—vital juices  ol  the  body,  the  parching 
heat  of  which  expresses  the  anguish  of  the 
soul.  On  the  other  figures  (cf.  Ps.  6.  2,  7;  31. 
9-11.).  If  composed  on  the  occasion  of  the 
fifty-first  Psalm,  this  distress  may  have  been 
protracted  tor  several  months.  5.  A  prompt 
fulfilment  of  the  purposed  confession  is  fol- 
lowed by  a  prompt  forgiveness.  6.  For  this 
—i.e.,  my  happy  experience,  godly— pious  in 
the  sense  of  I's.  4.  3.  a  time— (Isa.  .55.  6.), 
when  God's  Spirit  inclines  us  to  seek  pardon. 
He  is  ready  to  forgive,  floods,  &c.— denote 
eat  danger  (Ps.  IS.  17;  66.  12.).     7.  His  ex- 


iiiessedness  of  the  righteous.       PSALMS  XXXiV,  XXXV.   Anappealfor  God's  protection. 


12  Blessed  is  the  nutioii  whose  God  is  the 
Lokd;  and  the  people  wtutm  he  hatti 
chosen  ibr  his  own  inheiitsuice. 

15  The  /Lord  looketh  from  heaven;  he 
beholdeth  all  the  sons  of  men. 

14  From  the  place  of  his  habitation  he 
looketh  upon  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
earth. 

15  He  " fashiorieth  their  hearta  alike; '» he 
considereth  all  their  works. 

16  There  is  no  king  saved  by  the  multi- 
tude of  an  host:  a  mighty  man  is  not  de- 
livered by  much  streni,'th. 

17  Au  horse  is  a  vain  thing  for  safety: 
neither  shall  he  deliver  any  by  his  great 
Btrength. 

IS  r.ehold,  <  the  eye  of  the  LoKD  is  upon 
them  that  fear  him,  upon  them  that  hope 
In  his  tnercy ; 

19  To  deli\er  their  soul  from  death,  and  to 
keep  them  alive  in  famine. 
;  20  Our  soul  waiteth  for  the  LoED:  he  is 
our  help  and  our  shield. 
21  For  our  heart  shall  rejoice  in  him;  be- 
cause we  have  tmsted  in  his  holy  name. 
'  22  Let  thy  mercy,  O  Loud,  be  upon  us, 
Bccording  as  we  hope  in  thee. 
PSALM  XXXIV. 
David  praists  God,  and  exhorts  others  thereto 
by  his  experieiue.    B  Whet/  blessed  who  ti-ust  i7i 
God.    II  He  exhorts  to  the  ftar  of  Qod,  etc. 
A  rsalmof  David,  when  he  changed  his  behav- 
iour before  i  Abimelech;  who  drove  him  away, 
and  he  departed. 
T  WILL  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times:  his 
*•  praise  shall  continually  be  in  my  mouth. 

2  My  soul  shall  make  her"  boast  in  the 
Lord:  the  humble  shall  hear  thereof,  and 
be  glad. 

3  0  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let 
Ds  exalt  his  name  together. 

4  16  sought  the  Loud,  and  he  heard  me, 
and  deUvered  me  from  all  my  ftars. 

6  2  They  looked  unto  him.  and  were  ligh- 
tened; and  their  iiices  were  not  ashamed. 

6  This  "poor  man  cried,  and  the  Lord 
heard  him,  and  <*  saved  him  out  of  all  his 
troubles. 

7  The  '  angel  of  the  Lord  /  encampe.th 
tound  about  them  that  fear  him,  and  de- 
livereth  them. 

8  O  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good: 
blessed  is  the  man  that  trustelh  in  him. 

9  O  fear  the  Loud,  ye  his  saints:  for  there 
is  "  no  want  to  tliein  that  fear  him. 

10  The  young  lions  do  lack,  and  suffer 
nunger:  but  they  that  seek  the  Lord  shall 
not  want  any  good  thing. 

11  Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me;  1 
»«rill  tea-ch  you  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

12  What ''  man  is  he  that  desireth  life,  and 
loveth  many  days,  that  he  may  see  good? 

IS  Keep  thy  tongue  from  evil,  and  thy 
lips  from  « speaking  guile. 

li  Depart  from  evil,  and  do  good;  seek 
peace,  and  pmsue  it. 

15  The  >  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon  the 
righteous,  and  his  ears  are  open  imto  theu- 
cry. 

16  The  *  face  of  the  Lord  is  against  them 
that  do  evil, '  to  cut  otf  the  remembrance 
of  them  from  the  earth. 

17  The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord 
lieareth,  and  dehvereth  them  out  of  aD 
their  troubles. 

18  The  Lord  is  nigh  3  unto  them  that  are 
of  a  broken  heart ;  and  saveth  *  such  as  be 
ot'acontiite  spirit. 


PSALM    83. 

/  a  chT.  10. 

9. 

Job  28.  24. 
Pb.  U.  4. 
P».  14.  2. 
Pro.  15,  3. 


4  Job3ti.'7. 
P>.  34.  15. 
1  Pet.  8. 18. 

PSALM  34. 

1  Or, 

Achi»h. 
1  Sam.  21. 
13. 
Jer.  9.  24. 

1  Cor.1.31. 

2  Cor.  10. 
17. 

Mat.  7.  7. 
Lu.  11.  9. 

2  Or,  They 
flowed. 
Ps.  3.  4. 

d  2  Sam.  22. 

1. 
•Dan.  B. 22. 

Hob.  1. 14. 
/  Qbd.  32.  1. 

2  Ki.  6  17. 

Zech.  9.  8. 
9  Phil.  4. 19. 
h  1  Pet.  3. 

10. 
i  1  Pet.  2.22. 
;■  Job  86.  7. 
A  Lot.  17. 10. 

Jer.  44.  11. 

Amoa  9.  4. 
I  Via.  10.  7. 

5  to  the 
broken  of 
heart, 
contrite  of 
Epirit. 

in  Johal9.3(!. 
»t  P».  94.  23. 
5  Or,  ehall 

0  2  S»,  4.  9." 
Ps.  103.  4. 
Lam.  3.  58. 


PSALM   36. 

1  darknesi 

and  slip- 


knoweth 

6  Ps.  7.  15. 

Pi.  57.  e. 

P*.  141.  9, 

10. 

Pro.  5.  22. 
e  Pi.  13.  5. 
d  £1.  15. 11 

Ps.  71. 19. 


of  1 


5  depriving. 

6  Or, 
afflicted. 

7  walked. 


11  strong, 
la  ialtelf . 


19  Many  are  the  afllictions  of  the  rishte- 
ous:  bat  the  Lord  delivereth  hira  out  of 
them  alL 

•iO  lie  keepeth  aU  his  bones:  ""not  one  of 
them  is  broken. 

21  E\-il  "  shall  slay  the  wicked:  and  they 
that  hate  the  righteous  *  shall  be  desoLite. 
^i  Tlie  LoKU  "redeenieth  the  soul  of  lii.i 
servants;  and  none  of  them  that  trust  in 
him  shall  be  desolate. 

PSALM  XXXV. 
1  David  prays  for  his  mun  safety,  and  his  ene- 
mies' confusion:  'it  he  pleads  with  God  to  do 
Mm  right. 

A  Fsalm  of  David. 
pLEAD  my  cause,  0  Lord,  with  them 
■*    that  strive  with  mc:  fight  against  them 
that  fight  against  me. 

2  Take  hold  of  shield  and  buckler,  and 
stand  up  for  mine  help. 

3  Draw  out  also  the  spear,  and  stop  the 
u'au  ag.iinst  them  that  pevsecut-e  me:  say 
unto  iny  soul,  I  am  thy  salvation. 

4  Let  them  be  confounded  and  put  to 
shame  that  seek  after  my  soul:  let  them  be 
turned  back  and  brought  to  confusion  that 
devise  my  hurt. 

5  Let  tliem  be  as  chaff  before  the  wind: 
and  let  the  angel  of  the  Lord  chase  them. 

6  Let  their  way  be  i  dark  utid  slipiieiv:  and 
let  the  angel  ot  the  Lord  persei.iite  them. 

7  For  without  cause  have  they  hid  for  ma 
their  net  in  a  pit,  which  without  cause  thej 
have  digged  for  my  soul. 

8  Let  "destnaction  come  upon  him  2 at 
unawares ;  and  *  let  his  net  that  he  hath 
hid  catch  himself:  into  that  very  destruc- 
tion  let  him  fall. 

0  And  my  soul  shall  be  jojful  in  the  LosD: 
It "  sliall  rejoice  in  his  salvation. 

10  All  my  bones  shall  say.  Lord,  t*  who  ia 
like  unto  thee,  wliich  dcliverest  the  poor 
fi-oni  him  that  is  too  strong  for  him,  yea, 
the  poor  and  the  needy  from  him  that 
spoUeth  him* 

11  -I  False  witnesses  did  rise  up  :  *  they 
laid  to  my  charge  things  that  I  knew 
not. 

12  They  rewarded  me  evil  for  good,  to  tha 
^similing  of  my  soul. 

13  But  as  for  me,  when  they  were  sick,  my 
clothing  was  sackcloth:  1  6hun»bied  my 
soul  with  fasting;  and  my  prayer  reluiiiea 
into  mine  own  bosom. 

14  1  <  behaved  my  self  8  as  though  Ae  had 
been  my  friend  or  brother:  I  bowed  down 
hea^•ily,  as  one  that  mom-neth  for  his 
mother. 

15  iiutinmine  9  adversity  they  rejoiced, 
and  gathered  themselves  together:  yea, 
the  abjects  gathered  themselves  togetliei 
against  uie.  and  I  knew  it  not;  they  did 
tear  me,  and  ceased  not: 

It;  With  hypocritical  mockers  in  feasts, 
they  gnjvslied  upon  me  with  tlieir  teeth. 

17  Lord,  how  long  wilt  thou  look  on?  res. 
cue  my  soul  from  tlieir  destnictions,  lo  niy 
darling  fiom  the  lions. 

18  1  will  give  thee  thanks  in  the  great 
congregation:  1  wiU  praise  thee  among 
11  much  people. 

VJ  Let  nut  them  that  are  mine  enemies 
11!  wioiigt'ully  rejoice  over  me;  neither  let 
tlicui  « ink  with  the  eye  that  hate  me  with- 
out a  cause. 

20  For  they  speak  not  peace;  but  they  dfc 
vise  ueceiilul  matters  aaahist  tlmn  thid 
are  tiuiet  in  the  laud. 


Blessedness  of  the  Righteous. 

Whether,  as  most  likely,  the  language  of 
David  (cf.  Ps.  51.  13,),  or  that  of  God,  this  is 
a  promise  of  divine  guidance.  I  will .  .  . 
niliie  eye— or,  mtj  eye  shall  be  on  thee,  watch- 
ing and  directinu  thy  way.  9.  The  latter 
clause,  more  literally,  "in  that  they  come 
not  near  thee"— i.e.,  because  they  will  not 
come,  (fee,  unless  forced  by  bit  and  bridle 
10.  The  sorrows  of  the  impenitent  contrasted 
with  the  peace  and  safety  secured  by  God's 
mercy.  11.  ITie  righteous  and  upright,  or 
those  conforming  to  the  divine  teaching  for 
securing  the  divine  blessing,  may  well  re- 
oice  with  shouting. 

PSALJMU  xxxin. 

Ver.  1-22.  A  call  to  lively  and  joyous  praise 
to  God  for  His  glorious  attributes  and  works, 
as  displayed  in  creation  and  His  general  and 
special  providence, '  in  view  of  which,  the 
Psalmist,  for  all  the  pious,  professes  trust 
and  joy,  and  invokes  God's  mercy. 

1-3.  The  sentiment  falls  in  with  Ps.  32. 11, 
(cf.  1  Cor.  14.  15.).The  instruments,  {Ps.  92.3; 
144.  9,),  do  not  exclude  the  voice,  a  new 
song— fresh,  adapted  to  the  occasion  (Ps.  40. 
3;  96.  1.).  play  skilfully— (cf.  Ps.  15.  16,  21.), 
4-9.  Eeasons  for  praise,  first,  God's  truth, 
faithfulness,  and  mercy,  generally;  then.  His 
creative  power  which  all  must  honour.  In 
word  and  breath— or,  spirit,  there  may  be  an 
allusion  to  the  Son  (John,  1.  l,),  and  Holy 
Spirit,  he  spake— iii.,  said,  it  was— the  ad- 
dition of  clone  weakens  the  sense  (cf.  Gen. 
1.  3-10.).  10,  11.  In  God's  providence  He 
thwarts  men's  purposes  and  executes  His 
own.  heathen— iii.,  nations.  12-19.  The  in- 
ference from  the  foregoing  in  v.  12,  is  illus- 
trated by  God's  special  providence,  under- 
lying which  is  His  minute  knowledge  of  all 
men.  looketh — intently  (Isa.  14. 16.).  fashioD- 
etli— or,  forms,  and  hence  knows  and  con- 
trols (Pro.  21. 1.).  alike— without  exception. 
considereth  — or,  understands,  God  knows 
men's  motives.  16,17.  Men's  usual  reliances 
in  their  greatest  exigencies  are,  in  themselves, 
useless.  On  the  war  horse  (cf.  Job,  39.  19-25.). 
a  vaiu  thing— a  lie,  which  deceives  us  18,  19. 
Contrasted  is  God's  guidance  and  power  to 
save -from  the  greatest  eartlily  evil  and  its 
most  painful  precursor,  and  hence  from  all. 
20-22.  waiteth— -in  earnest  expectation  hoiy 
name— (cf.  Ps,  5.  12;  22.  22;  30,  4.).  Our  faith 
measures  mercy  (Mat.  9.  29,),  and  if  of  grace, 
it  is  no  more  of  debt  (Eom.  11  6.). 
PSALM  XXXIV. 

Ver.  1-22  On  the  title  cf.  1  Sam.  21. 13. 
Abimelech  was  the  general  name  of  the 
sovereign  (Gen.  20.  2).  After  celebrating 
God's  gracious  dealings  with  him,  the  Psalm- 
ist exhorts  others  to  make  trial  of  His  pro- 
vidential care,  instructing  them  how  to  se- 
cure it.  He  then  contrasts  God's  care  of  His 
people  and  His  punitive  providence  to- 
wards the  wicked. 

1-4.  Even  in  distress,  which  excites  suppli- 
cation, there  is  always  matter  for  praising 
and  thanking  God  (cf.  Eph.  5.  20;  Phil.  4.  6.). 
make  lier  boast— glory  (Ps.  105.  3;  cf.  Gal.  6 
14.).  humble— the  pious,  as  Ps.  9.  12;  25.  9. 
msgnify  the  Lord— ascribe  greatness  to  Him, 
an  act  of  praise,  together— alike  (Ps.  33. 15,). 
or.  equally,  without  exception,  delivered  .  .  . 
fears— as  well  as  actual  evil  (Ps.  64. 1.).  5-7. 
God'.«  f-i.vour  to  the  pious  generally,  and  to 
him.s  If  specially,  is  celebrated,  looked— with 
desiie  lor  help,  lightened- or,  brightened, 
expressuig  joy,  opposed  to  the  downcast  fea- 
390 


^ALMS  XXXin-XXXV.  _^w  Appeal  for  Protection. 
tures  of  those  who  are  ashamed  or  disap- 
pointed (Ps.  25.  2,  3.).  Tlus  poor  man— Ki,, 
/m5)(6/e, himself  as  a  specimen  of  such,  angel 
—of  the  covenant  (Isa.  63.  9,),  of  whom  as  a 
leader  of  God's  host  (Josh.  5. 14;  1  Ki.22.l9,), 
the  phrase-— encampeth,  &c.— is  ajipropriate; 
or  angel.,  used  collectively  for  angels  (Heb.  1. 
14.).  8.  taste  and  see— try  and  experience. 
9.  Those  fear  him— who  are  pious— fear  and 
love  (Pro.  1.  7;  9.  10.).  saints- consecratedto 
His  service  (Isa.  40.  31.)  10.  not  want  any  good 
— "  Good"  is  emphatic:  they  may  be  afflicted 
(cf.  w.  10);  but  this  may  be  a  good  (2  Cor.  4. 
17, 18;  Heb.  1-'.  10,  li.).  11.  children— sutiects 
of  instruction  (Pro.  1.  8,  10.).  12.  Wi.at 
man- whoever  desires  the  bles.sings  of  piety 
let  him  attend.  13,  14.  Sins  of  thought  in- 
cluded in  those  of  speech  (Luke,  6. 45,),  avoid- 
ing evil  and  doing  good  in  our  relations 
to  men  are  based  on  a  right  relation  to 
God.  15.  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  upon— (Ps.  32. 
8:  33.  18.).  16.  Face  .  .  .  Against—opposed  to 
them  (Lev.  17.  10;  20.  3.)  cut  off  the  remem- 
brance—utterly  destroy,  (Ps.  109.  13.1.  17,  ig. 
Humble  penitents  are  objects  of  God's  si  ecial 
tender  regard  (Ps.  51. 19;Isa.  57. 15.).  20.  bones 
—framework  of  the  body.  21,  22.  Contrast  in 
the  destiny  of  righteous  and  wicked,  the  for- 
mer shall  be  delivered  and  never  come  into 
condemnation  (John,  5.  24;  Horn.  8.  1,),  the 
latter  left  under  condemnation  and  desolate. 
PSALM  XXXV. 

Ver.  1-28.  The  Psalmist  invokes  God's  aid, 
contrasting  the  hypocrisy,  cunning,  and  ma- 
Uce  of  his  enemies  with  his  integrity  and 
generosity.  The  imprecations  of  the  first  part 
iacluding  a  brief  notice  of  their  conduct,  the 
fuller  exposition  of  their  hypocrisy  and  ma- 
lice in  the  second,  and  the  earnest  prayer  for 
deliverance  from  their  scornful  triumph  in 
the  last,  are  each  closed  {v  9,  10,  18,  27. 
28,)  with  promises  of  praise  for  the  desired 
relief  in  which  his  friends  will  unite.  The 
historical  occasion  is  probably  1  Sam.  24. 

1-3.  God  is  invoked  in  the  character  of  a 
warrior  (Ex.  15.  3;  Dent.  32. 41.).  iight  against 
—lit,  devour  rmj  devourers.  stoo  the  way 
against— Zif.,  shut  up  (the  way,i,  to  meet  or 
oppose,  &c.  I .  .  .  thy  salvation— who  saves 
thee.  4.  (Cf.  Ps.  9.  17.).  devise  my  hurt- 
purpose  for  evU  to  me.  5,  6.— (cf.  Ps.  1.  4,:- 
a  terrible  fate;  driven  by  wind  on  a  slippery 
path  in  darkness,  and  hotly  pursued  by 
supernatural  violence  (2  Sam.  24.  16;  Acts,  12, 
23.).  7, 8.  net  in  a  pit— or,  pit  of  their  net— or, 
net  pit— as  holy  hiU  for  hill  of  holiness- 
(Ps.  2.  6,)— a  figure  from  hunting  (Ps.  7.  15.). 
Their  imprecations  on  impenitent  rebels 
against  God  need  no  vindication:  His  jus- 
tice and  wrath  are  for  such;  His  mercy  for 
penitents.  Cf.  Ps.  7.  Ki;  11. 5,  on  the  peculiar 
fate  of  the  wicked  here  noticed.  9,  10.  AU 
my  bones— every  part,  him  that  spoileth  him 
— (cf.  Ps.  10. 2.).  11.  False  witnesses- i/f.,  Wit- 
nesses of  injustice  and  cruelty  (cf.  Ps.  11.  5; 
25.19.)  12-14.  Though  they  rendered  evil  for 
good,  he  showed  a  tender  sympathy  in  their 
affliction,  spoiling— ^it.,  bereavement.  The 
usual  modes  of  showing  grief  are  made,  as 
figures,  to  express  his  sorrow.  prr,yer .  .  . 
bosom— may  denote  either  the  posture— the 
head  bowed— cf.  1  Ki.  18.  42)— or,  that  the 
prayer  was  in  secret.  Some  think  there  is  a 
reference  to  the  result— the  prayer  would 
benefit  him  if  not  them,  behaved— ;;!!.,  v;ent 
071— denoting  his  habit,  heavily— or,  sqiui 
lidly.  Ills  sorrow  occasioning  neglect  of  hia 


ExceJlency  of  God's  merep.        PSALMS  XXXVI,  XXXTII.  T?ie  wicked  and  the  rigUeoua. 


21  Yea,  they  opened  their  mouth  wide 
against  me,  and  said,  Aha,  aha!  our  eye 
hath  seen  it. 

22  This  thou  hast  •seen,  0  Lokd:  keep 
cot  silence:  O  Lord,  be  not  far  from  me. 

23  Stir  up  thyself,  and  awake  to  my  judg- 
ment, even  unto  my  cause,  my  God  and  my 
Lord. 

2i  Judge  me,  0  Lord  my  God,  /  accord- 
ing to  thy  righteousness;  and  let  them  not 
re.ioice  over  me. 

25  Let  them  not  say  in  their  hearts,  13  Ah! 
BO  would  we  huve  it:  let  them  not  say,  "^e 
have  swallowed  him  up. 

26  Let  them  be  ashamed  and  brought  to 
confusion  together  that  rejoice  at  mine 
hurt:  let  them  be  clothed  with  shame  and 
dishonour  that  magnify  themselves  against 
me. 

27  Let  them  shout  for  joy,  and  be  glad, 
that  favour  i*  my  righteous  cause;  yea,  let 
them  say  continually.  Let  the  Lord  be 
magnified,  which  hath  pleasure  in  the 
prosperity  of  his  sen'ant. 

28  And  my  tongue  shall  speak  of  thy 
righteousness  and  of  thy  praise  all  the 
day  long. 

PSALM  XXXVI. 
1  QrUvous  estate  of  the  wicked.    6  ExeeUewy  of 

God's  mercy. 
To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David  the 

servant  of  the  Lord. 
T^HE  transgression  of  the  wicked  saith 
■*•  within  my  heart,  that  "  there  is  no  fear 
of  God  before  his  eyes. 

2  For  he  tlattereth  himself  in  his  own  eyes, 
I  until  liis  iniquity  be  found  to  be  hateful. 

3  The  words  of  his  mouth  are  iniquity  and 
deceit:  *  he  hath  left  ofl"to  be  wise,  and  to 
do  good, 

4  He  "deviseth  2  mischief  upon  his  bed; 
he  setteth  himself  "^  in  a  way  that  is  not 
good;  he  abhorreth  not  evil. 

5  Thy  *  mercy,  O  Lord,  is  In  the  heavens ; 
and  thy  faithfulness  reacheih  unto  the 
elouds. 

6  Thy  righteousness  is  like  3  the  great 
mountains;  /thy  judgments  are  a  great 
deep:  0  Lord,  *  thou  preservest  man  and 
beast. 

7  How  *  excellent  is  thy  loving-kindness, 
O  God!  therefore  the  children  of  men  ''put 
their  trust  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings. 

8  They  shall  be  6  abundantly  satisfied  with 
the  fatness  of  thy  house ;  and  thou  shalt 
make  them  di-ink  of  i  the  river  of  thy  pleas- 
nres. 

9  For  }  with  thee  is  the  fountain  of  life: 
in  thy  light  shall  we  see  light. 

10  0  6  continue  thy  loving-kindness  unto 
them  that  know  thee ;  and  thy  righteous- 
ness to  the  upright  in  heart. 

11  Let  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  against 
me,  and  let  not  the  hand  of  the  wicked 
remove  me. 

12  There  are  the  workers  of  iniquity  fallen; 
they  are  cast  down,  and  shall  not  be  able 
to  rise. 

PSALM  xxxvn. 

David  persuades  to  patience  and  huynhle  trust  in 

God,  bii  the  happy  state  of  the  godly,  and  the 

short-lived  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

XfRET  not  thyself  because  of  evil-doers, 

"*•    neither  be  thou  envious  against  the 

workers  of  iniquity: 

2  for  they  shall  soon  be  cut  down  like  the 
glass,  and  wither  as  the  green  hexi). 
SSI 


PSALM  35.  I 

Ex.  3.  7. 

Acts  7.  34. 

f2Thes.l.6. 

13  Ah,  ah, 
our  «oul. 

14  my  righ- 
teousness. 


PSALM  38. 
<»  Gen.  80. 

11. 

Ko.  3. 18. 

1  to  find  his 
iniquity  to 
hate. 

6  Jer.  4.  22. 
c  Mic.  2. 1. 

2  Or,  vanity. 
d  Is.  65.  2. 

e  Pb.  57.  10. 
Ps.  108.  4. 

3  the  moun- 
tains of 
God. 

/•Job  11.  8. 
Ro.  11.  33. 
g  Job  7.  20. 

Ps.  145.  9. 

ITim.  4. 

10. 

4  precious. 
Pa.  31.19. 

h  Ruth  2. 13. 

5  watered. 

i  Job  2<).  17. 

Rev.  22. 1. 
)  Zech.  13. 1. 

John  4.  10. 


PSALM  37. 
1  in  truth, 

or,  stable- 

nesB. 


way  upon 
the 

LORD. 
Pro.  16.  3. 
Mat.  6.  25. 
Lu.  12.  22. 

1  Pet.  5.  7. 
6  Mic.  7.  9. 

3  Be  silent 
to  the 
LORD. 

c  Ps.  73.  3. 
Eph.  4.  26. 

4  Or,  prac- 
tiseth. 

d  1  Sam.  26. 

10. 
6  the  upright 

of  way. 
e  Pro.  15. 16. 

Pro.  16.  8. 

ITim.  6. 6. 
/  Ps.  1.  6. 
g  Is.  60.  21. 
h  Job  6.  20. 

6  the  pre- 
ciousness 
of  lambs. 

i  Pro.  3.  33. 

j  Ps.  121.  8. 

Pro.  15.  9. 

7  Or,  estab- 
lished. 

k  Mic.  7.  8. 

2  Cor.  4.  9. 

8  all  tb« 
day. 

:  Ps.  11. 7. 

a  Or, 
goingt. 


Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  do  good;  so  shalt 
thou  dwell  in  the  land,  and  i  verily  thou 
shalt  be  fed. 

4  Delight  "  thyself  also  in  the  Lord  ;  and 
he  shall  give  thee  the  desires  of  thine  heart. 

5  2  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord  ;  trust 
also  in  him,  and  he  shall  bring  it  to  pass: 

6  And  *  he  shall  biing  forth  thy  lighte- 
ousness  as  the  light,  and  thy  judgment  as 
the  noon-day. 

7  3  Rest  in  the  Lord,  and  wait  patiently 
for  him:  fret  not  thyself  because  of  him 
who  prospereth  in  his  .way,  because  of  the 
man  who  bringeth  wicked  de\'ices  to  pass. 

8  Cease  from  anger,  and  forsake  wrath: 
fret '  not  thvself  in  anj-wise  to  do  evil. 

9  For  evil-doers  shaD  be  cut  off:  but  those 
that  wait  upon  the  Lord,  they  shall  in- 
herit the  earth. 

10  For  yet  a  little  while,  and  the  wicked 
shall  not  he:  yea,  thou  shalt  diligently 
consider  his  place,  and  it  shaU  not  be. 

11  But  the  meek  shall  inherit  the  earth; 
and  shall  deli,:4ht  themselves  in  the  abtm- 
dance  of  peace. 

12  The  wicked  *  plotteth  against  the  just, 
and  gnasheth  upon  him  witn  his  teeth. 

13  The  Lord  shall  laugh  at  him;  for  he 
seeth  that  <*  his  day  is  coming. 

14  The  \vicked  have  drawn  out  the  sword, 
and  have  bent  their  bow,  to  cast  down  the 
poor  and  needy,  and  to  slay  6  such  as  be  of 
upright  conversation. 

15  Their  sword  shall  enter  into  their  own 
heait,  and  then:  bows  shall  be  broken. 

16  A  •  httle  that  a  righteous  man  hath  ic 
better  than  the  riches  of  many  wicked. 

17  For  the  anns  of  the  wicked  shall  be  bro- 
ken :  but  the  Lord  upholdeth  the  righteous. 

18  The  Lord  /knoweth  the  days  of  the 
upright ;  and  their  inheritance  shall  be  ^  for 
ever. 

19  They  shall  not  be  ashamed  in  the  e\il 
time ;  and  '« in  the  days  of  famine  they  shall 
be  satisfied. 

20  But  the  wicked  shall  perish,  and  the 
enemies  of  the  Lord  shaU  he  as  ^  the  fat  of 
lambs:  they  shall  consume;  into  smoke 
shall  they  consume  away. 

21  The  wicked  borroweth,  and  payeth  not 
again:  but  the  righteous  showeth  mercy, 
and  giveth. 

22  For  « such  as  be  blessed  of  him  shall 
inherit  the  earth;  and  they  that  be  cursed 
of  him  shall  be  cut  off. 

23  The }  steps  of  a  good  man  are  1  ordered 
by  the  Lord  ;  and  he  deligliteth  in  his  way. 

24  Though  *  he  fall,  he  shall  not  be  utterly 
cast  down:  for  the  Lord  upholdeth  him 
with  his  hand. 

25  I  have  been  young,  and  now  am  old 
yet  have  I  not  seen  the  righteous  forsaken, 
nor  his  seed  begging  bread. 

26  He  is  8  ever  merciful,  and  lendeth;  and 
his  seed  is  blessed. 

27  Depart  tiom  evil,  and  do  good;  and 
dwell  for  everaiore. 

28  For  the  Lord  *  loveth  judgment,  and 
forsaketh  not  his  saints;  they  are  pre- 
8er\'ed  for  ever:  but  the  seed  of  the  wicKed 
shall  be  cut  off. 

29  The  righteous  shall  inherit  the  land, 
and  dwell  therein  for  ever. 

30  The  mouth  of  the  righteous  speaketh 
wisdom,  and  his  tongue  talketh  of  judg- 
ment. 

31  The  law  of  his  God  is  in  his  heart;  noue 
of  his  9  steps  shall  siide. 


Esccellency  ofGod^s  Mercy.  TSATMS  XXXVT,  XXXYII.   The  Wicked  and  the  UiciMeom. 

person.  Altogether,  his  grirf  was  that  of  one  ,  final  ruin  of  the  wicked.  Thus  the  -vvisdora 
for  a  dearly  loved  relative.  15.  16.  On  the  and  justice  of  God's  pro\^deiice  are  vindicat- 
contrary,  they  rejoiced  in  his  affliction.  i?ft?<- 
ing,  or  Inmeness,  as  Ps.  38.17,  for  any  dis- 
tress, ply  acts— either  as  cripples  (cf.  2  Sam. 
4.  4'  contemptible ;  or,  degraded  persons, 
such  as  had  been  beaten  (cf.  Job,  30.  1-8.'  I 
knew  it  not— either  the  persons,  or,  reasons 
of  such  conduct,  tear  me,  and  ceaspd  not— 
lit ,  were  not  si?.en<— showing  that  the  tear- 
ing meant  slandering,  mockers— who  were 
hired  to  make  sport  at  feasts  iPm.  28.  21.). 
17.  darling-(cf.  Ps.  22.  20,  21.).  18.  (Cf.  Ps. 
22.  22.).  19.  enemies  wrongfully— by  false  and 
slanderous  imputations,  wink  with  tiie  eye— 
an  insulting  gestui-e  iPro.  6. 13. ).  without  cause 
—manifests  more  malice  than  having  a  wrong 
cause.  20.  dsceitlul  matters  — or,  words  of 
deceit,  quiet  in  the  land— the  pious  lovers  of 
peace.     21.  On  the  gesture  cf.  Ps.  22.  7,  and 


on  the  expressions  of  malicious  trium})h  cf. 
Ps.  10.  13;  28.  3.  23,  24.  (Cf.  Ps.  7.  6;  26.  1; 
2Thes.l.  6.).  God's  righteous  government 
is  the  hope  of  the  pious  and  terror  of  the 
wicked.  25.  swallowed  him  up— iitterly  de- 
stroyed him  Ps.  21.  9;  Lam.  2.  10.).  26. 
clothed— covered  wholly  (Job,  8.  22.).  27 
favour 
by  thee.     Let   the   Lord,  &c.— Let  Him  be 

freatly  praised  for  His  care  of  the  just.  28. 
n  this  praise  of  God's  equitable  government 
(Ps.  5. 8,!,  the  writer  promises  ever  to  engage. 
PSALM  XXXVI. 
Ver.  1-12.  On  servant  of  the  Lord  cf.  title 
Ps.  IS.  The  wickedness  of  man  contrasted 
with  the  excellency  of  God's  perfections  and 
dispensations;  and  the  benefit  of  the  latter 
sought,  and  the  evils  of  the  former  depre- 

1.  'The  general  sense  of  this  difficult 
verse  is,  "that  the  wicked  have  no  fear  of 
God."  Tlie  first  clause  may  be  rendered, 
"  iSaith  transgression  in  my  heart,  in  respect 
to  the  wicked,  there  is  no  fear,"  <fcc.,  i.e.,  such 
is  my  reflection  on  men's  trangressions.  2-4. 
This  reflection  detailed,  until  his  iniquity, 
&c.--lit.,  for  finding  his  iniquity  for  hating; 
i.e..' he  persuades  himself  God  will  not  so 
find  it— "/or  hating"  involving  the  idea  of 
punishing.  Hence  his  words  of  iniquity 
and  deceit,  and  his  bold  rejection  of  all 
right  principles  of  conduct.  The  climax  is 
that  he  deliberately  adopts  and  patronises 
evil.  The  negative  forms  affirm  more  em- 
phatically their  contraries.  5,  6.  mercy  .  .  . 
aud  .  .  .  faithfulness— as  mercy  and  truth  (Ps. 
25.  10.).  righteousness  and  judgments— quali- 
ties of  a  good  government  (Ps.  5.  8;  31.  1.). 
These  all  are  set  forth,  by  the  figures  used, 
as  unbounded.  7.  shadow  of  thy  wings— (cf. 
Deut.  32.  11;  Ps.  91.  1.1.  8.  fatness— richness, 
thy  hous3— residence— for  the  privileges  and 
blessings  of  communion  with  God  (Ps.  23.  6; 
27.  4.)  river  of  thy  pleasures— plenteous  sup- 
ply—may allude  to  Eden.  9.  Lii-'ht  is  an 
emblem  of  all  blessings— given  of  God  as  a 
means  to  gain  more.  10.  that  know  thee— 
right  knowledge  of  God  is  the  source  of  right 
affections  and  conduct.  11.  foot  oi .  .  .  hand 
.  .  .  wicked— all  kinds  of  violent  dealing.  12. 
There— in  the  acting  of  violence,  they  are 
overthrown.  A  signal  defeat. 
PSALM  XXXVIL 
Ver.  1-40.  A  composed  and  uniform  trust  in 
God,  and  a  constant  course  of  integrity,  are 
urged  in  view  of  the  blessedness  of  the  truly 
pious,  contrasted  in  various  aspects  with  the 


ed,  and  its  seeming  inequalities,  which  excite 
the  cavils  of  the  wicked  and  the  distrust  of 
the  pious,  are  explained.  David's  personal 
history  abundantly  illustrates  the  P-alm. 

1,  2.  The  general  sentiment  of  the  whole 
Psalm  is  expressed.  The  righteous  need  not 
be  vexed  by  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked;  for 
it  is  transient,  and  their  destiny  undesirable. 
3.  Trust— sure  of  safety,  shalt  thou  dwell— 
or,  dwell  thou— repose  quietly,  verily  ...  fed 
—or.  feed  on,  triUh— God's  promise  (Ps.  36.  6, 
cf.  Hos.  12.  1.).  4.  desires- (Ps.  20.  5;  21.  2,). 
what  is  lawful  and  right,  really  good  (Ps. 
84.  11.).  5.  Commit  thy  way  — (Pro.  16.  3.). 
iror/os— what  you  have  to  do  and  cannot— 
set  forth  as  a  burden,  trust ...  in  him— lit., 
on  Him.  He  vMl  do  what  you  cannot  'cf .  Ps. 
22.  8;  31.  6.).  He  will  not  suffer  your  charac- 
ter to  remain  binder  suspicion.  7,  8.  Rest 
m—lit.,  he  silent  to  the  Lord,  and  wait- 
be  submissive— avoid  petulance  and  mur- 
murings,  anger  and  rash  doing.  9.  Two 
reasons.  The  prosperity  of  the  wicked  is 
short,  and  the  pious,  by  humble  trust,  will 
secure  all  covenant  blessings  denoted  here, 
cause— delight  in  it,  as  vindicated  |by  "  inherit  the  earth"  icf.  Ps.  2.5. 13.).  10, 11. 
shall  not  he— lit,  is  not— is  not  to  be  found. 


peace— includes  prosperity.  12.  gnasheth  . 
teeth  — in  beastly  rage.  13.  iCf.  Ps.  2.  4.). 
seeth— knows  certainly,  his  day— of  pimish- 
ment,  long  delayed,  shall  yet  come  (Heb.  10. 
37.).  14, 15.  sword,  and  .  . .  bow— for  any  in- 
struments of  violence,  slay— ^it,  slaughter 
(1  Sam.  25. 11.).  poor  and  needy— God's  people 
(Ps.  10.  17;  12.  5.).  The  punishment  of  the 
wicked  as  drawn  on  themselves— often  men- 
tioned (cf.  Ps.  7.  15,  16;  35.  8.)  16.  riches— 
lit.,  noise  avd  tumult,  as  incidental  to  much 
wealth  (cf.  Ps.  39.  6.).  Thus  the  contrast  with 
the  "little"  of  one  man  is  more  vivid.  17. 
Even  the  members  of  the  body  needed  to 
hold  weapons  are  destroyed.  18,  19.  God, 
who  knows  his  people's  changes,  provides 
against  evil,  and  supplies  all  their  need.  20. 
"While  the  wicked,  however  mighty,  are  de- 
stroyed, and  that  utterly,  as  smoke  which 
vanishes  and  leaves  no  trace.  21,  22.  payeth 
uot— not  able;  having  grown  poor  (cf.  Deut. 
15.  7,).  Ability  of  the  one  and  inability  of 
the  other  do  not  exclude  moral  dispositions. 
God's  blessing  or  cursing  makes  the  differ- 
ence, cut  of— opposed  to  "inherit  the  earth" 
(cf.  Lev.  7.  20,  21.).  23,  24.  steps— way,  or, 
course  of  life;  as  ordered  by  God,  failures 
will  not  be  permanent.  25,  26  bis  seed  is 
blessed— Zi'^.,  for  a  blessing  (Gen.  12.  2;  Ps.  21. 
6.).  Tins  position  is  still  true  as  the  rule 
of  God's  economy  (1  Tim.  4.  8;  6.  6.).  27-29. 
The  exhortation  is  sustained  by  the  assur- 
ance of  God's  essential  rectitude  in  that  pro- 
vidential government,  which  provides  per- 
petual blessings  for  the  good,  and  perpetual 
misery  for  the  wicked.  30,31.  The  righteous 
described  as  to  the  elements  of  character, 
thought,  word,  and  action,  steps— or,  goings 
—for  conduct  which  is  unwavering  fPs.  18. 
36.).  32,  33.  The  devices  of  the  wicked 
against  the  good  fail,  because  God  acquits 
them.  34.  On  the  contrary,  the  good  are 
not  only  blessed,  but  made  to  see  the  ruin 
of  their  foes;  35,  36.  of  which  a  picture  is 
given,  under  the  figure  of  a  flourishing  tree 
(cf.  Marg.),  which  soon  withers,  he  was  not 
— (cf.  V.  10.).  37.  By  the  end.  is  meant  reward 
(Pro.  23. 18;  24. 14,),  or  expectation  of  success. 


A  prayer  {«  distress. 


PSALMS  XSXVIII-XL.        The  sTioHness  of  human  Ufa. 


32  The  wicked  watcheth  the  righteous,  and 
S€eketh  to  slay  hiiii. 

33  The  Lord  will  not  leave  him  in  his 
hand,  nor  "*  condemn  him  when  he  is 
judged. 

iJt  Wait  on  the  Lord,  and  keep  his  way, 
and  he  shall  exalt  thee  to  inhentthe  land: 
when  the  wicked  are  cut  off,  thou  shalt  see 
it. 

35  I  have  seen  the  wicked  in  great  power, 
ftnd  spreading  himsell'  like  i"  a  green  bay 
tree. 

36  Yet  he  passed  away,  and,  lo,  he  was 
notj  yea,  1  sought  Mm,  but  he  could  not 
be  found. 

37  Alark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the 
upright :  for  "  the  end  of  thai  man  is 
peace. 

38  But  the  transgressors  shall  be  destroyed 
together:  the  end  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
cut  otf. 

39  Hut  °  the  salvation  of  the  righteous  is 
of  the  Lokd;  he  is  their  strength  in  the 
time  of  trouble. 

40  And  the  Lord  shall  help  them,  and  de- 
liver them:  he  shall  deliver  them  ixora  the 
wicked,  and  save  them,  *  because  they 
trust  in  him. 

PSALM  XXXVIIL 
David  moves  God  to  take  compassion  of  his  pitifM 

ease,  confessing  his  sins  to  be  the  cause  thereof. 

A  Psalm  of  David,  to  bring  to  remembrance. 
Q  LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  thy  wrath: 
^^  neither  chasten  me  in  thy  hot  displeas- 
ore. 

2  For  thine  arrows  stick  fast  in  me,  and 
thy  hand  presseth  me  sore, 

3  There  is  no  soundness  in  myflesh  because 
of  thine  anger;  neither  is  there  any  i  rest 
in  my  bones  because  of  my  sin. 

4  For  mine  iniquities  are  gone  over  mine 
head;  as  an  heavy  buiden  they  are  too 
heavy  for  me. 

5  Afy  wounds  stink  and  are  corrupt  be- 
cause of  my  foolishness. 

6  1  am 2  troubled;  I  am  bowed  down 
neatly;  I  go  mourning  all  the  day  long. 

7  For  my  loins  ai*e  tilled  with  a  "  loath- 
some disease;  and  there  is  no  soundness  in 
my  flesh. 

8  I  am  feeble  and  sore  broken:  I  have 
roared  by  reason  of  the  disquietness  of  my 
heart. 

9  Lord,  all  my  desire  is  before  thee;  and 
my  groaning  is  not  hid  from  thee. 

10  My  heart  panteth,  my  strength  faileth 
me:  as  for  the  light  of  mine  eyes,  it  also 
3  is  gone  from  me. 

11  Aly  lovers  and  my  friends  *  stand  aloof 
from  my  *  sore,  and  6  my  kinsmen  stand 
afar  o'i'. 

12  Th.?y  also  that  seek  after  my  life  lay 
snares  for  me;  and  they  that  seek  my  hurt 
speak  mischievous  things,  and  imagine  de- 
ceits all  the  day  long. 

13  But  I,  as  a  deaf  man,  heard  not;  and 
/  was  as  a  dumb  man  that  openeth  not  his 
mouth. 

14  Thus  I  was  as  a  man  that  heareth  not, 
and  in  whose  mouth  are  no  reproofs. 

15  For  6  in  thee,  O  Lord,  *  do  1  hope: 
thou  wilt  7  hear,  0  Lord  my  God. 

16  For  1  said.  Hear  me,  lest  otherwise 
they  should  r^oice  over  me:  when  my  foot 
Blippeth,  they  magnify  themselves  against 
me. 

17  For  I  am  ready  8  to  halt,  and  my  bct- 
row  is  continually  before  me. 


PSALM  37. 

"t  p..  109. 
31. 

10  Or,  ■ 
green  tre« 
that  fcTow- 
6th  in  his 
own  soil. 

n  la.  32.  17. 
l8.  57.  2. 
1  Theat.  i. 
17. 

9  Ps.  3.  8. 

p  1  Chr.  6. 


PSALM   38. 

1  peace,  or, 
heiiltb. 

2  wearied. 
«  Job  7.  6. 

3  is  not 
with  me. 

b  Lu.  10.  31. 
i  itroke. 

boura. 

6  Or,  ^hoe 
do  X  wait 
for. 

0  Jer.  14.  8. 
Jer.  50.  7. 

7  Or. 
•nswer. 

8  for 
halting^. 
Pa.  36. 16. 

d  Pb.  82.  5. 

Pro.  28. 13. 
•2  Cor.  7.9. 

9  being 
living,  are 
Btrong. 

/I  John  3.12. 
1  Pet.  3.  13. 

10  for  my 

g  Ex.  16.  2 
12.  2. 


PSALM   39. 
a  X  Chr.  16. 

41. 
6  1  Ki.  2.  4. 
1  a  bridle, 

or,  muc£l« 


c  Col.  4.  5. 

2  troubled. 
d  Jer.  W.  9. 

3  Or,  what 

have  hero. 
«  Ps.  90.  4. 

4  Bottled. 

5  an  image. 

6  conflict. 

7  that  which 
is  to  be 
desired  in 
him  to 
melt  away. 

/  Lev.  26. 23. 


PSALM   40. 
1  In  waiting 

I  waited. 
S  a  pit  of 

noise. 
a  Pa.  3. 12. 


18  For  I  will  <*  declare  mine  iniquity;  I 
will  be  *  sorry  for  my  sin. 

19  Bat  mine  enemies  9  are  lively,  and  they 
are  strong;  and  they  that  hate  me  wrong- 
fully are  multiplied. 

20  They  also  that  render  evil  for  good  are 
mine  advei-saries; /because  I  foUow  the 
thing  that  good  is. 

21  Forsake  me  not,  O  Lord:  0  my  God, 
be  not  far  fi-om  me. 

22  Make  haste  lo  to  help  me,  O  Lord  ^  my 
salvation. 

PSALM  XXXIX. 
1  David's  eareofhis  thoughts:  4  his  consideration 

of  the  brevity  and  vanit;/  of  life;  She  prays  for 

pardon  and  comfort,  etc. 
To  tho  chief  Musician,  even  to  »  Jeduthun,  A 

Psalra  of  David- 
T  SAID,  I  will  *  take  heed  to  my  ways, 
-"■  that  I  sin  not  with  my  tongue:  I  will 
keep  1  my  mouth  with  a  bridle,  "  while  the 
wicked  is  before  ma. 

2  I  was  dumb  with  silence;  I  held  my 
peace,  even  from  good;  and  my  sorrow 
was  2  stirred. 

3  My  heart  was  hot  within  me;  while  I 
was  musing  <*  the  fire  bm'ued:  then  spake  I 
with  my  tongue, 

4  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end,  and 
the  measiu'e  of  my  days,  what  it  is;  that  I 
may  know  3  how  frail  I  am. 

5  l5ehold,  thou  bast  made  my  days  as  an 
handbreadth,  and  *  mine  age  is  as  nothing 
before  thee:  verily  every  man  4  at  his  best 
state  is  altogether  vanity.    Selah. 

6  Surely  every  man  walkcth  In  5  a  vain 
show:  surely  they  are  dis(iuieted  in  vain: 
he  heapelh  up  riches,  and  kuoweth  not  who 
shall  gather  them. 

7  And  now.  Lord,  what  wait  I  for?  my 
hope  is  in  thee. 

8  Deliver  me  from  all  my  transgressions: 
make  me  not  the  reproach  of  the  foolish. 

9  1  was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my  mouth; 
because  thou  didst  it. 

10  Remove  thy  stroke  away  from  me:  I 
am  consumed  by  the  6  blow  of  thine  hand. 

11  When  thou  with  rebukes  dost  correct 
man  for  iniquity,  thou  makest  ^  bis  beauty 
to  consume  away  like  a  moth:  surely  every 
man  is  vanity.    Selah. 

12  Hear  my  prayer,  0  Lord,  and  give  eat 
unto  my  cry;  hold  not  thy  peace  at  my 
tears: /for  I  am  a  stranger  with  thee,  and  a 
sojourner,  as  all  my  fathers  were. 

13  O  spare  me,that  I  may  recover  strength, 
before  1  go  hence,  and  be  no  more. 

PSALM  XL. 

1  The  btnefit  of  confidence  in  God.    6  Obedienu 

the  best  sacrifice. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

T  1  WAITED  patiently  for  the  Lord;  and 

■•-  he  inclined  unto  me,  and  heard  my  cry. 

2  He  brought  me  up  also  out  of  "  an  hor- 
rible pit,  out  of  the  miry  clay,  and  set  my 
feet  upon  a  rock,  and  established  my 
goings. 

3  And  he  hath  pat  a  new  song  m  my 
mouth,  even  praise  unto  our  God:  many 
shall  see  it,  and  fear,  and  shall  trust  in  tha 
Lord. 

4  Blessed  '*'is  that  man  that  maketh  the 
Lord  his  trust,  and  respecteth  not  tha 
proud,  nor  such  as  turn  aside  to  lies. 

5  Many,  O  Lord  my  God,  are  thy  won* 
derfui  works  which  thou  hast  done,  *  and 
thy  thoughts  which  are  to  us-waid:  3  they 
cannot  be  reckoned  up  in  order  uoto  thee: 


Prayer  in  DMress. PSALMS  XXXVUI— XL._  _____  Confidence  in  Qod. 

as  V.  38,  which  describes  the  end  of  the  racter  of  his  suppressed  emotions.  But,  ad- 
wicked  in  contrast,  and  that  is  cut  off  (cf.  Ps.  dressing  God,  they  are  softened  and  subdued, 
73. 17.).  38.  togsiher— at  once— entirely  (Ps,  4. ,  make  me  to  kuow— experimentally  appreciate. 
8.).  30,40.  strength— (Ps.  27. 1;  28. 8.).  trouble  how  ixnil  lam—lit,  ivhen  I  shall  ceaf^e.  5,6. 
—straits  Ps.  9.  9;  10.  1.).  In  trust  and  quiet-  His  prayer  is  answered  in  his  obtaining  an 
ness  is  the  salvation  of  the  pious  from  all ,  impressive  view  of  the  vanity  of  the  life  of 
foes  and  all  their  devices.  i  all  men,  and  their  transient  state.     Their 

PSALM  XXXVIIT.  I  pomp  is  a  mere  image,  and  their  wealth  ia 

Ver.  1-22.  To  hring  to  remembrance,  or,  re- ;  gathered  they  know  not  for  whom.  7.  The 
mind,  God  of  His  mercy  and  himself  of  his  interrogation  makes  the  unplied  negative 
sin.  Appealing  to  God  for  relief  from  His  stronger.  Though  this  world  offers  nothing 
heavy  chastisement,  the  Psalmist  avows  his  ,  to  our  expectation,  God  is  worthy  of  all  con- 
integrity  before  men,  complains  of  the  de-  fidence.  8-10.  Patientlysubmissive,  he  prays 
lection  of  friends  and  per.secution  of  enemies,  for  the  removal  of  his  chastisement,  and  that 
and  in  asiibmissive  spirit,  casting  himself  on  ,  he  may  not  be  a  reproach.  11.  From  his  own 
God.  with  penitent  confession,  he  pleads  case,  he  argues  to  that  of  all,  that  the  de- 
God's  covenant  relation  and  his  innocence  !  struction  of  man's  enjoyments  is  ascribable 


of  the  charges  of  his  enemies,  and  prays  for 
divine  comrort  and  hel 


i  to  sin.    12,  13.  Consonant  witli  the  tenor  of 
the  Psalm,  he  prays  for  God's  compassionate 


!lp.  ,      _  ,  ^ _    

1-4.  He  deprecates  deserved  punishment, !  regard  to  him  as  a  stranger  here,  and  that, 
which  is  described  (Ps.  6.1,)  under  the  figure  \  as  such  was  the  condition  of  his  lathers,  so. 


of  bodily  disease,  arrows  . .  .  and  thy  hand- 
the  sharp  and  heavy  afflictions  he  suffered 
(Deut.32.23.).  iniquities— afflictions  in  punish- 
ment of  sin  (2  Sam,  16. 12;  Ps.  31. 10;  40,  ]2.) 
gone  over  mine  head— as  a  flood.  5-8.  The  loath- 
someness, corruption,  and  wasting  torture  of 
severe  iihysical  disease  set  forth  his  mental 
anguish.  It  is  possible  some  bodily  disease 
Wiis  connected,  lite  loins  are  the  seat  of 
strength.  'His  exhaustion  left  him  only  the 
power  to  groan.  9.  That  God  can  hear  (Kom. 
8.  26.1.  10.  My  heart  Banteth— as  if  barely 
surviving,  light .  .  .  from  me— utter  exhaus- 
tion Ps.  6.  7;  13.  .3.}.  11, 12.  friends  desert 
but  foes  increase  in  malignity,  seek  after  my 
liie— (lSam.20. 1;  22.23.).  13,  14.  He  patiently 
submits,  uttering  no  rewoaches  or  replies 
(John,  19.  9,)  to  their  insulting  speeches; 
15-17.  for  he  is  confident  the  Lord— Kt.,  So- 
vereiqn  to  whom  he  was  a  servant\  would 
answer  his  prayer  .Ps.  3. 4;  4.  l,/,  and  not  per- 
mit their  triumph  in  his  partial  halting,  of 
wliich  he  was  in  danger.  18.  Consciousness 
of  isin  makes  suffering  pungent,  and  suffering, 
riL'htly  received,  leads  to  confession.  19,  20. 
Still,  while  humbled  before  God,  he  is  the 
victim  of  deadly  enemies,  full  of  malice  and 
treachery,  enemies  are  lively— ^(i.,  o/7t'/e,  who 
would  take  my  life,  i.e.,  deadly.  21,  22.  (Cf. 
Ps.  22.  19;  35.  3.).  All  terms  of  frequent  use. 
]n  this  Psalm  the  language  is  generally  sus- 
ceptible of  application  to  Christ  as  a  sufferer. 


like  them,  he  may  be  cheered  instead  of  be- 
ing bound  under  wi-ath  and  chastened  in  dis- 
pleasure. 

PSALM  XL. 

Ver.  1-17.  In  this  Psalm  a  celebration  of 
God's  deliverance  is  followed  by  a  profession 
of  devotion  to  His  service.  Then  follows  a 
prayer  for  relief  from  imminent  dangers,  in- 
volving the  overthrow  of  enemies  and  the 
rejoicing  of  sympathising  friends.  In  PTeb. 
10.  6,  &c.,  Paul  quotes  v.  6-8,  as  the  words  of 
Christ,  offering  himself  as  a  better  sacrifice. 
Some  suppose  Paul  thus  accommodated  Da- 
vid's words  to  express  Christ's  .sentiments. 
But  the  value  of  his  quotation  would  be  thus 
destroyed,  as  it  would  have  no  force  in  his  ar- 
gument, unless  regarded  by  his  readers  as 
the  original  sense  of  the  passage  in  the  O.  T. 
Others  suppose  the  Psalm  describes  David's 
feelings  in  suffering  and  joy;  but  the  language 
quoted  by  Paul,  in  the  sense  given  by  him. 
could  not  apply  to  David  in  any  of  his  rela- 
tions, for  as  a  type  the  language  is  not 
adapted  to  describe  any  event  or  condition 
of  David's  career,  and  as  an  individual  re- 
presenting the  pious  generally,  neither  he 
nor  they  could  properly  use  it  (cf.  on  v.  7  be- 
low.). The  Psalm  must  be  taken  then,  as  the 
sixteenth,  to  express  the  feelings  of  Christ's 
human  nature.  The  dilflculties  pertinent  to 
this  view  w.U  be  considered  as  they  occur. 

1-3.  The  figures  for  deep  distress  are  illus- 


David,  as  such,  typifying  Him.    This  does  j  tratedinJeremiah'shistory  (Jer.SS.  6-12.;.  Pa- 


not  require  us  to  apply  the  confessions  of  sin, 
but  only  the  pains  or  penalties  which  he  bore 
for  us. 

PSALM  XXXIX. 

Ver.  1-13.  To  Jcduthun  (l  Chr.  16.  41,  42,). 
one  of  the  chief  singers.  His  name  men- 
tioned, perhaps,  as  a  special  honour.  Under 
depressing  views  of  his  frailty  and  the  pro- 
sperity of  the  wicked,  the  Psalmist,  tempted 
to  murmur,  checks  the  expression  of  his  feel- 
ings, till  led  to  regard  his  case  aright,  he 
prays  lor  a  proper  view  of  his  condition  and 
for  the  divine  compassion. 

1.  I  said— or,  resolved,  will  take  heed- 
watch,  ways— conduct,  of  which  the  use  of 
the  tongue  is  apart  (Jam.  1.  26.).  bridle— Zi^., 
muzzle,  fcf.  Deut.  25.  4.).  while  .  .  .  before  me 
—in  beholding  their  prosperity  (Ps.  37. 10, 36. J, 

2.  even  tron^good— (Gen.  31.  24,),  everything. 

3.  His  emotions,  as  a.  smothered  flame,  hurst 
forth.  4-7.  Sometake  these  wordsastho.se  of 


tience  and  trust  manifested  in  distress,  deli- 
verance in  answer  to  prater,  and  the  blessed 
eflect  of  it  in  eliciting  praise  from  God's  true 
worshippers,  teach  us  that  Christ's  suffering  is 
our  exam  pie,  and  His  deliverance  our  encou- 
ragement (Heb.  5.  7.  8;  12,  3;  1  Pet.  4.  12-16.). 
inclined— (the  ear,  Ps.  17.  6,),  as  if  to  catch  the 
faintest  sigh,  a  new  song— (Ps.  S3.  3.)  fear, 
and  .  .  .  trust— revere  with  love  and  faith. 
4.  Blessed— (Ps.  1.  1;  2.  12.;.  respecteth— Kt., 
turns  towards,  as  an  object  of  confidence, 
turn  aside— from  true  God  and  His  law  to 
falsehood  in  worship  and  conduct.  5.  be 
reckoned  up  in  order— (cf.  Ps.  5.  3;  33.  14;  Isa. 
44.  7,),  too  many  to  be  set  forth  regularly. 
Tills  is  but  one  instance  of  many.  The  use 
of  the  plural  accords  with  the  union  of  Christ 
and  His  people.  In  suffering  and  triumph, 
they  are  one  with  Him.  6-8.  In  Paul's  view 
this  passage  has  more  meaning  than  the  mere 
expression  of  grateful  devotion  to  God's  ser- 


fretting,  but  they  are  not  essentially  such,  i  vice.    He  represents  Christ  as  declaring  that 
The  tinge  of  discontent  arises  from  the  cha- '  the  sacrifices,  whether  vegetable  or  animal- 


BUssedntss  of  the  charitable  man.    PSALMS  XLI-XLIV. PuUio  V)orsMp  Vmgedfof. 


if  I  would  declare  and  spnak  0/ tAem,  they 
are  more  than  can  be  numbered. 
C  Siu'iifice  '  and  otierino;  thou  didst  not 
desire;  mine  ears  hast  thou  ^  opened:  burnt 
otlenng  and  siii  oflering  hast  thou  not  re- 
quired. 

7  Then  said  I,  Lo,  I  come:  in  the  volume 
of  the  bock  it  is  <*  written  of  me, 

8  I  « dcli'-ht  to  do  thy  will,  O  my  God: 
yea,  tiiv  law  is  6  within  my  heart. 

9  1  have  preached  riuhteousness  in  the 
great  congregation:  lo,  I  have  not  refrained 
my  lips,  O  Lord,  /  thou  knowest. 

lb  1 "  have  not  hid  thy  righteousness  within 
my  heart;  1  have  declared  thy  faithful ness 
and  thy  salvation:  I  have  not  concealed 
thy  loving-kindness  and  thy  truth  from  the 
great  coiiLTegation. 

11  Withhold  not  thou  thy  tender  mercies 
from  me,  0  Lord:  ''  let  thy  loving-kindness 
and  thy  tmth  continually  preserve  me. 

12  For  innumerable  evils  nave  compassed 
me  about: « mine  iniquities  have  taken  hold 
upon  me,  so  that  1  am  not  able  to  look  up: 
they  are  more  than  the  hairs  of  mine  head; 
therefore  my  heart  6  faileth  me. 

13  Be  pleased,  0  Lokd,  to  deliver  me:  0 
Lord,  make  liaste  to  help  me. 

14  Let  them  be  ashamed  and  confounded 
together  that  seek  after  my  soul  to  destroy 
it;  let  them  be  driven  backward  and  put  to 
shame  that  wish  me  evil. 

15  Let  them  be  desolate  for  a  reward  of 
their  shame  that  say  unto  me,  Aha,  aha! 

16  Let  all  those  that  seek  thee  rejoice  and 
be  glad  in  thee:  let  such  as  love  thy  salva- 
tion say  continually.  The  Lord  be  magni- 
fied. 

17  But  I  am  poor  and  needy;  yetiihe 
Lord  thinketh  upon  me:  thou  art  my  help 

'  and  my  deliverer;  make  no  tarrying,  0  my 
God, 

rSALM  XLI. 
1  Blessitig  of  the  eharilable  man.    4  Vavid  eom- 

plaitis  of  Ms  enemies'  treachery:  11  he  acknoui- 

ledgei  God's  favour. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 
T5LESSED  "  15  he  that  considereth  1  the 
■^  poor:  the  Lord  will  deliver  him  2  in 
time  of  trouble. 

2  The  Lord  will  preserve  him,  and  keep 
him  alive;  and  he  shall  be  blessed  upon 
the  earth:  and  3  thou  wilt  not  deliver  him 
unto  the  will  of  his  enemies. 

3  The  Lord  will  strengthen  him  upon  the 
bed  of  languishing:  thou  •vnli  *  make  all 
his  bed  in  his  sickness. 

4 1  said.  Lord,  be  merciful  unto  me:  *  heal 
my  soul;  for  1  have  sinned  against  thee. 

5  Mine  enemies  speak  evil  of  me.  When 
Bhall  he  die,  and  his  name  perish? 

6  And  if  he  come  to  see  me,  he  '  speaketh 
vanity:  his  heart  gathereth  iniquity  to  it- 
self: when  he  goeth  abroad,  he  telleth  it. 

7  All  that  hate  me  whisper  together  against 
me:  against  me  do  they  devise  6  my  hurt. 

8  6  An  evil  disease,  say  they,  cleaveth  fast 
unto  him:  and  iww  that  he  lieth  he  shall 
rise  up  no  more. 

9  Yea,  T  mine  own  familiar  friend,  in 
whom  I  trusted,  <*  which  did  eat  of  my 
bread,  hath  8  lifted  up  his  heel  against  me. 

10  But  thou,  0  Lord,  be  merciful  unto  me, 
and  raise  me  up,  that  I  may  requite  them. 

11  By  this  I  know  that  thou  favouiest  me, 
because  mine  enemy  doth  not  trimuph 
over  me. 

12  And  as  for  me,  thou  upholdest  me  in 


PSALM   40. 
c  Hoa.  6.  6. 

Mat.  9. 13. 

Heb.  10.  5. 
4  digged. 

Ei  21.  6. 
(JLu.  24.44. 

John  6. 89. 
•  John  4.  34. 

Rom.  7.22. 
6  in  tho 

midst  of 

myboweU. 
/Pa.  139.2. 
ff  Acts  20,20. 
h  Pa.  43.  3. 
i  Ps.  38.  4. 
6  forsrtketh. 
/  Neh.  5.  19. 
Jonah  1.  6. 
1  Pet.  6. 7. 


PSALM  41. 
«  Pro.  14. 21. 

Mar.  10.21 . 

Heb.  13.15. 
1  Or,  the 

weak,  or, 

sick. 
8  in  the 

day  of 

evil. 
3  Or,  do 

not  thou 

deliver. 

Ps.  27. 12. 

6  Ps.  6.  2. 
e  Ps.  12.  2. 

5  evil  to  me. 

6  A  thing  of 
Belial. 

7  the  man  of 

Jer.  20  10. 
d  John  13.18. 

8  ma^^nified. 
•  Job  36.  7. 

Ps.  34. 15. 
Acts  2.  23. 


PSALM   42. 
1  Or,  A 

Psalm 


c  Is.  30,  29. 

3  bowed 
down. 

d  Lam.  3.  24. 

4  Or,  give 
thanks. 

6  Or,  his 
presence  is 

6  Or,  the 

Uttle  hill. 
«Ezek.7.  26. 
/  Dou.  28.  8. 

7  Or, 
killing. 


PSALM   43. 

1  Or,  un- 
merciful, 

2  from  ft 
man  of 
deceit  and 
iniquity. 

o  Ps.  28.  7. 

Is.  20.  4. 

6  Ps.  42  9. 

3  the  glad- 
ness of  my 
jo,. 


mine  integrity,  and  *  settest  me  before  thy 
face  for  ever. 

13  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from 
everlasting,  and  to  everlasting.  Amen,  and 
Amen. 

PSALM  XLIL 

David's  zial  to  serve  God  in  the  Uri.pU. 

To  the  Chief  Musician,  1  Maschil,  i  r  the  sons 

of  Korah. 

A  S  the  hart  2  panteth  after  the  water 

-"-  brooks,  80  panteth  my  soul  after  thee, 

0  God. 

2  My  "  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  ^  the 
living  God:  when  shall  1  come  and  appear 
before  God? 

3  My  te.ars  have  been  my  meat  day  and 
nii-'ht,  while  they  continually  say  unto  me, 
W"here  is  thy  God? 

4  When  1  remember  these  things,  I  pour 
out  my  soul  in  me:  for  I  had  gone  with  the 
multitude ; "  I  went  with  them  to  the  house 
of  God,  with  the  voice  of  joy  and  praise, 
with  a  multitude  that  kept  holyday. 

5  Why  art  thou  3  cast  down,  O  my  soul? 
and  ^vhy  art  thou  disquieted  in  me?  <*  hope 
thou  in  God ;  for  1  shall  yet  *  praise  him 
5 /or  the  help  of  his  countenance. 

6  0  my  God,  my  soul  is  cast  down  within 
me:  theielore  will  I  remember  thee  frura 
the  land  of  Jordan,  and  of  the  Hermonites, 
from  6  the  hill  Mizar. 

7  Deep  '  calleth  unto  deep  at  the  noise  of 
thy  water-spouts:  all  thy  waves  and  thy 
billows  are  gone  over  me. 

8  Yet  the  Lord  will  /  command  his  lo\'ing- 
kindness  in  the  day-time,  and  in  the  night 
his  song  shall  be  with  me,  aiid  my  prayer 
unto  the  God  of  my  life. 

9  I  will  say  unto  God  my  rock.  Why  hast 
thou  forgotten  me?  w^hy  go  I  mourning 
because  of  the  oppression  of  the  enemy? 

10  As  with  a  7  sword  in  my  bones,  mine 
enemies  reproach  me ;  while  they  say  daily 
unto  me.  Where  is  thy  God? 

11  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul? 
and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me? 
hope  thou  in  God;  for  I  shall  yet  praise 
him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance, 
and  my  God. 

PSALM  XLIIL 
David,  praying  to  be  restored  to  the  temple,  pro- 

mises  to  serve  Ood  joyfully. 
JUDGE  me,  0  God,  and  plead  my  causa 
"  against  an  l  ungodiv  nation:  O  deliver 
me  2  from  the  deceitful  and  unjust  man. 

2  For  thou  art  the  God  of  my  strength: 
why  dost  thou  cast  me  off?  *  why  go  I 
mourning  because  of  the  oppression  of  the 
enemy? 

3  O  send  out  thy  light  and  thy  truth:  let 
them  lead  me;  let  them  bring  me  unto  thy 
holv  hill,  and  to  thy  tabernacles. 

4  Then  will  I  go  mito  the  altar  of  God, 
unto  God  3  my  exceeding  joy:  yea,  upon 
the  hail)  will  1  praise  thee,  O  God,  my  Gotl. 

5  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  0  my  soul? 
and  why  art  thou  disquieted  within  me? 
hope  in  God;  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him, 
who  is  the  health  of  my  countenance,  and 
my  God. 

PSALM  XLIV. 

1  Tlieehureh,  in  memory  of  former  favours.  9  eon^ 
flains  of  her  present  evils:  17  professing  her 
integrity,  2S  she  fervently  prays  for  succour. 

To  the  Chief  Musician  for  the  sons  of  Korah, 

Maschil. 
"ttrE  have  heard  with  our  ears,  0  God, 
* '    our  fathers  have  told  us,  tvlMt  work 


PSALM  XLI. 


God's  Care,  of  the  Poor. 


Obedience  the  Best  Sacrifice. 

general  or  special  expiatory  offerings,  would  26.  38,\  "  My  soul  is  exceedint;  sorrowful,  even 
not  avail  to  meet  lUe  demands  of  God's  law,  unto  death."  cannot  lo.k  np—lit.,  I  cannot 
and  that  H  e  had  come  to  render  the  required  see.  not  denoting  the  depression  of  conscious 
satisfaction,  which  he  states  was  effected  by  guilt,  as  Luke,  18.  13,  but  exhaustion  from 
•'  the  otiering  of  the  body  of  Christ,"  for  that  suffering,  as  dimness  of  e3'es  (cf.  Ps.  6.  7;  13.  3; 
is  the  "will  of  Cxod"  which  Christ  came  to  38.10./.  The  whole  context  thus  sustains  the 
fulfil  or  do.  in  order  to  effect  man's  redemp-  sense  assigned  toiniquities.  13.  (Cf.Ps.  22.19.). 
tion.  Vi'e  thus  see  that  the  contrast  to  the  14,  15.  The  language  is  not  necessarily  im- 
unsatisfactory  character  assigned  the  O.  T.  precatory,  but  rather  a  confident  expecta- 
olferings  in  v.  6,  is  found  in  the  compliance  tion  (Ps.  5.  11,),  though  the  former  sense  is 
M'ith  God's  law  (cf.  v.  7,  8.1.  Of  course,  as  not  inconsistent  with  Christ's  prayer  for  the 
Paul  and  other  JS.  T.  writers  explain  Christ's  forgiveness  of  His  murderers,  inasmuch  as 
work,  it  consisted  in  more  than  being  made  their  confusion  and  shame  might  be  the  very 
under  the  law  or  obeying  its  precepts.  It  means  to  prepare  them  for  humbly  seeking 
required  an  "obedience  unto  death,"  and  forgiveness  cf.  Acts.  2.  37. j.  for  a  reward- 
that  is  the  compliance  here  chiefly  intended,  lit.,  in  consequence o/.  Aha— (cf.  Ps.  35.  21, 2.5.). 
and  which  makes  the  contrast  with  v.  6  clear.  16.  (Cf.Ps.  35.  27.).  love  thy  salvation— de- 
mine  ears  hast  thou  opened— Whether  allusion  light  in  its  bestowal  on  others  as  well  as 
is  made  to  the  custom  of  boring  a  servant's  themselves.  17.  A  summary  of  his  condition 
ear,  in  token  of  voluntary  and  perpetual  en-  and  hopes,  thinketh  upon— or,  provides  ior 
slavement  (Ex.  21.  6,),  or,  that  the  opening  of  me.  "He  was  heard,"  "when  he  liad  ottered 
the  car,  as  in  Isa.  48.  8;  50.  5,  (though  by  a  dif-  up  prayers  and  supplications  with  strong  cry- 
ferent  word  in  Heb.,)  denotes  obedience  by  ing  and  tears,  unto  him  that  was  able  to 
the  common  figure  of  hearing  for  obeying,  it  save  him  from  death." 
is  evident  that  the  clause  is  designed  to  ex- 1  PSALM  XLL 

press  a  devotion  to  (.Tod's  wiU  as  avowed  j  Ver.  1-13.  The  Psalmist  celebrates  the 
more  fully  in  v.  8,  and  already  explained,  blessedness  of  those  who  compassionate  the 
Paul  however  uses  the  words,  "a  body  hast  poor,  conduct  strongly  contrasted  with  the 
thou  prepared  me,"  which  are  found  in  the  spite  of  his  enemies  and  neglect  of  his  friends, 
Sept.  in  the  place  of  the  words,  "  mine  ears  in  his  calamity.  He  prays  for  God's  mercy 
hast  thou  opened."  He  does  not  lay  any  stress  in  view  of  his  ill  desert,  and,  in  confidence  of 
on  this  clause,  and  his  argument  is  complete  relief,  and  that  God  will  vindicate  his  cause, 
without  it.     It  is.  perhaps,  to  be  regarded  ,  closes  with  a  doxology. 


ratlier  as  an  interpretation  or  free  transla- 
tion by  the  Sept.,  than  either  an  addi- 
tion or  attempt  at  verbal  translation.    The 


1-3.  God  rewards  kindness  to  the  poor 
(Pro.  19.  17.).  From  v.  2  and  11  it  may  be  in- 
ferred that  the  Psalmist  describes  his  own 


Sept.  translators  may  have  had  reference  I  conduct,  poor -in  person,  position,  and  pos- 
to  Christ's  vicarious  sufferings  as  taught  i  sessions,  s.iall  be  blessed— iit.,  teri  ari<//if,  or, 
in  other  Scriptures,  as  Isa.  63;  at  all  events  I  safdy.  prospered  (Ps.  23.  3.).    up  n  tiie  earth 


the  sense  is  substantially  the  same,  as  a  body 
was  essential  to  the  required  obedience  (cf. 
Rom.  7.  4;  1  Pet.  2.  24.).  7.  Then— in  such 
case,  without  necessarily  referring  to  order 
of  time.  Lo,  I  come— I  am  prepared  to  do, 
<toc.  in  the  volume  of  the  book— ro/i  of  the  book. 
Such  rolls,  resembling  maps,  are  stiU  used  in 
the  synagogues,  written  of  me— or,  on  me, 
prescribed  to  me  (2  Ki.  22. 13.).  The  first  is 
the  sense  adopted  by  Paul.  In  either  case, 
the  Pentateuch,  or  law  of  Moses,  is  meant, 
and  while  it  contains  much  respecting  Christ 
directly,  as  Gen.  3.  15;  49.  10;  Deut.  18.  15, 
and,  indirectly,  in  the  Levitical  ritual,  there 
is  nowhere  any  allusion  to  David.  9,  10. 
Christ's  prophetical  oftice  is  taught.  He 
"  preached"  the  great  truths  of  God's  govern- 
ment of  sinners.  I  have  preached^^if.,  an- 
nounced good  tidings.  11.  may  be  rendered 
as  an  assertion,  that  God  vnll  not  witJihold, 
(fee.  (Ps.  16.1.).  12.  evils— inflicted  by  others, 
iniquities— or,  penal  afflictions,  and  some- 
times calamities  in  the  wide  sense.  This 
meaning  of  the  word  is  very  common  (Ps. 
31.  11;  38.  4;,;  cf.  (Gen.  4.  13,  Cain's  punish- 
ment!; (Gen.  19.  15,  that  of  Sodom);  (1  Sam. 
28.  10.  of  the  witch  of  Endor);  also  (2  Sam. 
16.  12;  .Job,  19.  29;  Lsa.  5.  18;  53.  ll.l.  This 
meaning  of  the  word  is  also  favoured  by  the 
clause,  taken  hold  of  me,  which  follows,  which 
can  be  said  appropriately  of  sufferings,  but 
not  oisins  (cf.  Job,  27.  20;  Ps.  69. 24.).  Thus,  the 
difiiculties,  in  referring  this  Psalm  to  Christ, 
arising  from  the  usual  reading  of  this  verse, 
are  removed.  Of  the  terrible  afflictions,  or 
sufferings,  alluded  to  and  endured  lor  us  cf. 
Luke,  22.  30-44,  and  the  narrative  of  the 
scenes  of  Calvary,  my  heart  faileth  me— (Mat. 
393 


or,  land  or  promise  (Ps.  25. 13;  27.  3-9,  &c.). 
The  figures  of  v.  3  are  drawn  from  the  acts  of 
a  kind  nurse.  4.  I  said— I  asked  the  mercy 
I  show,  heal  my  soul— (cf.  Ps.  30.  2.).  "Sin 
and  sufferiQi  are  united."  is  one  of  the  great 
teachings  ot  the  Psalms.  5, 6.  A  graphic  pic- 
ture of  the  conduct  of  a  malignant  enemy, 
to  see  me— as  if  to  spy  out  my  case,  he  speak- 
eth  .  .  .  itself— or,  "he  speaketh  vanity  as  to 
his  heart  "—i.e.,  does  not  speak  candidly,  "he 
gathereth  iniquity  to  him,"  collects  elements 
for  mischief,  and  then  divulges  the  gains  of 
his  hypocrisy.  7,  8.  So  of  others,  all  act 
alike.  An  evil  disease— H(.,  a  word  of  Belial, 
some  slander,  cleaveth— Mi.,  poured  on  him. 
that  he  lieth— u^to  has  now  laid  down,  "  he  is 
utterly  undone  and  our  victory  is  sure."  9. 
mine  .  .  .  friend— Ki.,  man  of  my  i)eace.  eat 
. .  .  bread- who  depended  on  me,  or  was  well 
treated  by  me.  lifted  up  his  heel— in  scornful 
violence.  As  David  and  his  fortunes  typified 
Christ  and  His  (cf.  Intr.),  so  these  words  ex- 
pressed the  treatment  he  received,  and  also 
that  of  his  Son  and  Lord;  hence,  though  not 
distinctly  prophetical,  our  Saviour  John. 
13.  18,),  applies  them  to  Judas,  "that  the 
Scripture  may  be  fulfilled."  This  last  phrase 
has  a  wide  use  in  the  N.  T.,  and  is  not  re- 
stricted to  denote  special  prophecies.  10.  A 
lawful  puni  hment  of  cruninals  is  not  re- 
venge, nor  inconsistent  with  their  final  good 
cf  Ps.  40.  14.  15.).  11-13.  favonrest— or,  ten- 
derly lovest  me  Gen.  34.  19,),  evinced  by  re- 
lief from  his  enemies;  and,  farther,  God  re- 
cognises his  innocence  by  upholding  him. 
settest  .  . .  before  thy  face— under  thy  watch 
and  care,  as  God  before  main's  face  (Ps.  16. 8,) 
is  an  object  of  trust  and  love.  Biessea— 
3f 


The  eomptaint  of  the  <:hurch. 


PSALMS  XLV,  XL VI.        Majesty  of  Chrtsfs  kingdom. 


thou  didst  in  tboir  days,  iu  the  times  of 
old. 

2  How 'than  didst  drive  out  the  heatheii 
with  thy  haiul,  uiid  pliiiitedst  them;  how 
thou  didst  atttict  the  people,  and  cast  them 
out. 

3  For  6  they  got  not  the  land  in  possession 
by  their  own  sword,  neither  did  their  o\vn 
aim  save  them ;  but  thy  right  hand,  and 
thine  arm,  and  the  light  ofthycounteiiance, 
because  '^  thou  hadst  a  favour  unto  them. 

4  Thou  ■*  art  my  King,  O  God:  command 
deliverances  for  Jacob. 

5  Through  thee  *  will  we  push  down  our 
enemies;  tluough  thy  uame  nill  we  tread 
them  under  that  rise  up  against  us. 

6  For  / 1  will  aot  trust  in  my  bow,  neither 
shall  my  sword  save  me. 

7  But  thou  hast  saved  us  from  our  enemies, 
and  hast  put  them  to  shame  that  hated  us. 

8ln0  God  we  boast  all  the  day  long,  and 
praise  thy  name  for  ever.    Selah. 

9  Bnt  thou  hast  cast  oft',  and  put  us  to 
shame ;  and  goest  not  forth  with  our  armies. 

10  Thou  makest  us  to  ^^  turn  back  from  the 
enemy;  and  they  which  hate  us  spoil  for 
themselves. 

11  Thou  hast  given  us  i  like  sheep  ap- 
pointed  for  meat;  and  hast »  scattered  us 
among  the  heathen. 

Vi  Thou>  seltest  thy  people  2  for  nought, 
and  dost  not  iucreasc  thy  wealth  by  their 
price. 

13  Thou  makest  tis  a  reproach  to  our 
neighbours,  a  scorn  and  a  derision  to  them 
that  are  round  about  us. 

14  Thou  makest  us  a  byword  among  the 
heathen,  a  shaking  of  the  head  among'the 
people. 

15  My  confusion  is  continually  before  me, 
and  the  shame  of  my  face  hath  covered  me, 

16  For  the  voice  of'lum  that  reproacheth 
and  blasjihemeth;  *  by  reason  of  the  enemy 
and  avenger. 

17  AH  *  this  is  come  upon  us;  yet  have  we 
not  forgotten  thee,  neither  have  we  dealt 
falsely  m  thy  covenant. 

18  Our  heart  is  not  turned  back,  neither 
have  our  3  steps  declined  from  thy  way; 

19  Though  thou  hast  sore  broken  us  in 
the  •"  place  of  dragons,  and  covered  us  with 
the  shadow  of  death. 

20  If  we  have  forgotten  the  name  of  our 
God,  or  stretched  out  our  hands  to  a  strange 
god: 

21  Shall  ♦»  not  God  search  this  out?  for  "  he 
knoweth  the  secrets  of  the  heart. 

22  Yea,  for  thy  sake  are  we  killed  all  the 
day  long;  we  are  counted  as  sheep  for  the 
daughter. 

23  Awake,  why  sleepest  thou,  O  Lord? 
arise,  cast  us  not  ofl'for  ever. 

24  Wherefore  hidest  thou  thy  face,  and 
forgettest  our  affliction  and  our  oppression? 

25  For  our  soul  is  bowed  down  to  the  dust; 
our  belly  cleaveth  unto  the  earth. 

26  Arise  *  for  our  help,  and  redeem  us  for 
thy  mercies'  sake. 

FSALM  XLV. 
1  Majesty  and  grace  of  Christ's  kingdom,    10 

I)uty  of  the  church,  and  benefits  thereof. 
To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Slioshanniin,  for 
tUe  sons  of  Korab,  i  Masctiil,  A  Song  of  loves. 

MY  heart "  is  inditing  a  good  matter:  I 
speak  of  the  things  which  I  have  made 
touclnn<^  the  Kuig;  my  tongue  is  the  pen 
of  a  ready  writer. 
2  Thou  art  fairer  than  the  children  of  men; 


FSALM  44. 
o  Deu.  7. 1. 

Dsu.  8.17. 

Jo3h,a4.12. 

Deu.  4.  37. 
d  P«.  74.  12. 
e  Dan.  8.  4. 
/  Pa.  33.  16. 


Jer.  9.  24. 
Rom.  H.  17. 
ft  Lov.2e.l7. 
Deu.  28. 
2d. 

Josh.  7.  8, 
12. 

1  as  «heop 
of  meat. 

i  Dou.  4.  27. 
Fb.  CO.  1. 

3  l8.  52.  3,  4. 
Jer.  15.  13. 

2  without 

k  P«.  8.  2. 
I  Dan.  9. 13. 

»»  U.  S4.  13. 

I..36.  7. 
»  Job  31. 14. 

Jer.  17. 10. 
0  1  Sa.  10.  7. 
lChr.28.9. 
John  2.  25. 
Acts  1.  24. 
Ro».  2.  23. 

4  a  help  for 


PSALM  a 
1  Or,  of  in- 


a  Ps.  93.  2. 

Is.  9.6,7. 

Heb.  1.  8. 
b  Pa.  33.  6. 

Heb.  7.  26. 
4  Or,  O  God. 
e  13.61.1. 

Jchn2U.17. 
li  Deu.  21 .13. 
1  Ps.  95.  6. 

Is.  64.  6. 
6  thy  face. 
/Bey.  19. 

7.8. 
a  1  Pet.  2. 9. 


PSALU  4S. 
1  Or,  of. 
o  1  Chr.  15. 


c  P..  48.  1. 

Is.  60.  14. 

d  Dou.  23. 

14. 

Is.  12.  6. 

£ie.  43.  7. 

Hos.  11.9. 
8  when  the 


grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips:  therefore 
God  hath  blessed  thee  for  ever. 

3  Gird  thy  sword  upon  thv  thigh,  O  Most 
Mighty,  with  thy  glory  and  thy  ninjfisty. 

4  And  u»  thy  majesty  3  lide  i)rosperously, 
because  of  truth  and  meekness  aitd  rigli- 
teousuess ;  and  thy  right  hand  shall  teach 
thee  terrible  things. 

5  Thine  arrows  are  sharp  in  tha  heart  of 
the  King's  enemies;  tvhereby  the  people 
fall  under  thee. 

6  Thy  "  throne,  O  God,  is  for  ever  and 
ever:  the  sceptre  of  thy  kingdom  is  a  right 
scejitre. 

7  Thou  *  lovest  righteousness,  and  hatest 
wickedness:  tlieretbre  *  God,  "  thy  God, 
hath  anointed  thee  mth  the  oil  of  glad- 
ness  above  thy  fellows. 

8  All  thy  garments  smell  of  myrrh,  and 
aloes,  and  cassia,  out  of  the  ivory  palaces, 
whereby  they  have  made  thee  glad. 

9  Kings'  daughters  were  among  thy  hon- 
ourable women:  upon  thy  righii  hand  did 
stand  tlie  queen  in  gold  of  Ophir. 

10 11  earken,  O  daughter,  and  consider,  and 
incline  thine  ear;  '^  forget  also  thine  own 
people,  and  thy  father's  house; 

11  So  shall  the  King  greatly  desire  thy 
beauty: '  for  he  is  thy  Lord;  and  worship 
thou  him. 

12  And  the  daughter  of  Tyre  s/iaIJ6e  there 
with  a  gift;  even  the  rich  among  the  peo. 
pie  shall  entreat  5  thy  favour. 

13  The /King's  daughter  is  all  glorious 
within ;  her  clothing  is  of  wrought  gold. 

14  She  shall  be  brought  unto  the  King  in 
raiment  of  needlewort:  the  virgins  her  cora- 
l)ainons  that  follow  her  shall  be  brought 
unto  thee. 

15  With  gladness  and  rejoicing  shall  they 
be  brought :  they  shall  enter  into  the 
King's  palace. 

16  Instead  of  thy  fathers  shall  be  thy  chil- 
dren, "  whom  thou  mayest  make  princes  in 
all  the  earth. 

17  1  '>  will  make  thy  name  to  be  remem- 
bered in  all  generations:  therefore  shall  the 
people  praise  thee  lor  ever  and  ever. 

PSALM  XLVL 
1  ConMenee  whick  the  church  has  in  God:  8  exhor- 
tation to  contemplate  the  ivorks  of  Providence, 
To  the  chief  Musician  1  for  the  sons  of  E.orab, 

A  Son;;  upon  "  Alamoth. 
Q.OD  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very 
^-^  present  help  in  trouble. 

2  Thcrelbrc  will  not  we  fear,  though  the 
earth  be  removed,  and  though  the  moun- 
tains be  carried  into  2  the  midst  of  the 
sea; 

3  Though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be 
troubled,  though  the  mountams  shake  with 
the  swelling  thereof.    Selah. 

4  There  is  *  a  river,  the  streams  whereof 
shall  make  glad  "  the  city  of  God,  the  hnly 
place  of  the  tabernacles  of  the  Most  l!i'-;h. 

5  God  is  <!■  in  the  midst  of  her;  she  shall 
not  be  moved:  God  shall  help  her,  ^and 
that  right  early. 

6  The  heathen  raged,  the  kingdoms  were 
moved:  he  uttered  his  voice,  the  earth, 
melted. 

7  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us ;  the  God  of 
Jacob  is  *  our  refuge.    Selah. 

8  Conse,  behold  the  works  of  the  Lord, 
what  desolations  he  bath  made  in  the 
earth. 

9  He  maketh  wars  to  cease  unto  the  end 
of  the  earth;  he  breaketh  the  bow,  aud 


Public  JVorship  Longed  for.        PSALMS  XLII— XLV. 


The  Church's  Complaint. 


praised,  usually  applied  to  God. 

usually  applied  to  men  denotes  happiness  repose  in  him 

IPs.  1.  1;  o2.  '  ■     ^-^=^'— -^— -'-  --f----- -•---  >- 

book  closes. 

PSALM  XLII. 


The  word  times,  and  the  confidence  they  had  learned  to 

'         ■  "         After  a  vivid  pictm-e  ol  their 

1;  u2.  1.).    With  this  doxology  tlie  first  calamities,  he  humbly  expostulates  as^ainst 

j  God's  apparent  forgetfulness,  reminding  him 

of  their  faithfulness   and  mourning   their 

Ver.  1-11.  MaschU—{c{.  Ps.  32.  title.).  For,  or,  heavy  sorrows. 
of  ,cf.  Infr.)  the  sons  of  Korah.  The  writer,  i  1-3.  This  period  is  that  of  the  settlement  of 
perhaps  one  of  this  Levitical  family  of  singers  ;  Canaan  Josh.  24.  12;  Jud.  6.  3.).  have  told— 
accompanying  David  in  exile,  mourns  his  or.  related  icf.  Ex.  10.2.).  plantedst  them— -i.e., 
absence  from  the  sanctuary,  a  cause  of  grief  our  fathers,  who  are  also,  from  the  parallel 
aggravated  by  the  taunts  of  enemies,  and  is  '  constructionof  the  last  clause,  to  be  regarded 
comiorted  in  hopes  of  relief.  This  course  of !  as  the  object  of  "  cast  them  out,"  which  means 
thoughtisrepeated  with  some  variety  of  de- 1— tt^.,  send  them  out,  or,  "extend  them." 


tad,  but  closing  witli  the  same  refrain. 


Heathen  and  people  denote  the  nations  who 


1.  2.  ,Cl.  Ps.  63.  1.).  paiiietli— desires,  in  a  were  driven  out  to  make  room  for  the  Israel- 
state  of  exhaustion,  appear  before  God— in  ites.  4.  Thou  art  my  King— ii^.,  he  v:ho  is  my 
acts  of  worship,  the  terms  used  in  the  com-  i  King,  sustaining  the  same  covena,nt  relation 
mand  for  the  stated  personal  appearance  of  as  to  the  "  fathers."  6.  The  figure  drawn 
the  Jews  at  the  sanctuary.  3.  Wliere  is  thy  from  the  haOits  of  the  ox.  6-8.  God  is  not 
God?— implying  that  He  had  forsaken  him  only  our  sole  help,  but  only  worthy  ot  praise. 
(cf.  2  Sam.  10.  7;  Ps.  3.  2;  22. 8.].  4.  The  verbs  .  thy  name— as  Ps.  5.  11.  put ...  to  shame—  cf. 
are  properly  rendered  as  futures,  "  I  will  re-  Ps.  6. 10,),  disgraced.  9. But— contrasting,  cast 
member,"  &c.,  &c.— i.e.,  the  recollection  of ;  oif  as  abhorrent  (Ps.  43.  2.).  goest  not  forth— 
this  season  of  distress  will  give  greater  zest  W^,  vnll  not  go  (2  Pam.  5.  23.).  In  several 
to  the  privileges  of  God's  worship,  when  ob-  J  consecutive  verses  the  leading  verb  is  future, 
tained.  5.  Hence  he  chides  his  despondent ;  and  the  following  one  past  (in  Heb.),  thus  de- 
soul,  assuring  himself  of  a  time  of  joy.  helpof  noting  the  causes  and  effects.  Thus,  {v.\0, 
his  countenance— or,face(cf.  Num.  6. 25;Ps.4.6;  1 11, 12,),  when  defeated,  spoiling  follows,  when 
16. 11.1.6.  Dejection  again  described,  therefore  '  delivered  as  sheep,  dispersion  follows,  &c. 
—i.e„  finding  no  comfort  in  myself,  I  tui-n  to  j  11.  The  Babylonian  captivity  not  necessarily 
thee,  evenin  this  distant  "tandoy/ordft?i'/7id  meant.  There  were  others  id.  1  Ki.  8.  46.). 
the  (mountains)  Hcrmons,"  the  country  east :  13, 14.  Cf.  Deut.  28.  37;  Ps.  79.  4.).  15.  shame 
of  J  ordan.  hill  Mizar— as  a  name  of  a  small ;  of .  . .  face— blushes  in  disgrace.  16.  Its  cause, 
hill  contrasted  with  the  mountains  round  \  the  taunts  and  presence  of  malignant  ene- 
about  Jerusalem,  perhaps  denoted  the  con-!mies  (Ps.  8.  2.).  17-19.  They  had  not  apos- 
tenipt  with  which  the  place  of  exile  was  re- '  tatised  totally— were  still  God's  people.  Re- 
garded. 7.  Theroarof  successive  billows,  re- 1  clined— turned  aside  from  God's  law.  sore 
sponding  to  that  of  floods  of  rain,  represented  ;  broken— crushed,    place  of  dragons— desolate. 


the   heavy   waves   of  sorrow   wliich   over 
whelmed  him.    8.  Still  he  relies  on  as  con 


barrenrocky  wilderness  (Ps.  63. 10;Isa.  13.22.  . 
shadow  ot  death— (cf.  Ps.  23.  4.).    20,  21.  A  m- 


stant  a  flow  of  divine  mercy  which  will  elicit  j  lemn  appeal  to  God  to  witness  their  con- 
his  praise  and  encourage  his  prayer  to  God;  |  stancy.  stretched  out  .  .  .  hands- gesture  of 
9,  10.  in  view  ot  which,  he  dictates  to  him-  worship  (Ex.  9.  29;  Ps.  88.  9.).  22.  Their  pro- 
self  a  prayer  based  on  his  distress,  aggra- ;  tracted  sufferings  as  God's  people  attests  the 
vated  as  it  was  by  the  cruel  taunts  and  in- !  constancy.  Paul  (Eom.  8.  36,),  uses  this  to 
fidel  suggestions  of  his  foes.  11.  This  brings  |  describe  Christian  stedfastness  in  persecu- 
on  a  renewed  self-chiding,  and  excites  hopes  tion.  23-26.  This  style  of  addressing  God,  as 
of  relief,  health  [or,  help]  ofmy  countenance-  indifferent,  is  frequent  (Ps.  3.  7;  9.  19;  13.  l, 
(cf.  17.  0.),  who  cheers  me,  driving  away  clouds    -     ■      '-  -         •    • 

of  sorrow  from  my  face,  my  God— It  is  He  of 
whose  existence  and  favour  my  foes  would 
have  me  doubt. 

PSALM  XLin. 

Ver.  1-5.  Excepting  the  recurrence  of  the 
refrain,  there  is  no  good  reason  to  suppose 
this  a  part  of  the  ureceding,  though  the  scope 
is  the  same.  It  has  always  been  placed  se- 
parate. 

1.  Judge— or,  vindicate  (Ps.  10. 18.).  plead, 
&c.— (Ps.  35. 1.;.  ungodly— neither  in  charac- 
ter or  condition  objects  of  God's  favour  (cf. 
Ps.  4.  3.1.  2.  Godof  my  strength— by  covenant 
relation  my  stronghold  (  Ps         " 


However  low  their  condition,  God  ia 
appealed  to,  on  the  ground,  and  for  the  ho- 
nour, of  His  mercy. 

PSALM  XLV. 
Ver.  1-17.  Shoshannim—lit.,  Lilies,  either 
descriptive  of  an  instrument  so  shaped,  or 
denoting  some  tune  or  air  so  called,  after 
which  the  Psalm  was  to  be  sung  (cf.  Ps.  8. 
title.).  A  song  o/  loves,  or,  of  beloved  ones 
(plural  and  feminine,)  — a  conjugal  song. 
Maschil—icf.  Ps.  32.  and  42.)  denotes  the  di- 
dactic character  of  the  Psalm ;  that  it  gives 
instruction,  the  song  being  of  allegorical  and 
not  literal  import.  The  union  and  glories  of 
cast  me  Christ  and  his  Church  are  described.  He  is 
...  in  such  I  addressed  as  a  king  possessed  of  all  essential 
circumstances  of  oppression.  3.  light— as  |  graces,  as  a  conqueror  exalted  on  the  throne 
Ps.  27.  1.  truth— or,  faithfulness  (Ps.  25.  5,),  |  of  a  righteous  and  eternal  government,  and 
manifest  it  by  fulfilling  promises.  Light  and  \  as  a  bridegroom  arrayed  in  nuptial  splen- 
truth  are  personified  as  messengers  who  wiU  I  dour.  The  Church  is  pourtrayed  in  the 
bring  him  to  the  privileged  place  of  worship,  j  purity  and  loveliness  of  a  royally  adorned 
tabernacles— plural,  in  allusion  to  the  various  and  attended  bride,  invited  to  forsake  her 
C'lurts.  4.  the  aitar— as  the  chief  place  of '  home  and  share  the  honours  of  her  affianced 
worship.  The  mention  of  the  harp  suggests  i  lord.  The  picture  of  an  oriental  wedding 
the  prominence  of  praise  in  his  offering.  !  thus  opened  is  filled  up  by  representing  the 
PSALM  XLIV.  ( complimentary  gifts  of  the   wealthy   with 

Ver.  1-26.    In  a  time  ot  great  national  dis- :  which  the  occasion  is  honoured,  the  proces- 
tress,  probably  in  David's  reiyn,  the  Psalmi.st  sion  of  the  bride,  clothed  in  splendid  rai- 
recounts  God's  gracious  dealings  in  former  -  ment,  attended  by  her  virgin  companions, 
391 


off- in  scorn,     because- 


18.  1. 
-or,  in,  i.e., 


Majesty  of  ChrisVs  Kingdom. 


PSALM  XLV. 


His  Glory  in  the  Church. 


and  the  entrance  of  the  joyous  throng  into 
the  palace  of  tlie  King.  A  prerliction  of  a  nu- 
merous and  distinguished  progeny,  instead 
of  the  complimentary  wish  for  it  usually  ex- 
pressedict.  Gen.  24. 60;  Ruth,  4. 11, 12. i.  and  an 
assurance  of  a  perpetual  fame,  closes  the 
Psalm.  All  ancient  Jewish  and  Christian 
interpreters  regarded  this  Psahn  as  an  alle- 
gory of  the  purport  above  named.  In  the 
Song  of  Songs  the  allegory  is  carried  out  more 
fully.  Hosea  (ch.  1-3.)  treats  the  relation  of 
God  and  His  people  under  the  same  figure, 
and  its  use  to  set  forth  the  relation  of  Christ 
and  His  Chiuch  runs  through  both  parts  of 
the  Bible  (cf.  Isa.  54. 6;  62, 4, 5;  Mat.  22. 2;  25. 1; 
John,  3.  29;  Eph.  5.  25-32,  &c.,  &c.).  Other 
methods  of  exposition  have  been  suggested. 
Several  Jewish  monarchs,  from  Solomon  to 
the  wicked  Aliab,  and  various  foreign  princes, 
have  been  named  as  the  hero  of  the  song. 
But  to  none  of  them  can  the  terms  here  used 
be  shewn  to  apply,  and  it  is  hardly  probable 
that  any  mere  nuptial  song,  especially  of  a 
heathen  king,  would  be  permitted  a  place  in 
the  sacred  songs  of  the  Jews.  The  advocates 
for  any  other  than  the  IVIessianic  interpreta- 
tion have  generally  silenced  each  other  in 
siiccession,  while  the  application  of  the  most 
rigorous  rules  of  a  fair  system  of  interpreta- 
tion has  but  strengthened  the  evidences  in 
its  favour.  The  scope  ol  the  Psalm  above 
given  is  easy  and  sustained  by  the  explication 
of  its  details.  The  quotation  of  v.  6,  7.  by 
Paul,  (Heb.  l.  8,  9.),  as  applicable  to  Christ, 
ou(iht  to  be  conclusive,  and  their  special  ex- 
position shows  the  propriety  of  such  an  ap- 
plication. 

1.  An  animated  preface  indicative  of  strong 
emotion.  Lit.,  My  heart  overflows:  a  good 
matter  I  speak;  the  things  vjhich  I  have  made, 
<ke.  inditing— K^.,  boiling  up,  as  a  fountain 
overflows,  my  tongue  is  the  pen— a  mere  in- 
strument of  God's  use.  ofaready  writer— i.e., 
it  is  fluent.  Tlie  theme  is  inspiring  and  lan- 
guage flows  fast.  3.  To  rich  personal  attrac- 
tions is  added  grace  of  the  lips,  captivating 
powers  of  speech.  This  is  given  and  be- 
comes a  source  of  power  and  proves  a 
blessing.  Christ  is  a  prophet  iLuke,  4.  22.). 
3,  4.  liie  king  is  addressed  as  ready  to 
go  forth  to  battle,  sword— icf.  Eev.  i.  16; 
19.  15.).  Mighty— (cf.  Isa.  9.  6.).  glory  and  .  . . 
Diajesty— generally  used  as  divine  attributes 
lYs.  96.  6;  104.  1;  111.  3,).  or  as  specially  con- 
ferred on  mortals,  (Ps.  21.  5,),  perhaps  these 
typically,  ride  prosperously— or,  conduct  a 
successful  war.  because  of— for  the  interests 
of  truth,  &c.  meekness  .  .  .  righteousness— 
withoutanyconnective— i.e.,  a  righteousness, 
or'equity  of  government,  distingxiished  by 
meekness  or  condescension  Ps.  18. 35.).  right 
hand— or,  power,  as  its  organ,  shall  teach  tnee 
—point  the  way  to  terrible  things— i.e.,  in 
conquest  of  enemies.  5.  The  result,  people- 
whole  nations  are  subdued.  6.  No  lawful 
construction  can  be  devised  to  change  the 
«ense  here  given,  and  sustained  by  the  an- 
ient versions,  and  above  all,  by  Paul  (Heb. 
1.  8.).  Of  the  perpetuity  of  this  govern- 
ment (cf.  2  Sam.  7.  13;  Ps.  10.  16;  72.  5;  89.  4; 
110.  4;  Isa.  9.  7.).  7.  As  in  v.  6.  the  divine  na- 
ture is  made  prominent,  here  the  moral  qua- 
lities of  the  htmian  are  alleged  as  the  reason 
or  ground  of  the  mediatorial  exaltation. 
Some  render  "  Oh,  God,  thy  God,"  instead  of 
God,  thy  God— but  the  latter  is  sustained  by 
the  same  form  (Ps.  50.  7, .  and  it  was  only  of 
394  UJ 


His  human  nature  tliat  the  anointing  could 
be  predicated  (cf.  Isa.  61.  3.1.  oil  cf  gladness 
—or,  token  ,of  gladness,  as  used  in  feasts  aud 
other  times  of  solemn  joy  (cf.  l  Ki.  l.  39,  40.). 
fellows— other  kings,  8.  Tlie  King  thus  inau- 
gurated is  now  presented  as  a  bridegroom, 
who  appears  in  garments  richly  perfumed, 
brought  out  frouT  ivory  palaces.  His  royal  re- 
sidencp;  by  which,  as  indications  of  the 
hapi.y  :jridal  occasion.  He  has  been  glad- 
dened, y.  In  completion  of  this  picture  of  a 
marriage  festival,  temale  attendants,  or 
bridesmaids  of  the  highest  rank,  attend  Him, 
while  the  queen,  in  rich  apparel  [v.  13,},  stands 
ready  for  the  nuptial  procession.    10. 11.  She 


is  invited  to  the  union,  for  forming  which,  she 
must  leave  her  father's  people.  She  represent- 
ing, by  the  form  of  the  allegory,  the  Church; 
this  address  is  illustrated  by  all  those  scrip- 
tures, from  Gen.  12. 1,  on,  which  speak  of  the 
people  of  God  as  a  chosen,  separate,  and  pe- 
culiar people.     The  relation  of  subjection 
to  her  spouse  at  once  accords  with  the  law  of 
marriage,  as  given  in  Gen.  3.  16;  18. 12;  Eph. 
6.  22;  1  Pet.  3.  6,  6,),  and  the  relation  of  the 
Church  to  Christ  (Eph.  5.  24.).    The  love  of 
the  husband  is  intimately  connected  with  the 
entire  devotion  to  which  the  bride  is  ex- 
horted.   12.  daughter  ot  Tyre— (Ps.  9.  14.),  de- 
notes the  people.    Tyre,  celebrated  for  its 
great  wealth,  is  selected  to  represent  the 
richest  nations,  an  idea  confirmed  by  the 
next   clause.     These   gifts  are   brought  as 
means  to  conciliate  the  royal  parties,  repre- 
senting the  admitted  subjection  of  the  offer- 
ers. This  well  sets  forth  the  exalted  position 
of  the  Church  and  her  head,  whose  moral 
qualities  receive  the  homage  of  the  world. 
The  contribution  of  material  wealth  to  sus- 
tain the  institutions  of  the  Church  maybe 
included;  (cf.  "riches  of  the  (^entiles,"  Ps. 
72. 10;  Isa.  60.  5-10.).    13.  The  King's  daughter 
—a  term  of  dignity.    It  may  also  intimate, 
with  some  allusion  to  the  teaching  of  the 
allegory,  that  the  bride  of  Christ,  the  Church, 
is  the  daughter  of  the  great  king,  God.  within 
—not  only  is  her  outward  raiment  costly, 
but  all  her  apparel  of  the  richest  texture, 
wrought  gold— gold  embroidery,  or  cloth  in 
which  gold  is  woven.    14.  15.  The  progress 
of  the  procession  is  described:  according  to 
the  usttal  custom  the  bride  and  attendants 
are  conducted  to  the  palace.    Some,  for  the 
words  — in  raiment  of  needlework  —  propo.se 
another  rendering,  on  variegated  (or.  em- 
broidered) cloths— i.e.,  in  the  manner  of  the 
East,  richly  wrought  tapestry  was  spread  on 
the  ground,  on  which  the  bride  walked.    As 
the  dress  had  been  already  mentioned,  this 
seems  to  be  a  probable  translation,    shall  be 
brought— in  solemn  form    of.  Job,  10.  10;  21, 
22.).    The  entrance  into  the  palace  with  great 
joy  closes  the  scene.    So  shall  the  Church  be 
finally  brought  to  her  Lord,  and  united  amid 
the  festivities  of  the  holy  beings  in  heaven. 
16.  As  earthly  monarchs  govern  widely  ex- 
tended empires  by  viceroys,  this   glorious 
King  is  represented  as  sniiplyingaUtheprin- 
cipalities  of  earth  with  princes  of  His  own 
numerous  progeny.  17.  The  glories  of  this  em- 
pire shall  be  as  wide  as  the  world  and  lasting 
as  eternity,   therefore— because  thus  glorious, 
the  praise  shall  be  universal  and  perpetual. 
Some  writers  have  taxed  their  ingenuity  to 
find  in  the  history  and  fortunes  of  Christ  and 
His  Church  exact  parallels  for  every  part  of 
this  splendid  allegory,  not  excepting  its  gor- 


Confidence  of  the  Church. 


PSALMS  XLVl-XLVm. 


Privileges  of  the  Church'. 


geous  oriental  imagery.  Thus,  by  the  dresses  mere  word  fPs.  75.  3;  Hos.  2.22.).    7.  withua 

of  the  King  and  queen,  ai  e  thought  to  be  —on  our  side.  His  presence  is  terror  to  our 

meant  the  eminent  endowments  and  graces  enemies,  safety  to  us.    retuge— high  place  (Ps. 

of  Christ  and  His  people.      The  attendant  9.  9;  of.  also  Ps.  24.  6,  10.1.    8.  what  desola- 

woiren,  supposed  (though  inconsistently  it  X\ons— lit.,  who  Imth  vut  desolations,  Aeaixoy- 

might  seem  with  the  inspired  character  of  ing  our  enemies.     9.  The  usual  weapons  oj 
the  work,)  to  be  concubines,  are  thought  to  '  war,  (Ps.  7.  12,),  as  well  as  those  using  them, 

represent  the  Gentile  Churches,  and  the  bride,  are  brought  to  an  end.    10.  Be  still,  kc.—lit., 

the  Jewish,  &c.,  (fee.    But  it  is  evident  that  Leave  off  to  oppose  me  and  vex  my  people.    I 

we  cannot  pursue  such  a  mode  of  interpreta-  am  over  all  for  their  safety  (of.  Isa.  2. 11;  Eph, 

tion.    For,  following  the  allegory,  we  must  1.  "    " 
suspend  to  the  distant  future  the  results  of  a 
union,  whose  consummation  as  a  marriage 


PSALM  XLVII. 

„.. X,  „ ^^  v>w.x.,«*..^wi.,u.vy^  vo  iv„...x^^..r,^      Ver.l-Q.    Praise  is  given  to  God  for  victory, 

is  still  distant  (ct.  Kev.  21.  9.).  In  fact  the :  perhaps  that  recorded  (2  Chr.  20.);  and  His 
imagery  here  and  elsev/here  sets  before  us  dominion  over  all  people,  Jews  and  Gentiles, 
the  Church  in  two  aspects.    As  a  body,  it  is .  is  asserted. 

yet  incomplete,  the  whole  is  yet  ungathered.  1.  clap  . .  .hands  . . .  people— Hf., peoples,  or. 
As  a  moral  institution,  it  is  yet  imperfect,  j  waiions  (cf.  Deut.  32.  43;  Ps.  18.  49;  98.  9.). 
In  the  final  catastrophe,  it  will  be  complete  j  2,  3.  His  universal  sovereignty  now  exists, 
and  perfect.  Thus,  as  a  bride  adorned,  (fee, ;  and  will  be  made  known,  under  us~i.e.,  His 
it  will  be  united  with  its  Lord.  Thus  the  saints;  Israel's  temporal  victories  were  types 
union  of  Christ  and  the  Church  triumphant  of  the  spiritual  conquests  of  the  true  Church. 
is  set  forth.  On  the  other  band,  in  regard  to  4.  He  shall .  .  .  inheritance— the  heathen  to  be 
its  component  parts,  the  relation  of  Christ  as  ■  possessed  by  His  Church  (Ps.  2.  8,).  as  Canaan 
head,  as  husband,  &c.,  already  exists,  and  by  the  Jews,  excellency  of  Jacob— ?i^..  pride, 
as  these  parts  form  an  institution  in  this '  or,  that  in  which  he  glories  (not  necessarily, 
world,  it  is  by  His  union  with  it,  and  the  though  often,  in  a  bad  sense),  the  privileges 
gifts  and  graces  with  which  He  endows  it,  |  of  the  chosen  people— whom  he  loved— His 
that  a  spiritual  seed  arises  and  spreads  in  i  love  being  the  sole  cause  of  granting  them, 
the  world.  Hence,  we  must  fix  our  minds !  5-7.  God,  victorious  over  His  enemies,  re- 
only  on  the  one  simple  but  grand  truth,  that  ascends  to  heaven,  amid  the  triumphant 
CTirisi  ^o-yesiTieC/iurc/t,  is  JZeadowraW</ii}i(/s  praises  of  His  people,  who  celebrate  His  so- 


~or  it,  raises  it,  in  His  exaltation,  to  the ,  vereign  dominion.  This  sovereignty  is  what 
ighest  moral  dignity— a  dignity  of  which  :  the  Psalm  teaches ;  hence  he  adds— sing  .  . . 
very,  even  the  meanest,  sincere  disciple  ici^J:  praises  with  uuderstanriing—tti.,  sMigfawcTpto^ 


every,  .  .  .  _  ,         _     . 

partake.  As  to  the  time,  then,  in  which  this ;  an  i7istructive  (Psalm).  The  whole  typifies 
allegorical  prophecj^  is  to  be  fulfilled,  it  may  i  Clirist's  ascension  (cf.  Ps.  68.  18.).  8,  9.  The 
be  said,  that  no  periods  of  time  are  specially  I  instruction  continued,  throne  of .  . .  holiuess 
designated.  The  c/iaracierisiics  of  the  rela- j —or,  holy  throne  (cf.  on  Ps.  2.  6;  22.  3.). 
tion  of  Christ  and  His  Church  are  indicated,  •  piiuces— who  represent  peoples.  For— even— 
and  we  may  suppose  that  the  whole  process !  supply  as,  or,  to— i.e.,  they  aU  become  united 
of  His  exaltation  from  the  declaration  of  His  1  under  covenant  with  Abraham's  God.  shields 
Sonship,  by  His  resurrection,  to  the  grand  —as  Hos,  4. 18.  rulers, 
catastrophe  of  fhe  final  judgment,  with  all  PSALM  XLVIII. 

the  collateral  blessings  to  the  Church  and  the  Ver.  1-14.  This  is  a  spirited  Psalm  and 
world,  lay  before  the  vision  of  the  inspired  Song  (cf.  Ps.  30.)  having  probably  been  sug- 
prophet.  gested  by  the  same  occasion  as  the  foregoing. 

PSALM  XL VI.  It  sets  forth  the  privileges  and  blessings  of 

Ver.  1-11.  Uimi  Alamoth— most  probably  i  God's  spiritual  dominion  as  the  terror  of  the 
denotes  the  treble,  or  part  siing  by  female  ;  wicked  and  joy  of  the  righteous, 
voices,  the  word  meaning  virgins;  and  which  j  1.  t  >  be  praised— always:  it  is  an  epithet  as 
■was  sung  with  some  appropriately  keyed  in- ]  Ps.  18.3.  mouutaiaof  his  holiness— His  Church 
strument  icf.  1  Chr.  15.  19-21;  Ps.  6.  title.),  j  (cf.  Isa.  2.  2,  3;  25.  G,  7, 10,):  the  sanctuary  was 
The  theme  may  be  stated  in  Luther's  M'ell- '  erected  first  on  Mount  Zion,  then  (as  the 
known  words,  "A  strong  fortress  is  our  temple)  on  Moriah;  hence  the  figure.  2,3. 
God,"  The  great  deliverance,  (2  Ki.  19.  3o;  situdtion— lit,  elevation,,  joy  of,  (fee— source 
Isa.  37. 36,),  may  have  occasioned  its  composi-  ^  of  joy.    sides  of  the  north— poetically  for  emi- 


tion. 
1.  refiige 

strength— (Ps.  18.  2.) 


nent,  lofty,  distinguished,  as  the  ancients  h,e- 

lit.,  a  place  of  trust  (Ps.  2.  12.). !  lieved  the  7iorth  to  be  the  highest  part  of  the 

present  help  — ^ti.,  a  earth  (cf.  isa.  14.  13.).    palaces— Ki.,  citadels. 


help  lie  has  been  fouyid  exceedingly,  trouble  refuge— iPs.  9.  10;  18.  3.).  He  was  so  known 
—  as  Ps.  18.  7.  2,  3.  Ihe  most  violent  in  them,  because  they  enjoyed  His  presence, 
civil  commotionsare  illustrated  by  the  great-  4-6.  For— the  reason  is  given.  Though  the 
est  physical  commotions,  swelling— well  re- ;  kings  (perhaps  of  Moab  and  Ammon,  cf.  Ps. 
presents  the  i)ride  and  haughtiness  of  inso-i  83.  3-5,j  combined,  a  conviction  of  God's  pre- 
lent  foes.  4.  God's  favour  is  denoted  by  a  i  sence  with  His  people,  evinced  by  the  un- 
ri.vcr  cf.  Ps.  36.  8:  Zech.  14.  8;  Rev.  22.  1.).  i  usual  courage  with  which  the  prophets,  (cf. 
city  of  God,  the  holy  place— His  earthly  resi- :  2  Chr.  20. 12-20,).  had  inspired  them,  seized  on 
dence,  Jerusalem  and  the  temple  icf.  Ps.  2. 6;!  their  minds,  and  smitten  with  sudden  and 
3.4;  20.  2;  48.  2,  (fee).  God's  favour,  like  a  i  intense  alarm,  they  fled  astonished.  7.  ships 
river  whose  waters  are  conducted  in  chan- 1  of  Tarshish— as  engaged  in  a  distant  and  lu- 
neis,  is  distributed  to  all  parts  of  His  Church.  I  crative  trade,  the  most  valuable.  The  phrase 
Most  High— denoting  His  supremacy  (Ps.  I  may  illustrate  God's  control  over  all  material 
17. 2.).  5.  right  e&rly— lit., at  the  turn  of  morn-  •  agencies,  whether  their  literal  destruction  be 
ing,  or,  change  from  night  to  day,  a  critical '  meant  or  not.  8.  This  present  experience 
time  iPs.  30.  5;  cf.  Isa.  37.  36.).  6.  iCf.  v.  4.).  [assures  of  that  perpetual  care  which  God 
earth  melted  — all  powers  dissolved  by  His  i  extends,  to  His  Chuich.  9.  thought  oi—lit„ 
384  [2] 


The  beauty  of  Zion. 


PSALMS  XLVII-L. 


Majesty  of  God  in  tlie  chureh. 


cutteth  the  spear  in  sunder;  he  bumeth 
the  chariot  in  the  fire. 

10  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God:.  I 
will  be  exalted  among  the  heathen,  I  will 
be  exalted  in  the  earth. 

11  The  Lord  of  hosts  is  with  us;  the  God 
of  Jacob  is  our  refuge.    Selah. 

PSALM  XLVIL 
Q'lte  nations  are  exhorted  eheerfidly  to  entertain 

the  kinodom  of  Christ. 
To  the  claief  Musician,  A  Psalm  1  for  the  sons 

of  Korah, 
f)  CLAP  your  hands,  all  ye  people ;  shout 
^-^  unto  God  with  the  voice  of  triumph: 

2  For  the  Lord  most  high  is  "teiTible;Ae 
is  *  a  gi'eat  King  over  all  the  earth. 

3  He  *  shall  subdue  the  people  under  us, 
and  the  nations  under  our  feet. 

4  He  shall  choose  our  <*  inheritance  for  us, 
the  excellency  of  Jacob,  whom  he  loved. 
Selah. 

5  God  *  is  gone  up  with  a  shout,  the  Loed 
vrith  the  sound  of  a  trumpet. 

6  Sing  praises  to  God,  smg  praises;  sing 
praises  unto  our  Kinj,  sing  praises. 

7  For/  God  is  the  King  of  all  the  earth: 
eing  "  ye  praises  2  with  understanding. 

8  God  reigneth  over  the  heathen:  God 
litteth  upon  the  throne  of  his  hohness. 

9  3  The  princes  of  the  people  are  gathered 
together,  even  the  people  of  the  God  of 
Abraham ;  for  the  shields  of  the  earth  be- 
long unto  God:  he  is  greatly  exalted. 

PSALM  XLVin. 
Ornaments  and  privileges  o/  the  ehureh, 
A  Song  and  Psalm  1  for  the  sons  of  Kprah. 
(TJ.REAT  is  the  Lokd,  and  greatly  to  be 
^-*  praii?ed  in  the  city  of  our  G..d,  in  the 
mountain  "^f  his  holiness. 
2  Beautifufo^for  situ.ition,  '  the  joy  of  the 
whole  eju-th,  is  mount  Zion,  <*  on  the  sides 
of  the  north.  '  the  city  of  the  great  Iviug. 

5  God  is  known  in  her  palaces  for  a  re- 
fuge. 

4  For,  lo,  /the  kings  were  assembled,  they 
passed  by  together. 

6  They  saw  tt,  and  so  they  marvelled; they 
were  troubled,  and  hasted  away. 

6  Fear  took  hold  upon  them  there,  and 
pain,  as  of  a  woman  m  travail. 

7  Thou  ^  breakest  the  ships  of  Tarshish 
with  an  east  wind. 

8  As  we  have  heard,  so  have  we  seen  in  the 
city  of  the  Lord  of  hosts,  in  the  city  of  om* 
God:  God  '>  will  establish  it  for  ever.  Selah. 

9  We  have  thought  of  thy  loving-kind- 
cess,  O  God,  in  the  midst  of  thy  temple. 

10  According  to  •  thy  name,  O  God,  so  is 
thy  praise  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth:  thy 
right  hand  is  full  of  righteousness. 

11  Let  mount  Zion  rejoice,  let  the  daugh- 
ters of  Judab  be  glad,  because  of  thy  judg- 
ments. 

12  Walk  about  Zion,  and  go  round  about 
her:  tell  the  towers  thereof. 

13  2  Mark  ye  well  her  bulwarks,  8  consider 
her  palaces ;  that  ye  may  tell  it  to  the  gen- 
eration following. 

14  For }  this  God  is  our  God  for  ever  and 
ever:  he  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death. 

PSALM  XLIX. 

I  The  psalmist  tails  upon  all  the  earth  to  join  him 

in  his  meilitations.     B    Vanity  of  trusting  in 

worldly  wealth.    14  Misery  of  the  wicked,  etc. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  1  for  the  sons 

of  Korah. 
WEAR  this,  all  ye  people;  give  ear,  all 
ye  inhabitants  of  the  world; 
395 


PSALM  47. 

1  Or,  of. 

o  Den.  7.  21. 

Nell.  1.  5. 
b  Mai.  1. 14. 
c  P8.  18.  47. 
d  1  Pet.  1. 4. 
«  P».  58.  24. 
/  Zoch.  14. 9. 
g  1  Cor.  14. 

15. 

2  Or,  eTery 
one  that 
hath  un- 
derstani- 

XDg. 

8  Or,  The 


people  of 
the  God  of 
Abraham. 


PSALM  48. 
1  Or,  of. 


I  Jer. 


19. 


Lam.  2. 15. 

Dan.  8.  9. 
e  Eee.  20.  6. 
d  IB  14.  13. 
e  Mat.  6.  36. 
/  2  8a.  10.  6. 
ffEte.27.a6. 
h  Mat.  16.18. 
i  Mai.  1. 11. 

2  Set  your 
heart  to 
her  bul- 
warks. 

3  Or,  raits 
up. 

}  U.  25.  9. 


Job; 


is. 


d  Heb.  9. 27. 
«  Ps.  89.  48. 

2  to  genora- 

generation. 

3  delight  in 
thoir 
mouth. 

f  Dan.  7.  23, 
ilal.  4.  3. 
Lu.  23.  30. 
1  Cor.  G.  2. 
EOT.  2.  26. 

4  Or, 
fitrongth. 

6  Or,  the 
grave 
being  an 
habitation 
to  every 
one  of 

g  Hob.  13, 14. 
Rev.  14  13. 

6  from  the 
band  of 
the  grave. 

7  Or,  hell. 

8  in  hii  life. 

9  The  eoul 
ahaU  go. 


PSALM  60. 
1  Or,  for. 
OMio.6.1,2. 
6  la.  13.  3. 
C  £x.  24.  7. 


2  Both  low  and  high,  rich  and  poor,  to- 
gether. 

3  My  mouth  shall  speak  of  wisdom ;  and 
the  meditation  of  my  heart  shall  be  of  un- 
del-standing. 

4  I  will  incline  mine  ear  to  a  parable;  I 
will  open  my  dark  sajing  upon  the  harp, 

5  Wherefore  should  I  tear  in  the  days  of 
evil,  when  the  iniquity  of  my  heels  shall 
coimiass  me  about? 

6  They  that  "  trust  in  their  wealth,  and 
boast  themselves  in  the  multitude  of  their 
riches ; 

7  None  of  them  can  by  any  means  redeem 
his  brother,  nor  *  give  to  God  a  ransom  for 
him; 

8  (For  *  the  redemption  of  their  soul  is 
precious,  and  it  ceaseth  for  ever;) 

9  That  he  should  still  <*  live  for  ever,  and 
not  *  see  corruption. 

10  For  he  seeth  that  wise  men  die,  likewise 
the  fool  and  the  brutish  person  perish,  and 
leave  their  wealth  to  others. 

11  Their  inward  thought  is,  that  their 
houses  shall  C07itimie  for  ever,  amd  their 
dwelling  places  2  to  all  generations:  they 
call  their  lands  after  their  own  names. 

12  Nevertheless  man  being  in  honour  abid- 
eth  not:  he  is  like  the  be.asts  that  perish. _ 

13  This  their  way  is  their  folly:  yet  their 
posterity  3  approve  their  savings.    Selah. 

14  Like  sheep  they  are  laid  in  the  grave; 
death  shall  feed  on  them ;  and/  the  upright 
shall  have  dominion  over  them  in  the 
morning;  and  their  4  beauty  shall  consume 
6  in  the  grave  from  their  dwelling. 

15  But  God  fl'  will  redeem  my  soul  6  from 
the  power  of  7  the  grave;  for  he  shall  re- 
ceive me.    Selah. 

10  Be  not  thou  afraid  when  one  is  made 
rich,  wheu  the  glory  of  his  house  is  in- 
creased; 

17  For  when  he  dieth  he  shall  carry  no- 
thing away;  his  glory  shall  not  descend 
after  him: 

18  Though  8  while  he  lived  he  blessed 
his  soul:  and  men  will  praise  thee,  when 
thou  doest  well  to  thyseli. 

19  9  He  shall  go  to  the  generation  of  his 
fathers ;  they  shall  never  see  light. 

20  Man  that  is  in  honour,  and  understand- 
eth  not,  is  hke  the  beasts  that  perish. 

PSALM  L. 

1  Majesty  of  God  in  the  church:  7  The  jjleasureof 

God  is  not  in  ceremonies,   14  Out  in  sincerity  of 

obedience.    16  The  hypocrite  rebuked- 

A  Psalm  1  of  Asaph, 

rVEE  mighty  God,  even  the  Lord,  hath 

-*-  spoken,  and  called  the  earth,  from  the 

rising  of  the  sun  unto  the  gomg  down 

thereof. 

2  Out  of  Zion,  .the  perfection  of  beauty, 
God  hath  shined. 

3  Our  God  shall  come,  and  shall  not  keep 
silence:  a  fire  shall  devour  before  hiin,  ana 
it  shall  be  very  tempestuous  round  about 
him. 

4  He  <•  shall  call  to  the  heavens  from 
above,  and  to  the  earth,  that  he  may  judge 
his  people. 

5  Gather  *  my  saints  together  imto  me; 
those  '  that  have  made  a  covenant  with  me 
by  sacrifice. 

6  And  the  heavens  shall  declare  his  righte- 
ousness: for  God  is  judge  himself.     Selah. 

7  Hear,  O  ny  people,  and  I  \vill  speak;  O' 
Israel,  and  I  wilUesiii'j  agiiuist thee:  lam 
God,  even  thy  God. 


Vanity  of  Trusting  in  Riches.        PSALIVIS  XliTX:— LI. 


Majesty  of  r^fcxT. 


eom^arecJ,  or,  considered,  in  respect  of  former  I  livered  from  the— power— Zi(.,  the  hmid,  of 
dealings,    in  the. .  .temple— in  acts  of  solemn  death,  are  taken  under  God's  care.    16-19. 


worship  ;cf.  2  Chr.  21).  28.).    10.  According 


applies  this  instruction.  Be  not  anxious  (Ps, 


§raise— i.e.,  as  thy  perfections  manifested,  cf. !  37.  1,,  &c.,i  since  death  cuts  off  the  prosper- 
's  8.  1;  20.  1-7,),  demand  praise,  it  shall  be  I  ous  wicked  whom  you  dread.  Thorgh  .  . . 
given,  everywhere,  thy  right  hand,  &c.— thy  '  lived,  &c.—lit.,  For  in  his  life  he  blessed  his 
righteous  Kovernment  is  displayed  by  thy  soul,  or,  himself  iLuke,  12.  19;  16.  26;  ;  yet  [v. 
power.  11.  the  daug.it^rs,  kc.  —  ihe  smaii  19,},  he  has  had  his  portion,  nieuwillprai.se 
loions,  or  the  people,  with  the  cMef  city,  or  | .  .  .  tliyself— Flatterers  enhance  the  rich  fool's 
rulers  of  the  Church,  judgments— decisions  j  self-complacency;  the  form  of  address  to  him 
and  acts  of  right  government.  12-14.  The  '  strengthens  the  jemphasis  of  the  sentiment, 
call  to  survey  Zion,  or  the  Church,  as  a  forti- 
fied city,  is  designed  to  suggest  "how  well 
our  God  secures  His  fold."  This  security  is 
perfietual,  and  its  pledge  is  his  guidance 
through  tliis  life. 

PSALM  XLTX. 
Ver.  1-20.  This  Psalm  instructs  and  con- 
soles. It  teaches  that  earthly  advantages  are 
not  reliable  for  permanent  happiness,  and 
that,  however  prosperous  worldly  men  may 
be  for  a  Lime,  their  miimate  destiny  is  ruin, 
while  the  pious  are  sate  in  God's  care. 

1-3.  All  are  called  to  hear  what  interests 
all.  wtrid— Kf..  dnratiou  of  life,  the  present 
time.  4.  inc;iiue— to  hear  attentively  (Ps.  17. 
6;  31.  2.).  parable— In  Heb.  and  l^i:  para- 
ble and  proverb  are  translations  of  the 
same  word.  It  denotes  a  cowparison,  or 
form  of  speech,  which,  under  one  image,  in-  ^ . 
eludes  many,  and  is  expressive  of  a  general  \  Icf, 
truth  capable  of  various  iUfustrations.  Hence 
it  may  be  used  fovihe  illustration  itself.  For 
the  form-r  sense,  proverb  (i.e.,  one  word  for 
several;  is  the  usual  English  term,  and  for 
the  latter,  in  which  comparison  is  prominent, 
parable  [i.  c.,  one  thing  laid  by  another). 
The  distinction  is  not  always  observed, since 
here,  and  Ps.  78.  2,  proverb  would  better  ex- 
press the  style  of  the  composition  (cf.  also 
Pro.  26. 7,  9;  Hab.  2.f>;  John.  16.  -sS,  29.).  Such 
forms  ot  .speech  are  often  very  figurative  and 
also  ol)scure  (cf.  Mat.  13.  12-15.).  Hence  the 
use  of  the  parallel  word— dark  sayii.g- or, 
riddle,  (cf.  Ez.  17.  2.).  open— is  to  explain. 
UDon  vne  harp— the  accompaniment  for  a  lyric. 
5."  iniquity— or,  calamity  (Ps.  40.  12.).  of  my 
heels  — iit,  my  supplanters  (Gen.  27.  36, i,  or 


20.  (Cf.  V.  12.).  The  folly  is  more  distinctly 
expressed  by  understandeth  not  substituted 
for  abideth  not. 

PSALM  L. 

Ver.  1-23.  In  the  grandeur  and  solemnity 
of  a  divine  .judgment,  God  is  introduced  as 
instructing  men  in  the  nature  of  true  wor- 
ship, exposing  hypocrisy,  warning  the  wicked, 
and  encouraging  the  pious. 

1-4.  The  aescripticn  of  this  majestic  ap- 
pearance of  God  resembles  that  of  His  giv- 
ing the  law  (cf.  Ex.  19.  16;  20. 18;  Deut.  32.  1.), 
from  above— Ki.,  above  (Gen.  1.  7.).  heavens 
.  .  .  earth— for  all  creatures  are  witnesses 
(Deut.  4.  26;  30.  19;  Isa.  1.  2.).  6.  my  saints— 
(Ps.  4.  3)— made  [lit.,  cut]  a  covenant,  &c.— 
alluding  to  the  dividing  of  a  victim  of  sacri- 
fice, by  wluch  covenants  were  ratified,  the 
parties  passing  between  the  divided  portions 
(cf.  (ien.  15.  10,  18.).  8.  The  inhabitants  of 
heaven,  who  well  know  God's  character, 
attest  His  righteousness  as  a  judge.  7.  I  will 
testify  against— i.e.,  for  failure  to  worship 
aright,  thy  God— and  so,  by  covenant  as  well 
as  creation,  entitled  to  a  pure  worship.  8-15. 
However  scrupulous  in  external  worship,  it 
was  offered  as  if  they  conferred  an  obligation 
in  giving  (iod  His  own,  and  with  a  degrading 
view  of  Him  as  needing  it.  Eepit^vir..;  them 
for  such  foolish  and  blasphemous  nutions. 
He  teaches  them  to  offer,  or  lit.,  sacrifice, 
thanksgiving,  and  pay,  or  perform,  their  vows 
—i.e.,  to  bring,  with  the  external  symbolical 
service,  the  homage  of  the  heart,  and  faith, 
penitence,  and  love.  To  this  is  added  an  in- 
vitation to  seek,  and  a  promise  to  afford,  all 
needed  help  in  trouble.  16-20.  the  wicked— 
oppressors:  "I  am  surrounded  by  the  evilsl  i.e.,  the  formalists,  as  now  exposed,  and  who 


they  inflict."  6.  They  are  vain-glorious,  7 
yec  unable  to  save  themselves  or  others,  it 
Cfc<-.setn  for  ever— i.e.,  the  ransom  fails,  the 
price  is  too  precious,  costly,  corruption— Ki., 
pit,  or,  grave,  thus  shewing  that  soul  is  used 
for  life.  lO.  For  he  seeth— i.e.,  corruption, 
then  follows  the  illustration,  wise  .  .  .  fool 
—  Fs.  14.  1- Pro.  1.  32;  10.  D— likewise— alike 


;  lead  vicious  lives  (cf.  Pom.  2,  21,  23.).  They 
are  unworthy  to  use  even  the  words  of  God's 
law.  Their  hypocrisy  and  vice  are  exposed 
by  illustrations  from  sinsagamst  the  seventh, 
eighth,  and  ninth  commandments.  21,  22. 
God  no  longer  even  in  appearance)  disre- 
garding such,  exposes  their  sins  and  threat- 
ens a  terrible  punishment^_  forget  God— This 


together— (Ps.  4.  8 — die— All  meet  the  same  j  denotes  unmiridfulness  of  His  true  character 

'      '-■-'•     "    ■     o±f.r\    Q.nrl   fln.rt.pVpH  with     9./>     nffpvpf.Vi  riraiap — ln^d.)    sn 


fate.  11.  Still  infatuated  and  flattered  with 
hopes  oi  perpetuity,  they  c:;ll  their  lands,  or 
"  celebrate  their  names  on  account  of  (their) 
Imds."  12.  Contrasted  with  thisvanityistheir 
frailty.  However  honoured,  man  abideth 
not— lit.,  lodgeth  not,  remains  not  till  morn- 
ing, but  suddenly  perishes  as  (wild;  beasts, 
whose  lives  are  taken  without  warning.  13. 
Though  their  vvay  is  folly,  others  follow  the 
same  course  of  life.  14.  Like  sheep— (cf.  v.  12.), 
unwittingly,  they— are  laid— or.  put,  &c. 
deaih  stiall  feed  on  [or,  better,  shall  ndc]  them 
—as  a  shepherd  icf.  feed  P.s.  28.  9,  Marg.K 
h.^ve  dominion  over  [or,  subdue]  them  in  the 
niornii. g— suddenly,  or,  in  their  turn,    their 


23.  offereth  praise— (o.  14,),  so  that  the  external 
worship  is  a  true  index  of  the  heart,  c  rdereth 
.  . .  aright— acts  in  a  straight,  right  manner, 
opposed  to  turning  aside  iPs.  26.  5.).  In  such, 
pure  worship  and  a  pure  life  evince  their 
true  pi  ety,  and  they  will  enjoy  God's  presence 
and  favour. 

PSALM  LI. 

Ver.  1-19.  On  the  occasion  cf.  2  Sam.  11. 
12.  The  Psalm  illustrates  true  repentance, 
in  which  are  comprised  conviction,  confes- 
sion, sorrow  prayer  for  mercy,  and  purposes 
of  amendment,  and  it  is  accompanied  by  a 
lively  faith. 

1-4.  A  plea  for  mercy  is  a  confession  of 


be<iuy-^tii.,/orm.  or,  shape,  shall  consume— i  guilt,  blot  out— as  from  a  register,  transgres- 
lit.,  isjor  the  consumption,  i.e.,  of  the  grave.  |  sions— ?ii.,  rebellions  (Ps.  19. 13;  32.  1.).  Wash 
fromtheirdwelling— Mr.,/romi(7j.eirfto)«.ei'they  ime— Puriiy  as  well  as  pardon  is  desired  by 
Ko)  to  it,  i.e.,  the  grave.    15.    The  pious,  de-  true  penitents.     For  .  . .  belore  me— Convic- 


Ineff-caoy  of  legal  saerifiees. 


PSALMS  LI-LIII.  A  prayer  for  remission  of  sins. 


8  I  will  Eot  reprove  thee  for  thy  sacrifices 
or  thy  burnt  ofieringa,  to  Aaue  been  continu- 
ally before  me. 

9  I  <*  will  take  no  bullock  out  of  thy  house, 
nor  he-goats  out  of  thy  folds : 

10  For  every  beast  of  the  forest  is  mine, 
and  the  cattle  upon  a  thousand  hills. 

11  1  know  all  the  fowls  of  the  moun- 
tains ;  and  the  wild  beasts  of  the  field  are 
2  mine. 

12  If  I  were  hungry,  I  would  not  tell  thee : 
for  the  world  is  mine,  and  the  fulness 
thereof. 

13  Will  I  eat  the  flesh  of  bulls,  or  drink 
the  blood  of  goats? 

14  Otfer "  unto  God  thanksgiving:  and  pay 
thy  vows  unto  the  Most  High: 

15  And  /  call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trou- 
ble; I  will  dehver  thee,  and  tnou  shalt 
glorify  "  me. 

16  But  unto  the  wicked  God  saith,  What 
hast  thou  to  do  to  declare  my  statutes,  or 
that  thou  shouldeat  take  my  covenant  in 
thy  mouth? 

17  Seeing  '» thou  hatest  instruction,  and 
cast€3t  my  words  behind  thee. 

18  When  thou  sawest  a  thief,  then  thou 
consentedst  »with  him,  and  3  hast  been 
partaker  with  adulterers. 

19  *  Thou  givest  thy  mouth  to  evil,  and 
thv  tongue  trameth  deceit, 

20  Thou  sittest  ayid  speakest  against  thy 
brother ;  thou  slanderest  thine  own  mother's 
eon. 

21  These  things  hast  thou  done,  ;■"  and  I 
kept  silence ;  *  thou  thoughtest  that  I  was 
altogether  such  an  one  as  thyself:  but  I 
will  reprove  thee,  and  set  them  in  order 
before  thine  eyes. 

22  Now  consider  this,  ye  that  forget  God, 
lest  I  tear  you  in  pieces,  and  there  be  none 
to  deliver. 

23  Whoso  ofFereth  praise  glorifieth  me: 
and  to  him  6  that  ordereth  Ms  conversa- 
tion aright  wiU  I  show  the  salvation  of 
God. 

PSALM  LI. 
1  David  prays  for  remUiion  of  sins,  whereof  he 

makes  a  deep  eonfessiont  6  he  prays  for  saneti- 

fication,  ete. 
To  "  the  cliief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David, 

when  Nathan  the  prophet  came  unto  him, 

after  he  had  gone  in  to  Bathsheba. 
TJAVE  mercy  upon  me,  0  God,  according 
-•"*■  to  thylo\'ing-kindness;  according  unto 
the  multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies  *  blot 
out  my  transgressions. 

2  Wash  *  me  throughly  from  mine  iniquity, 
and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin. 

3  For  <*  I  acknowledge  my  transgressions: 
and  my  sin  is  ever  before  me. 

4  Against '  thee,  thee  only,  have  I  sinned, 
and  done  this  evil  /  in  tny  sight;  ''that 
thou  mightest  be  justified  when  tnou  speak- 
est, and  be  clear  when  thou  judgest. 

5  i^ehold,  ^  I  was  shapen  in  iniquity;  and 
in  sin  did  my  mother  i  conceive  me. 

6  lichold,  thou  desirest  truth  in  the  in- 
ward parts;  and  in  the  hidden  part  thou 
shalt  make  me  to  know  wisdom. 

7  Purge  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be 
clean;  wash  me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than 
enow. 

8  Make  me  to  hear  joy  and  gladness;  that 
the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken  may  re- 
joice. 

9  Hide  thy  face  from  my  sins,  and  blot 
out  all  mine  iniquities. 

3i»P 


PSALU  60. 

d  Uic.  6.  a. 

AcU  17.26. 

2  with  me. 

•  Ho8.  H.  2. 
Heb.  13.15. 

/Job  Zi.  27. 
Zech.  13.9. 
g  Ps.  22.  23. 
ft  Rom.  2. 21. 
i  Rom.  1. 32. 

3  thy  portion 
was  with 
adulterer!. 

4  tbon 
sendeat. 

;•  Eccl.  8. 11. 

*  Rom.  2.  4. 
6  that  dis- 

poseth  hii 
w»y. 


PSAUtt  61- 
a  2  Sa.  12. 1. 
6  Col.  2.  14. 
e  Heb.  9. 14. 

1  John  1.7. 

Rer.  1.  6. 
d  Ps.  32.  5. 

Lev.  5.  19. 
f  Ln.  15.  21. 
g  Rom.  3.  4. 
ft  Job  14.  4. 

John  3.  6. 

Rom.  6.12. 

Eph.  2.  3. 

1  warm  me. 
i  Acts  15.  9. 

Eph.  2.  10. 

2  Or,  » 
constant 

}  Gen.  4.  14. 
*  Em.  36. 27. 

Rom.  8.  9. 

Eph.  4.  30. 
1 2  Cor.  3. 17. 

3  bloods. 

4  Or,  that  I 
should 
give  it. 

m  Mai.  3.  3. 


PSALM  52. 
a  1  8a.  ii2. 9. 
6  1  Sa.  21.  7. 
«  Ps.  50.  19. 
d  Pi.  59.  7. 
Ps.  64.  3. 
»  Jer.  9.  4. 

1  Or,  and 
the  de- 
ceitful 
tongue. 

2  beat  thee 
down. 

/  Pro.  2.  22. 
g  Job  22. 19. 

P».  37.  34. 

aial.  1.  6. 
ft  Pe.  58. 10. 
i  Ps.  49.  0. 

3  Or,  sub- 
stance. 

;  Ps.  92.  13. 

Jor.  11.  16. 

Ilos.  14.  6. 
fcP».  &1.6 


PSALM  53. 
a  Ps.  10.  4. 

Pi.  14.  1. 
6  Rom.  3. 10. 
c  Ps.  33.  13. 
d  2  Chr.16,2. 

2  Chr.19.3. 
«  £ed.  7. 28. 


10  Create « in  me  a  clean  heart-,  0  God; 
and  renew  2  a  right  spirit  witliiu  me. 

11  Cast  me  not  away  J  from  thv  pre- 
sence; and  take  not  thy  *  Holy  Spuit  from 
me. 

12  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salva- 
tion; and  uphold  toe  with  thy '  free  Spirit: 

13  Then  will  I  teach  trausmessors  thy 
ways;  and  suiners  shall  be  converted  unto 
thee. 

14  Deliver  me  from  3  blood-guiltiness,  0 
God,  thou  God  of  my  salvation ;  and  my 
tongue  shall  sing  aloud  of  thy  righteous- 
ness. 

15  O  Lord,  open  thou  my  lipsr  and  my 
Inouth  shall  show  forth  thy  praise. 

16  For  thou  desirest  not  sacrilice,  *  else 
would  I  give  it;  thou  deiightest  not  in 
burnt  offering. 

17  The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken 
spirit:  a  broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  O 
God,  thou  wilt  not  despise. 

18  Do  good  in  thy  good  pleasure  unto 
Zion:  build  thou  the  walls  of  Jerusalem. 

19  Then  shalt  thou  be  pleased  with  "» the 
sacrifices  of  righteousness,  with  burnt  of- 
feruig,  and  whole  bmut  offering:  then  shall 
they  ofier  bullocks  upon  thiile  altar. 

PSALM  LIL 
1  David,  reprovino  the  spitefulness  of  Doeg,  prch 
phesies  his  deitfuction  r  8  David,  in  confidenct 
of  Ood's  mercy,  gives  him  thanks. 


To  the  chief  Musician,  Maschil,  A  Psalm  ot 
David,  <*  when  Doeg  the  Edomite  came  and 
told  Saul,  and  said  unto  him,  David  is  come 
to  the  house  of  Ahimelech. 

"WTHY  boastest  thou  thyself  in  mischief, 
' '    O  *  mighty  man?  the  goodness  of  God 

endureth  continually. 

2  Thy  *  tongue  de^^seth  mischiefs ;  <*  like 
a  sharp  razor,  working  deceitfully. 

3  Thou  lovest  evil  more  than  good ;  and 
lying  *  rather  than  to  speak  righteousness. 
Selah. 

4  Thou  lovest  all-devouring  words,  i  0 
thou  deceitful  tongue. 

5  God  sh.ill  likewise  2  destroy  thee  for 
ever:  he  shall  take  thee  away,  and  pluck 
thee  out  of  thy  dwelling  place,  and /root 
thee  out  of  the  land  ol'  the  hving.    Selah. 

6  The  ''  righteous  also  shall  see,  and  fear, 
and  z*  shall  laugh  at  him: 

7  Lo,  this  is  the  man  that  made  not  God 
his  strength ;  but » trusted  in  the  abundance 
of  his  riches,  and  strengthened  himself  in 
his  3  wickedness. 

8  But  I  am  i  like  a  green  olive  tree  in  the 
house  of  God:  I  trust  in  the  mercy  of  God 
for  ever  and  ever. 

9  I  will  praise  thee  for  ever,  because  thou 
hast  done  it:  and  I  will  wait  on  thy  name; 
for  ^Mis  good  before  thy  saints. 

PSALM  LIU. 
1  The  general  dtf^ravit'i  of  mankind;  4  the  inr 

iqaity  of  the  wicked,  and  their  punishment. 
To  the  chiet  Musician  upon  Mahalath,  Mascliil, 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
'THE  "  fool  hath  said  in  his  heart,  Tliere 
■*■  is  no  God.    Corrupt  ai'e  they,  and  have 
done  abominable  iniquity:  *  there  is  none 
that  doeth  good. 

2  God  "  looked  down  from  heaven  uiion 
the  children  of  men,  to  see  if  there  were 
any  that  did  understand,  that  did  <i  seek 
God. 

3  Every  *  one  of  them  is  gone  back;  they 
are  altogether  become  filthy:  there  is  none 
that  doeth  good,  no,  not  one. 


Trailer  for  Forgiveness. P8ALMS  LII— LV.  Prayers  for  Bdivcrn.nce. 

ticn  iirecedes  forgiveness,  and,  as  a  gift  of  God  will  do  to  you  (Ps.  18.  27.).  The  follow- 
Gcd,  IS  a  plea  for  it  (2  bam.  12.  13;  Ps.  32.  5;  ing  terms  describe  the  most  entire  luin.  6. 
1  John,  1.  9.).  Against  thee— chiefly,  and  as  shall  .  .  .  fear— regard  with  reJitiious  awe, 
sms  against  others  are  violations  of  God's  lapgh  at  him— for  his  folly;  7.  for  trusting  in 
law,  in  one  sense  only,  that  .  .  .  judgest  riches  and  being  strong  in— wickedness— /ii., 
—i.e.,  all  palliation  ot  his  crime  is  exchided;  mischief,  {v.  2,',  instead  of  trusting  in  Gon. 
it  is  the  design  in  making  this  confession,  to  the  man—lit.,  the  mightv  man,  or  hero,  [v  1.). 
recognise  God's  .justice,  however  severe  the  8.  The  figure  used  is  cbmu  on  Ps.  l.  3;  Jer. 
sentence.  5,  6.  His  guilt  was  aggravated  by  11.  iCi).  green— fresh,  house,  <fcc.— in  com- 
his  essential,  native  sinfulness,  which  is  as  munion  withGodlcf.Ps.  27.  4,5.).  fcr  ever  and 
cortrary  to  God's  requisitions  of  inward  pu-  ever— qualifies  mercy.  9.  hast  done— i.e.,  what 
rity  as  are  outward  sins  to  those  for  right  the  context  supplies,  preserved  n-e  cf.  Ps. 
conduct,  thoushaltmake.&c— may  be  taken  22.  31.  .  wait .  .  .  name— hope  in  thy  perfec- 
to  express  God's  gracious  purpose  in  view  of  tions,  manifested  for  my  good  Ps.  5.  11;  20. 
His  strict  requisition;  a  purpose  of  which  1.).  for  it  is  good— i.e.,  thy  name,  aixl  the 
David  might  have  availed  himself  as  a  check  whole  method  or  result  of  its  manifestation 
to  his  native  love  for  sin,  and,  in  not  doing  (Ps.  64,  6;  69.  16.). 
so,  aggravated  his  guilt,     truth  .  .  .  and  ...  I  PSALM  LIII. 

wisdom  —  are  terms  often  used  for  piety  (cf.  I  Ver.  1-6.  On  Mahalath—{cf.  Ps.  88.  title.). 
Job.  28.  28;  Ps.  119.  30.).  7-12.  A  series  of  Why  this  repetition  of  Ps.  14.  is  given  we  do 
prayers  for  forgiveness  and  purifying.    Purge  not  know. 

. .  .  hyssop— The  use  of  this  plant  in  the  ritual,  1-4.,  with  few  verbal  changes,  correspond 
(Ex.  12.  22;  Ni-m.  19.  6.  18,),  suggests  the  idea  with  Ps.  14.  1-4.  6.  Instead  of  assurances 
of  atonement  as  prominent  hf.re;purge  refers  of  God's  presence  with  the  pious,  and  a  com- 
to  vicarious  satisfaction  (Isum.  19.  17-20.).  plaint  of  the  wicked,  Ps.  14.  6,  C,  poiirtrays 
Make  .  .  .  jcy— by  forgiving  me,  which  will  the  ruin  of  the  latter,  whose  "bones"  even 
change  distress  to  joy.  Hide,  <i'c.— turn  from  '  "are  scattered"  (cf.  Ps.  141.  7,),  and  uho  are 
beholding.  Create— a  work  of  almighty  power,  put  to  shame  as  contemptuously  rejected  of 
in  rv.e—lit.,  to,  or,  Jor  me:  bestow  as  a  gift,  a :  God. 

heart  free  from  taint  of  sin  iPs.  24.  4;  73.  1.).  I  PSALM  LIV. 

renew— implies  that  he  had  possessed  it:  the]     Ver.  1-7.     Cf.  title  of  Ps.  4.  and  32.;  for 
essential  principle  of  a  new  nature  had  not  the  history,  1  Sam.  23.  19,  29;  26.  1-2.5.     After 
been   lost,   but  its   influence   interrupted,  an  earnest  cry  for  help,  the  Psalmist  pro- 
(Luke,  22.  32,  i;  fori).  11  shows  that  he  had  not  mises  praise  in  the  assurance  of  a  hearing, 
lost  God's  presence  and  Spirit.  (1  Sam.  16. 13,), ;     1.  by  thy  name— (Ps.  .'>.  U.),  specially,  power. 

though  henad  lost  the  "joy  of  his  salvation,"  judge  me as  Ps.  7.  8;  26.  1.     2.  (Cf.  Ps. 

(v.  12,),  for  whose  return  he  prays,  right  4.  l;  5,  1.).  3.  strangers  — perhaps  Ziph- 
E^ixit—lit,  constant,  firm,  not  yielding  to  ites.  oppressors— /(i.,  fern  We  ones,  (Isa.  13. 
temptation.  free  spirit- f/iy  ought  not  to,  11;  25.  3.;.  Such  were  Saul  and  his  army, 
be  supplied,  for  the  word /rec  is,  lit., willing,  not  set .  .  .  them— acted  as  atheists,  without 
and  spirit  is  that  of  David.  "Let  a  willing  God's  fear  cf.  Ps.  16.  8.'.  4.  (Cf.  Ps.  30.  10.). 
spirit  uphold  me,"  i.e.,  with  a  soul  willingly  with  tliem— on  their  side,  and  for  me  (cf.  Ps. 
confirmed  to  God's  law,  he  would  be  pie-;4  .  11.).  5.  He  shall  .  .  .  evil— or.  Evil  s/(fi'?  re- 
served in  a  right  course  of  conduct.  13. ,  turn  on  (Ps.  7.  16)  my  enemies,  or  watchers. 
Then— such  will  be  the  effect  of  this  gracious  i.e.,  to  do  me  evil  (Ps.  6.  7.).  in  tliy  truth- 
work,  ways— of  providence  and  human  duty  thy  verified  promise.  6.  I  will  freely,  (tc— or, 
(Ps.  18.  21,  30;  3J.  8;  Luke,  •z2.  32.).  14.  De-  present  a  free  will  offering  (Lev.  7.  10;  Kum. 
liver— or.  Free  me  (Ps.  39.  8,)  from  the  guilt  of  15.  3.).  7.  mine  eye  .  .  .  desire— cf.  Ps.  fi9. 10; 
murder  i2  Sam.  12.  9,  10;  Ps.  5  6.;.  :ight-ill2.  8,),  expresses  satisfaction  in  beholding 
eousness— as  Ps.  7. 17;  31. 1.  15.  open, .  .  lii  s—  i  the  overthrow  o!  his  enemies  as  those  of  God, 
by  removing  my  sense  of  guilt.  16.  Prai.-^e  without  in.plying  any  selfish  or  unholy  feel- 
is  better  than  sacrifice  (Ps.  .^0.  14,),  and  im-  ing  (cf.  Ps.  52.  6,  7.). 
plying  faith,  penitence,  and  love,  glorifies  PS^^LM  LV. 

God.  In  true  penitents  the  joys  of  pardon  Ver.  1-23.  In  great  terror  on  account  of 
mingle  with  sorrow  for  sin.  18.  Do  good,  &c. '  enemies,  and  grieved  by  the  treachery  of  a 
—Visit  not  my  sin  on  thy  Church,  build  ...  friend,  the  Psalmist  offers  an  earnest  pra.yer 
walls— is  to  show  favour;  cf.  Ps.  89.  40,  for  for  relief.  He  mingles  confident  assurances 
opposite  form  and  idea.  19.  God  reconciled,  \  of  divine  favour  to  himself  with  invocations 
material  sacrifices  will  be  acceptable  iPs.  4.  I  and  predictions  of  God's  avenging  judgments 
5;cf.  Isa.  1.  11-17.).  on  the  wicked.    The  tone  suits  I'avid's  ex- 

PSALM  LII.  I  perience.  hoth  in  the  times  of  Saul  and  Ab- 

Ver.  1-9.  Cf.  1  Sam.  21.  I-IO;  22.1-10,  for  the  salom,  though,  perhaps,  neither  was  exclu- 
bistory  of  the  title.  The  first  verse  gives  the  sively  before  his  mind, 
themertheboastof  the  wicked  over  theright-  1.  hide  not  thyself,  &c.— 'cf.  Ps.  13. 1:  27.9,), 
eons  is  vain;  for  (Jod  constantly  cares  for  His  withhold  not  help.  2.  The  terms  of  the  last 
people.  This  is  expanded  by  desctibing  the  clause  expre.'-s  full  indulgence  cf  grief.  3. 
rralice  and  deceit,  and  then  the  ruin,  or  the  omression— lit, persecution,  they.  .  .  iniquity 
wicked,  and  the  happy  state  of  the  pious.         —lit.,  they  make  evil  doings  slide  upon  me. 

1.  nighty  man— «(.,  hero.  Doeg  may  Ije  4,  6.  express  great  alarm,  come  upon- or  Zif., 
thus  addressed,  ironically,  in  respect  of  his  into  me.  6.  beat  res'—lit.,  dvrll.  i.e.,  per- 
might  ill  slander.  2.  tongue— for  self,  mis-  manently.  7,  8.  Even  a  wilderness  is  a  safer 
chiefs— evil  to  others  (Ps.  5.  9;  38.  12.).  work-  place  than  exposure  to  such  evils,  terrible  as 
ing  decer  fully— (Ps.  10.  7, .  as  a  keen,  smoothly  storm  and  tenii  est.  9.  Destroy- //7  ,  Sv-al.loto 
moving  razor,  cutting  quietly,  Imt  deeply.  (Ps.  21.9..  divide  their  tongues— or,  coniound 
3,  4.  al-devouring— Kf.,  sv:aUov:ing,  which  their  speech,  and  hence  their  counsels,  (Gen. 
utterly  destroy  (cf.  Ps.  21.  9;  .35.  25.).  5.  like-  11.  7.).  the  city— perhaps  Jeru.saleui,  the 
wise— or,  so,  also,  as  you  have  done  to  others ,  scene  of  anarchy,  10, 11.,  which  is  described 


Frayersfor 


PSALMS  LlV-LVn. 


deliverance  from  enemies. 


4  Have  the  workers  of  iniquity  /  no  know- 
ledge? who  eat  up  my  people  as  they  eat 
bread:  they  have  not  called  upon  God. 

5  There  i  were  they  in  great  lear,  where 
no  fear  was:  for  God  hath  scattered  the 
bones  of  him  that  encanipetha(5raj(is?thee: 
thou  hast  put  them  to  shame,  because  God 
hath  despised  them. 

6  8  Oh  that  the  salvation  of  Israel  tcer« 
come  out  of  Zioii!  When  God  bringeth 
back  the  captivity  of  his  people,  Jacob 
shall  rejoice,  and  Israel  shall  be  glad. 

PSALM  LIV. 
1  David,  complaining  of  the  Ziphims,  prays  for 
deliverance:  iin  confidence  of  God't  help,  he 
promises  sacrifice, 
To  the  chief  Musician  on  Neginoth,  Maschll, 
A  Fsalm  of  David,  "  when  the  Ziphims  came 
and  said  to  Saul,  Doth  not  David  hide  him- 
self with  US! 

SAVE  me,  0  God,  by  thy  name,  and 
judge  me  by  thy  strength. 

2  liciir  my  prayer,  0  God;  give  ear  to  the 
words  of  my  mouth. 

3  For  aUangers  are  risen  up  against  me, 
and  opi-ressors  seek  after  my  soul:  they 
have  nut  set  God  before  them.    Selah. 

4  Behold,  God  is  mine  helper:  *  the  LouD 
is  with  them  that  uphold  my  souL 

5  He  shiill  reward  evil  unto  i  mine  ene- 
mies: cut  them  '  oil' in  thy  trttth. 

6  I  will  freely  sacriiice  unto  thee:  I  will 
praise  tin  name,  O  Lokd,  for  it  is  good. 

7  For  lie  hath  delivered  me  out  of  all 
trouble ;  and  mine  eye  hath  seen  his  desire 
upon  rame  enemies. 

PSALM  LV. 
I  Vavid  eomplains  of  his  fearful  ease:  Sprays 
against  the  wickedness  0]  his  enemies :  loconi- 
foris  hiMself  iti  Uod. 

To  the  Chief  Musician  on  Neginoth,  Maschil, 
A  I'sahti  of  David. 

(^IVE  ear  to  my  prayer,  0  God;  and  hide 
^   not  tJiyself  from  my  supjilioai  iou. 

2  Atteiiduuto  me,  and  hear  me:  I  mourn 
In  my  complaint,  and  make  a  uime ; 

3  Because  of  the  voice  of  the  enemy,  be- 
cause of  the  oppression  of  the  wicktd :  for 
they  cast  iniqmty  upon  me,  and  in  t^Tath 
they  hate  me. 

4  My  "  heart  is  sore  pained  within  me; 
and  the  terrors  of  death  are  faUeu  upon  me. 

5  Fearfulness  and  trembling  are  come  up- 
on me,  and  horror  hath  i  overwhelmed  me, 

6  And  I  said,  Oh  that  I  had  wings  like  a 
dove!  for  then  would  I  fly  away,  and  be  at 
rest. 

7  Lo,  the7i  would  I  wander  far  ofiF,  and 
remain  in  the  wilderness.    Selah. 

8  1  would  hasten  my  escape  from  the 
windy  storm  and  tempest. 

9  2  Destroy,  O  Lord,  and  divide  their 
t()i!i;ues:  for  I  have  seen  violence  and  strife 
in  the  city. 

10  Day  and  ni^ht  thejf  go  about  it  upon 
the  viidis  thereof :  mischief  also  and  sorrow 
are  in  the  midst  of  it. 

11  Wickc(bieBS  is  in  the  midst  there'ii"; 
deceit  and  liiiile  depart  not  from  her  streets. 

12  For  it  was  not  an  enemy  that  reproat  h- 
ed  me;  then  I  could  have  borne  it:  n<iitier 
was  it  he  that  hated  me  that  did  iii:.-iiify 
himsdf  against  me ;  then  I  would  have  liid 
myself  from  him: 

13  But  it  was  thou,  8  a  man  mine  equal, 
my  *  guide,  and  mine  acquaintance. 

14  *  We  took  sweet  counsel  together,  and 
talked  unto  ibe  house  of  God  in  company. 


PSALM  63. 
/  Jer.  4.  22. 
1  theyfcRrod 

a  fear. 

Lev.  26.17. 

P..  14.  6. 

Pro.  28.  1. 
a  Who  will 


PSALM  51. 
a  1  Sam.  23. 

19. 

1  S.-1.  20. 1. 
6  Ps.  118.  7. 
1  those  tliat 

obierre 


PSALM  66. 
a  Ps.  116. 3. 
1  cQTored 


according 

to  my 

rank. 
6  2  Sa.  15. 12. 

Mic.  7.  5. 
4  Who 

sweetened 

counsel. 
'  Nu.  16.  30. 
6  Or,  th« 

grate. 
d  Dan.  6. 10. 

Lu.  18.  1. 

Acts  3.  I. 

Acts  10.  3. 

1  ThOBS.  5. 

17. 
e  2  Chr.  32.7. 
/Dou.33.27. 
ti  Or,  With 

whom  also 


BO  changes, 
yet  they 

God. 

7  he  hath 
prol'aned. 

8  Or,  gilt. 
Mat.  B.  a. 
Lu.  12.22. 
1  Pet.  5.  7. 

g  Ps.  37.  2t. 


bloods  and 

10  shall  not 
half  their 


PSALM  68. 

1  Or,  A 
golden 
Psalm  of 
David. 


6  Ps.  57. 1. 
2  Mine 

observers. 
c  Heb.  13.  G. 
d  Mai.  3.  16 
e  Ko.  8.  31. 
/  Job  Si.  30. 


PSALM  67 
1  Or,  De- 
stroy not, 


15  Let  death  seize  upon  them,  and  let 
them "  go  down  quick  into  5  hell:  for  wicked- 
ness  is  in  their  dwellings,  and  among  them. 

16  As  for  ine,  I  will  caU  upon  God;  and 
the  Lord  shall  save  me. 

17  Evening,  <*  and  morning,  and  at  noon, 
will  I  pray,  and  cry  aloud;  and  he  shall 
hear  my  voice. 

18  He  hath  delivered  my  soul  in  peace 
from  the  battle  that  ivas  against  me ;  for 
there  •  were  many  \vith  me. 

19  God  sliall  hear,  and  afflict  them,  /  even 
he  that  abideth  of  old.  Selah.  ^  Because 
they  have  no  changes,  therefore  they  fear 
not  God. 

20  He  hath  put  forth  his  hands  against 
such  as  be  at  peace  with  him;  7  be  hath 
broken  his  covenant. 

21  The  words  of  his  mouth  were  smoother 
than  batter,  but  war  was  in  his  heart:  his 
words  were  softer  than  oil,  yet  were  they 
di-awn  swords. 

22  Cast  thy  8  burden  upon  the  Lobd, 
and  he  shall  sustain  thee:  ^  he  shall  never 
suffer  the  righteous  to  be  moved. 

23  But  thou,  O  God,  shalt  bring  them 
down  into  Iho  pit  of  destruction:  9  bloody 
and  deceitful  men  i*^  shall  not  live  out  half 
their  days ;  but  1  will  trust  in  thee. 

PSALM  LVL 
1  David,  praying  to  God  in  confidence  of  his 

word,  compUiins  of  his  enemies:  9  he  professes 

hif  confidence  in  Qod's  word. 
To  the  chiuf  Musician  upon  Jonath-elem-re- 

choliim,  1  .Michtam  of  David,  when  "  the 

Philistines  tooii  him  in  Gath. 
"DE  '  merciful  unto  me,  O  God;  for  man 
-^  would  swaUow  me  up:  he  fighting  daily 
opjiresseth  me. 

2  2  Mine  enemies  would  daUy  swallow  ma 
up :  for  they  be  many  that  fight  against  me, 

0  thou  Most  High. 

3  What  time  I  am  afraid,  I  will  trust  in 
thee. 

4  In  God  I  will  praise  his  word:  in  God  I 
have  put  my  trust; "  I  will  not  fear  what 
flesh  can  do  unto  me. 

5  Every  dav  they  wrest  my  words:  all  their 
thoughts  are  against  me  for  e%il. 

6  They  gather  themselves  together,  they 
hide  themselves,  they  mark  my  steps,  when 
they  wait  for  my  soul. 

7  Shall  they  escape  by  iniquity?  in  thine 
anger  cast  down  the  people,  O  God. 

S  Tliou  tellest  my  wanderings:  put  thou 
my  tears  into  thy  bottle:  <^  are  they  not  in 
thy  book? 

9  When  I  cry  unto  thee,  then  shall  mine 
enemies  tm-n  back:  this  1  know;  for  '  God 
is  for  me. 

10  In  God  will  I  praise  his  word;  in  the 
LoKD  will  I  praise  fds  word. 

11  In  (rud  have  I  put  iny  trust:  I  will  not 
be  afraid  what  man  can  do  mi  to  me. 

12  Thy  vows  are  upon  me,  O  God:  I  will 
render  praises  unto  thee. 

1:5  For  thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from 
death:  loilt  not  t/tott  ddiner  my  feettrora 
falling,  that  1  may  walk  before  God  in/the 
lightof  the  living? 

PSALM  LVIL 

1  David  complains  of  his  dangerous  eases  7  h4 

encourages  himself  to  praise  Ood. 
Xothe  cliief  Musician,  1  Al-taschith,  Michtam 

of  David,  ■*  when  he  fled  from  Saul  in  the 

cave. 
"D  E  merciful  unto  me,  O  God,  be  merciful 
■'-'  unto  me;  for  my  soul  trusteth  in  thee: 
yea,  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings  will  1  make 


David  Complains  to  God. 


PSAUMS  LYI-LVin.        He  ComfoHs  Eiirtsel/in  Goa. 


In  detail  (cf.  Ps.  7.  14-lG.).  Wickedness— Zi^., 
Mischief,  evils  resulting  from  others  iPs.  ;>. 
9;  51.  2,  7.).  streets— or  7 i(.,ift(Ze  pl-ices,  mar- 
kets, courts  of  justice,  and  anj-  public  p!ace. 
12-14.  This  description  of  treachery  does  not 
deny,  but  agfrravates.theinjury  from  enemies, 
guide— ?if.,  Jriend,  (Pro.  16.  28;  17.  9.).  ac- 
quaintance—in  Heb.,  a  yet  more  intimate  as- 
sociate, in  company— iii.,  with  a  crowd,  in  a 
festal  procession.  15.  Let  death,  &c.  —  or, 
*•  Desolations  are  on  them."  let  them  go  {lit. , 
they  will  yo^  auick— or,  living,  in  the  midst 
of  life,  death  will  come  (cf.  Num.  16.  .33.). 
among  them— or,  within  them,  in  their  hearts 
(Ps.  5.  9;  49.  11.).  16-18.  God  answers  his 
constant  and  repeated  prayers,  manv  with 
me— i.e.,  by  the  context,  fighting  with  me. 
19.  God  hears  the  wicked  in  wrath,  abideth 
[or,  sitteth]  of  old— enthroned  as  a  sovereign. 
Because  ...  no  chaii ges— Prosperity  hardens 
them  iPs.  73.  5.).  20,  21.  The  treachery  is 
aggravated  by  hypocrisy.  The  changes  of 
number,  v.  15,  23,  and  here,  enlivens  the  pic- 
ture, and  implies  that  the  chief  traitor  and 
his  accomplices  are  in  view  together.  22. 
thy  burden— Zii.,  oift,  what  is  assigned  you. 
he  shall  sustain— K(.,  snpplv  food,  and  so  all 
need  (Ps.  37.  25;  Mat.  6.  11.).  to  be  moved 
—  from  the  secure  position  of  his  favour 
(Ps.  10.  6.  .  23.  blcody  .  .  .  days—  cf.  Ps.  .5.  6; 
51.  14,),  deceit  and  murderous  dispositions 
often  united.  The  threat  is  directed  specially 
(not  as  a  general  truth)  against  the  wicked, 
then  in  the  writer's  view. 

PSALM  LVI. 

Ver.  1-13.    Upon  Jonath-elem-rechokim — 

lit.,uvon  the  Dove  of  silence  of  distant  places; 

either  denoting  a  melody  (cf.  on  Ps.  9.)  of 


PSAL-IM  LVII. 

Ver.  t-11.  Al-taschiih—De.s,ixoy  not.  This 
is  perhaps  an  enigmaiical  allusion  to  the  cri- 
tical circumstances  connected  with  the  his- 
tory, for  which  cf.  1  Sam.  22.  l:  26.  1-3.  In 
Moses'  prayer  (Deut.  9.  26,',  it  is  a  prominent 
petition  deprecating  God's  anger  against  the 
people.  This  explanation  suits  the  5fth  and 
59th  also.  Asaph  uses  it  for  the  75th,  in  the 
scope  of  which,  there  is  allusion  to  sou.e 
emergency.  Michtam—{cf.  Ps.  16.).  To  an 
earnest  cry  for  divine  aid,  the  Psalmist  adds, 
as  often,  the  language  of  praise,  in  the  as- 
sured hope  of  a  favourable  hearing. 

1.  my  soul— or,  self,  or  life,  which  is  threat- 
ened, shadow  of  thy  wings— (Ps.  17.  fe;  36.  7.). 
calamities— Ki.,  miscliiefs,  iPs.  52.  2;  55.  10.). 
2.  performeth— or,  completes  what  he  has  be- 
gun. 3.  from  . .  .  swallow  me  up — that  pants 
in  rage  after  me  (Ps.  66.  2.).  mercy  and.  . . 
truth— (Ps.  25.  10;  36.  5,).  as  messengers  (Ps. 
43.  3,)  sent  to  deliver  him.  4.  The  mingled 
figures  of  wild  beasts  (Ps.  10.  9;  17.  12,  and 
weapons  of  war  (Ps.  11.  2,),  heightens  the  pic- 
ture of  danger,  whose . . .  tongue— or.  slanders. 
5.  This  doxology  illustrates  his  view  of  the 
connection  of  Iiis  deliverance  with  God's 
glory.  6.  (Cf.  Ps.  7. 15;  9.  15,  16.).  7.  I  will 
.  .  .  praise— both  with  voice  and  instrument. 
8.  Hence  he  addresses  his  glory,  or  tongue 
(Ps.  16.  9;  30.  12,),  and  his  psaltery,  or  lute 
and  harp.  I  myself.  .  .  ea.rly— lit.,  I  wiU 
awaken  dawn,  poetically  expressinu  his  zeal 
and  diligence.  9, 10.  As  His  mercy  and  truth, 
so  shall  His  praise,  fill  the  universe. 
PSALM  LVIII. 

Ver.  1-11.  David's  critical  condition  in  some 
period  of  the  Sauline  i^ersecution  probably 


that  name,  to  which  this  Psalm  was  to  be  !  occasioned  this  Psalm,  in  which  the Psalmi-st 

teaches  that  the  innate  and  actual  sintulness 
of  men  deserves,  and  shall  receive,  (^od 


performed;  or  it  is  an  enigmatical  form  of 
denoting  the  suiject,  as  given  in  the  history 


referred  to  (l  Sam.  21.  11,  &c.),  David  being 
regarded  as  an  uncomplaining,  meek  dove, 
driven  from  his  native  home  to  wander  in 
exUe.  Beset  by  domestic  and  foreign  foes, 
David  appeals  confidently  to  God,  recites 
his  complaints,  and  closes  with  voyful  and 
assured  anticipations  of  God's  continued 
help. 

1,  2,  would  swallow— Zil,  pattis  as  a  raging 
"beast,  (Acts,  9. 1.).  enemies— trafcTiers  (Ps.  54". 
5.).  Most  High— as  it  is  not  elsewhere  used 
absolutely  for  God,  some  render  the  word 
here,  arrogantly,  or  proudly,  as  qualifying 
"those  who  fight,"  &e.  3.  in  [or  lit,,  untol 
thee— to  whom  he  turns  in  trouble.  4.  In 
God  ...  his  word— By  His  grace  or  aid  Ps.  60. 
12;  108.  13.),  or,  "I  will  boast  in  God  as  to 
His  word;"  in  either  case  His  word  is  the 
special  matter  and  cause  of  praise,  flesh— for 
mankind  (Ps.  65.  2;  Isa.  31.  3,).  intimating 
frailty.  5,  6.  A  vivid  picture  of  the  conduct 
of  malicious  enemies.  7.  Shall  they  escaped— 
or  better,  "  Their  escape  is  by  iniquity."  cast 
..  .  people— humble  those  who  so  proudly 
oppose  thy  servant.  8.  God  is  mindful  of 
his  exile  and  remembers  his  tears.  The  cus- 
tom of  bottling  the  tears  of  mourners  as  a 
memorial,  which  has  existed  in  some  Eastern 
nations,  may  explain  the  figure.  9.  God  is 
fcT  me— or,  on  my  side  (Ps.  118.  6;  124.  1.  2.', 
hence  he  is  sure  ol  the  repulse  of  his  foes. 
12.  I  wUl .  . .  praises— will  pay  what  I  have 
vowed.  13.  The  question  implies  an  aftinua- 
tive  answer,  drawn  from  past  experience, 
falling— as  from  a  precipice,  before  God— in 
Uis  favour  during  life 


righteous  vengeance,  while  the  pious  may  be 
consoled  by  the  evidence  of  his  wise  and 
holy  government  of  men. 

1.  0  congregation— ?i(.,  0  dumb— the  word 
used  is  never  translated  "  congregation."  "Are 
ye  dumli?  ye  should  speak  righteousness," 
may  be  the  translation.  In  any  case,  the 
writer  remonstrates  with  them,  perhais  a 
council,  who  were  assembled  to  try  his  cause, 
and  bound  to  give  a  right  decision.  2.  This 
they  did  not  design;  but,  weigh  . . .  violence— 
or,  give  decisions  of  violence.  Weigh  is  a 
figure  to  express  the  acts  of  judges,  m  the 
earth  — publicly.  3-5.  describe  the  wicked 
generally,  who  sin  naturally,  easily,  ma- 
lignantly, and  stubbornly,  stoppeth  iier[or 
lit.,  his]  ear— i.e.,  the  wicked  man,  (the  singu- 
lar used  collectively,!  who  thus  becomes  like 
the  deaf  adder  which  has  no  ear.  6.  He 
prays  for  their  destruction,  under  the  figiire 
of  ravenous  beasts  (Ps.  3.  7;  7.  2.).  7.  wiiich 
run  continually— ^if. ,  they  sh all  go  to  th emsdves, 
utterly  depart,  as  rapid  mountain  torrents, 
he  bendeth  . .  .  his  arrrows— prepares  it.  The 
term  for  preparing  a  bow  applied  to  arrows 
(Ps.  64.  3.).  let  them  . . .  pieces~/ii..  as  if  they 
cut  themselres  off— i.e.,  become  blunted  and 
of  no  avail.  8, '9.  Other  figures  of  this  utter 
ruin;  the  last  denoting  raiiidity.  In  a  shorter 
time  than  pots  feel  the  heat  of  thorns  on  fire 
—he  shall  take  them  away  as  with  a  whirlwind 
—lit.,  blow  him  {ihemi  away,  botli  living,  . . . 
wrath  — Zi?.,  as  the  living  or  frah,  as  the 
heated  or  burning— i.e..  thorns— all  easily 
blown  away,  so  easily  and  quickly  the  «  ickeo. 
The  figure  of  the  sruiij  perhaps  alludes  to  its 


Wieked  judges  reprovea. 


PSALMS  LVm-LX- 


Prayer  against  enemies. ' 


tny  refuge,  *  until  these  calamities  be  over 
past. 

2  I  will  cry  anto  God  most  high;  nnto 
God  "  that  perfonneth  all  things  for  me, 

3  He  <*  shall  send  from  heaven,  and  save 
me  ^/rom  the  reproach  of  him  that  wonld 
swallow  me  ap.  Solah.  God  shall 'send 
forth  his  mercy  and  his  truth. 

4  My  soul  is  among  lions;  a7id  I  lie  even 
among  them  that  are  set  on  fire,  even  the 
Bons  of  men.  /  whose  teeth  are  spears  and 


arrows,  and  ^  their  tongue  a  shan^  sword, 

5  Be  "  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the 
heavens;  let  thy  glory  be  above  aU  the 
eaith. 

6  They  •  have  prepared  a  net  for  my  steps ; 
my  soul  is  bowed  down:  they  have  digged 
a  pit  before  me,  into  the  midst  whereof 
tliey  are  fUIen  themselves.    Selah. 

7  My  >  hei.it  is  3  fixed,  O  God,  ray  heart 
is  fixed:  1  v.ill  sing  and  give  praise. 

8  Awiike  *  up,  my  glory;  awake,  psaltery 
and  harp:  I  nif/seJ/will  awake  early. 

9  I  will  praise  thee,  0  Lobd,  among  the 
people ;  I  will  sing  unto  thee  among  the 
nations: 

10  For  'thy  mercy  is  great  anto  the 
heavens,  and  thv  truth  unto  the  clouds. 

11  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the  hea- 
vens: let  thy  glory  be  above  all  the  earth. 

PSALM  LVllI. 
I  David,  reji'Toving  ungodly  jmiges,  3  describes 
the  nnture  of  the  wicked,  6  and  dtvotes  them  to 
Oo'i's  judgments. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  1  Al-taschith,  Michtam 
of  Daviii. 

r)0  ye  indeed  speak  righteousness,  0  con- 
•"-^  gre^ation?  do  ye  judge  uprightly,  0  ye 
eons  of  men? 

2  Yea,  in  heart  ye  work  wickedness;*  ye 
weigh  the  violence  of  your  hands  in  the 
earth. 

3  The  wicked* are  estranged  from  the 
womb ;  they  go  astray  2  as  soon  as  they  be 
bom,  speaking  hes. 

4  Their  ■-■  poison  is  3  like  the  poison  of  a 
Berpeiit:  tf^y  are  like  the  deaf  *  adder  that 
Btoppeth  her  ear; 

5  Which  will  not  hearken  to  the  voice  of 
charmei-8,  6  charming  never  so  wisely. 

6  Break  <*  their  teeth,  O  God,  in  their 
mouth:  break  out  the  great  teeth  of  the 
young  lions,  0  Lord. 

7  Let  them  melt  away  as  waters  which 
run  continually:  ivhe^i  he  bendeth  his  bow 
to  shoot  his  arrows,  let  them  be  as  cut  in 
pieces. 

8  As  a  snail  which  melteth,  let  every  one 
of  them  pass  away:  like  the  untiniely"birth 
of  a  woman,  that  they  may  not  see  the  sun. 

9  Before  your  pots  can  feel  the  thorns,  he 
shall  take  them  away  *  as  with  a  wtiui- 
wind,  6  both  living,  and  in  his  wrath. 

10  The  /  righteous  shall  rejoice  when  he 
Eceth  the  veiii^eance:  he  shall  wash  his  feet 
in  the  blood  of  the  wicked 

11  So  thiit  a  man  shall  say,  "  Verily  there 
is  7  a  reward  lor  the  righteous:  verily  he  is 
a  God  that  judge th  in  the  earth. 

PSALM  LIX. 
J  David  prays  to  he  delivered  from  his  enetnies; 

6  cf>iMj3?««iis  of  their  cruelty;  8  trusts  in  God; 

M  proyi  ao-'inst  them/  iii  praises  <Jod. 
To  the  cliiof  Musici.m,  1  Al-taschith,  Michtam 

of  David. a  wlien  Saul  sent,  and  they  watched 

tho  house  to  kill  him. 
T)ELIVE11  me  from  mme  enemies,  Omy 
■*-^  God;  a  defend  me  Irom  them  that  rise 
op  aguiusi  lat!. 


PSALM  67. 

6  I«.  26.  20. 

e  P«.  133.  8. 

d  Ps.  144.  6. 

8  Or,  he 
rerroach- 
eth  him 
that  would 
•wallow 
me  up. 

«  P..  61.  17. 

/  Pro.  30. 14. 

g  Pb.  64.  3. 

h  Ps.  108.  6. 

i  P«.  9.  15. 

y  Pb.  108. 1. 

3  Or, 
prepared. 

*  Judg.  5.12. 

I  Ps.  108.  4. 


PSALM  68. 

1  Or,  De- 

itroy  not, 
A  golden 
Psalm  of 
Darid. 

a  Pb.  94.  20. 
Is.  10.  I. 

6  Pb.  51.  5. 
U.  43.  8. 

2  from  the 
hellj. 

e  Ps.  1*).  3. 
Ecc.lO.ll. 

3  according 
to  the 
likeness. 

4  Or,  asp. 

6  Or,  be  the 
charmer 


d  Job  4.  10. 
e  Pro.  10. 25. 

6  as  living 
aB  wrath. 

/  Pb.  52.  0. 

Pb.  64.  10. 
flrRo.  2.&-10. 

7  fruit  of 


2  Deliver  me  from  the  workers  of  iniquity, 
and  save  me  from  bloody  men. 

3  For,  lo,  they  lie  in  wait  for  my  soul:  the 
mighty  are  gathered  against  me;  not  for 
mv  transgression,  nor /or  my  sin,  0  Lokd. 

4l"hey  run  and  prepare  themselves  without 
mv  fault:  awake  3  to  help  me,  and  behold. 

5'Thou  therefore,  O  Lobd  God  of  hosts, 
the  God  of  Israel,  awake  to  \isit  all  the 
heathen:  be  not  mercLtul  to  any  wicked 
traiigressors.    Selah. 

6  They  return  at  evening:  they  make  a 
noise  like  a  dog,  and  go  round  about  the 
city. 

7  Behold,  they  belch  out  with  their  mouth : 
s^v'ol  ds  are  in  their  lips':  for  who,  say  they, 
doth  hear? 

8  But  thou,  O  Loud,  shalt  laugh  at  them; 
thou  shalt  have  all  the  heathen m  derision. 

9  Because  of  his  strength  will  I  wait  upon 
thee:  for  God  is  *  my  defence. 

10  The  God  of  my  mercy  shall  prevent 
me:  God  shall  let  me  see  my  desire  upon 
6  mine  enemies. 

11  Slay  them  not,  Lst  my  people  forget: 
scatterthem  by  thy  power;  and  bring  them 
down,  0  Lord  om-  snield. 

12  For  the  sin  of  then:  mouth  and  tlw 
words  of  their  lips  let  them  even  be  takea 
in  their  pride ;  and  for  cursing  and  lying 
which  they  speak. 

13  Consume  them'm  wrath,  consume  them, 
that  they  may  not  be;  and  let  them  know 
that  God  ruleth  in  Jacob  unto  the  ends  of 
the  earth.    Selah. 

14  And  at  evening  let  them  retmn;  and 
let  them  make  a  noise  like  a  dog,  and  go 
round  about  the  city. 

15  Let  them  wander  up  and  do^vn  6  for 
meat,  1  and  grudge  if  they  be  not  satisfied. 

16  But  I  will  sing  of  thy  power;  yea,  I 
will  sing  aloud  of  thy  mercy  in  the  morn. 
intj:  for  thou  hast  been  my  defence  and 
retuge  in  the  day  of  my  trouble. 

17  Lnto  thee,  0  my  strength,  will  I  smg: 
for  God  is  my  defence,  and  the  God  of  mj 
mercy. 

PSALM  LX. 

1  David,  complaining  to  Ood  of  former  judg. 
ments,  4  now,  upon  better  hope,  prays  for 
deliverance:  6  comforting  himself  in  Qod's 
promises,  he  craves  that  help  whereon  he  trusts. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Shushan-eduth, 
1  Michtam  of  David,  to  teacli;  <•  when  lia 
strove  with  Aram-naharaim,  andwith  Aram- 
zobah,  when  Joab  returned,  and  smote  of 
Edora  in  the  valley  of  Salt  twelve  thousand. 

f)  GOD,  thou  hast  cast  us  off,  thou  hast 
^^2  scattered  us,  thou  hast  been  displeased; 
0  turn  thyself  to  us  again. 

2  Thou  hast  made  the  earth  to  tremble; 
thou  hast  broken  it:  heal  the  breache* 
thereof;  for  it  shaketh. 

3  Thou  hast  showed  thy  people  hara 
things:  thou  hast  made  us  to  di'ink  tha 
wine  of  astonishment. 

4  Thou  i>  hast  given  a  banner  to  them  that 
fear  thee,  that  it  may  be  displayed  because 
of  the  tiTith.    Selah. 

5  That  *  thy  beloved  may  be  delivered, 
save  with  thy  right  hand,  and  hear  me. 

6  God  hath  <*  spoken  in  his  holiness;  I 
will  rejoice,  I  will  divide  '  Shechem.  and 
mete  out  the  /  valley  of  Succoth. 

7  Gilead  is  mine,  and  Manasseh  is  mine; 
Ephraira  "also  is  the  strength  of  mine 
hea^i ;  ''  Judah  is  my  lawgiver; 

8  Moab  is  my  washpoi;  over  Edom  will  I 


Nature  of  the  Wicked. 


PSALMS  LIX-LXn. 


Confidence  in  God, 


loss  of  saliva  when  moving.  Though  obscnrt 
in  its  clauses,  the  general  sense  of  the  pas 
sage  is  clear.  10,  11.  wash  .  .  .  wicktd— de 
noting  great  sJauyhter.  The  joy  of  triumph 
over  the  destruction  of  the  wicked  is  because 
they  are  God's  enemies,  and  their  overthrow 
shows  that  he  reigneth  (cf.  Ps.  52.  5-7;  64.  7.J. 
In  this  assurance  let  heaven  and  earth  re- 
joice iPs.  96.  10;  97.  1,  &C.I. 

VSALM  LIX. 

Ver.  1-17.  Cf;  Ps.  67.,  and  for  history,  l 
Sam.  19.  11,  &c.  The  scope  is  very  similar  to 
that  ot  tlie  57th;  prayer  in  view  of  malicious 
and  violent  fees,  and  .joy  in  prospect  of  relief. 

1.  deieud— (cf.  Marg.}.  rise  up  . . .  me— (cf. 
Ps.  17.  7.).  2.  (Of.  Ps.  5.  6;  6.  ><.'.  4,  5.  pre- 
pare, &ic.—lit.,  set  themselves  as  in  array. 
awake— (cf.  Ps.  3.7;  7. 6,  .appeals  to  God  in  his 
covenant  relation  to  his  people  (Ps.  9.  18.  . 
6,  7.  They  are  as  ravening  dogs  seeking 
prey,  and,  as  such,  belch  out— i.e.,  slanders, 
their  inipudent  barkings,  for  who,  say  they 
—For  the  full  expression  M-ith  the  supplied 
words  cf.  Ps.  64.  5.  8.  Cf.  Ps.  2.  4;  37.  13.). 
9.  By  judicious  expo.sitors,  and  on  good 
grounds,  this  is  better  rendered,  "O  my 
strength,  on  thee  wiU  1  wait"  i'.  17.'.  defence 
— (cf.  Ps.  18.  3.)  10.  prevei.t  me— (Ps.  21.  3.). 
see  my  desire— in  their  overthrow  .Ps.  54.  7.). 
enemies— as  Ps.  5.  8.  11.  Slay  them  not— at 
once  Jud.  2.  21-23);  but  perpetuate  their 
punishment  (Gen.  4.  12;  :Num.  ;i2.  13,),  by 
scattering  or  makingthem  wander,  and  hum- 
ble them.  12.  let  them  be  .  .  .  taken  in  their 
pride— while  evincing  it— i.e.,  to  be  punished 
for  their  lies,  &c.  13.  Though  delayed  for 
wise  reasons,  the  utter  destruction  of  the 
wicked  must  come  at  last,  and  God's  presence 
and  power  in  and  for  his  Church  wiU  be 
known  abroad  (1  Sam.  17.  46;  Ps.  46.  10,  11.  . 
14,  15.  Meanwhile  let  the  rapacious  dogs 
prowl,  they  cannot  hurt  the  pious;  yea,  they 
shall  wander  famished  and  sleepless,  grudge 
if,  &Lc.—Ut.,  they  shall  stay  all  night— i.e.,  ob- 
tain nothing.  16,  17.  contrast  the  lot  of 
God's  servant,  who  employs  his  time  in  God's 
praise,  sing  aloud  ...  in  the  morning— when 
thty  retire  famishing  and  disappointed,  or 
it  may  denote  delightful  diligence  in  praise, 
as  Ps.  30.  5. 

PSALM  LX. 

Ver.  1-12.  Shushan-eduth—JAXy  of  testi- 
mony. The  lily  is  an  emblem  of  beauty,  (ct. 
Ps.  45.  title.).  As  a  description  of  the  Psalm, 
those  terms  combined  may  denote  a  beauti- 
ful poem,  witnessing— i.e.,  forGod's  faithful- 
ness as  evinced  in  the  victories  referred  to 
in  the  historycited.  ^ram-Titt/iarawn.— Syria 
of  the  two  rivers,  or  Mesopotamia  beyond 
the  river  (Euphrates)  (2  Sam.  10.  16.).  Aram- 
iSo6a/i— Syria  of  Zobah  (2  Sam.  10. 6,',  to  whose 
king  the  king  of  the  former  was  tributary. 


wnt—lit,  of  staggering— i.e.,  made  us  weak 
cf.  Ps.  75.  8;  Isa.  51.  17,  22.).  4,  5.  Yet  to 
God's  banner  they  will  rally,  and  pray  that, 
led  and  sustained  by  his  power  (right  hand, 
Ps.  17.  7;  20.  6,),  they  may  be  safe,  hear  me— 
or,  hear  us.  6-10.  God  hath  spoken  in  [or,  by] 
nis  hohness— (Ps.  89.  .35;  Amos,  4.  2,),  on  the 
pledge  of  his  attributes  (Ps.  22.  3 ;  30.  4.). 
Taking  courage  trotn  God's  promise  to  give 
them  possession  (Ex.  23.  31;  Deut.  11.  24,), 
^and  perhaps  renewed  to  him  by  special  re- 
velation,), with  triumphant  joy  he  describes 
the  conquest  as  alreacly  made.  Shechem,  and 
.  .  .  Succoth— as  widely  separated  points,  and 
— Gilead,  . . .  and  Manasseh— as  large  districts, 
east  and  west  of  Jordan,  represent  the  whole 
land,  divide  . . .  and  mete  out— means  to  have 
entire  control  over.  Ephraim— denotes  the 
military  (Deut.  33.  17.);  and  — Judah  — (the 
lawgiver.  Gen.  49. 10, \  the  civil  power.  Fo- 
reign nations  are  then  presented  as  sub- 
dued. Moab— is  a  washpot— the  most  ordi- 
nary vessel,  over  [or,  at]  Edom— (as  a  slave,), 
he  casts  his  shoe.  Philistia,  triumph  .  .  .  [or, 
rather,  shout]  for  me— acknowledges  subjec- 
tion (cf.  Ps.  108.  9,  "over  Philistia  will  I 
triumph.").  9,  10.  He  feels  assured  that, 
though  f  nee  angry,  God  is  now  ready  to  fa- 
vour his  people,  who  will  lead  me— or,  ivho 
has  led  me,  as  if  the  work  were  now  begun. 
Wilt  not  thou— or.  Is  it  not  thou?  11,  12. 
Hence  he  closes  with  a  prayer  for  success, 
and  an  assurance  of  a  hearing. 
PSALM  LXL 
Ver.  1-8.  Neginah— or,  Neginoth  (cf.  Ps.  4. 
title.).  Separated  from  his  usual  spiritual 
privileges,  perhaps  by  Absalom's  rebellion, 
the  Psalmist  prays  for  divine  aid,  and,  in 
view  of  past  mercies,  with  great  confidence  of 
being  heard. 

1-3.  From  the  end,  &,c.—i.e.,  places  remote 
from  the  sanctuary  (Deut.  28.  64.).  heart  is 
overwhelmed— ii<.,  covered  over  with  darkness, 
or,  distress,  to  the  Rock— (Ps.  18.  2;  40.  2.). 
higher  than  I  —  which  otherwise  1  cannot 
ascend,  shelter  .  .  .  and  strong  tower  — re- 
peat the  same  sentiment.  4.  I  will  abide- 
so  I  desire  to  do  (cf.  Ps.  23.  6.).  trust  in  the 
covert,  &c.—make  my  refuge  in  the  shadow 
(cf.  Ps.  17.  8;  36.  7.).  5.  the  heritage— or,  part 
in  the  spiritual  blessings  of  Israel  (Ps.  21. 
2-4.;.  vows— implies  prayers.  6,  7.  the  king 
—himself  and  his  royal  line  ending  in  Christ, 
Mercy  and  truth  personified  as  (Ps.  40. 11; 
57.  3.  abide  before  God— Ki.,  sit  as  a  king  in 
God's  presence,  under  his  protection.  8.  Thus 
for  new  blessings  wiU  new  vows  of  praise 
ever  be  paid. 

PSALM  LXIL 

Ver.  1-12.    To  J eduthun— (cf.  Ps.  39.  title.). 

The  general  tone  of  this  Psalm  is  expressive 

.....x^s  -"-  ""-n  "*  -"V,  .V.X...V-.  ..«..  V..... J.   of  confidence  in  God.    Occasion  is  taken  to 

The  war  with  Edom,  by  Joab  and  Abishai  remind  the  wicked  of  their  sin,  their  ruin, 
(2  Chr.  18.  12,  25,  ,  occurred  about  the  same  I  and  their  meanness. 

time.  Probably,  while  doubts  and  fears  |  l.waiteth-^il,  is  s^?e«i, trusts  submissively 
alternately  prevailed  respecting  the  issue  of  ,  and  confidently  as  a  servant.  2.  The  titles 
these  wars,  the  writer  composed  this  Psalm,  !  applied  to  God  often  occur  (Ps.  9.  0;  ih.  2.). 
in  which  he  depicts,  in  the  language  ot  God's  i  be  greatly  moved— (Ps.  10.  6,),  no  injury  shall 
people,theirsorrowsunder  former  disasters,  be  permanent,  though  devised  by  enemies, 
ofters  prayer  in  present  straits,  and  rejoices  '  3.  Their  destruction  will  come;  as  a  tottering 
in  confident  hope  of  triumph  by  God's  aid.  j  wall  they  already  are  feeble  and  failing. 
1-3.  allude  to  disasters,  cast .  . .  off— in  bowing  wall  shall  ye  be— better  supply  are. 
scorn  (Ps.  43.  2;  44.  9.).  scattered  —  broken  Some  propose  to  apply  these  phrases  to  de- 
our  strength  (cf.  2  Sam.  6.  20.).  0  turn  thy-  scribe  the  condition  of  the  man— i.e.,  the 
self— or.  restore  to  us  (prosperity.).  The  pious  sufierer:  thus,  "vVill  ye  slayhim."&c.; 
tigures  of  physical,  denote  great  civil,  commo-  but  the  other  is  a  good  sense.  4.  his  excel- 
tions  (Ps.  46. 2. 3.).    drink . . .  wine  of  astonish-  lency  — or,  elevation,  to  which  G od  had  raised 


OanMence  in  God. 


VSMMS  LSI-LSV.      Earrnst  esirefof  God's sercice. 


cast  out  my  shoe:  Philistia,  3  triumph  thou 
because  of  me. 

9  Who  will  bring  me  into  the  *  strong 
city?  who  will  lead  me  into  Edom? 

10  Wilt  not  thou,  O  God,  which  hadst 
cast  us  off?  and  thou,  0  God,  vjhich  didst 
not  go  out  with  our  armies? 

11  Give  us  help  from  trouble:  for  vain  is 
the  s  help  of  man. 

12  Through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly: 
for  he  it  is  that  shall  tread  down  our  ene- 
mies. 

PSALM  LXI. 

I  David  flees  to  Ood  upon  his  former  experience! 
i  he  voivs  perpetwcU  service  unto  him,  because  of 
his  pi-oniises. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Neginah,  A  Psalm 

of  David. 
TJEAR  my  cry,  O  God;  attend  unto  my 
■*-^  prayer. 

2  I  rom  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  cry 
unto  thee,  when  my  heart  is  overwhelmed: 
lead  me  to  the  Hock  th-at  is  hif^her  than  I. 

3  For  thou  hast  been  a  shelter  for  me, 
and  "  a  strong  tower  from  the  enemy. 

4  I  will  abide  in  thy  tabernacle  for  ever;  I 
will  1  trust  in  the  covert  of  thy  wings. 
Selali. 

5  For  thou,  0  God,  hast  heard  my  vows: 
thou  hast  given  me  the  heritage  of  those 
that  fear  thy  name. 

6  2  Thou  wilt  prolong  the  king's  life;  and 
his  years  s  as  many  generations. 

7  He  shall  abide  before  God  for  ever:  0 
prepare  mercy  and  truth,  which  may  pre- 
serve him. 

8  So  will  I  sing  praise  unto  thy  name  for 
ever,  that  I  may  daily  perform  my  vows. 

PSALM  LXIL 
1  David,  professing  his  confidence  in  God,  dis- 
courages his  enemies,  and  encourages  the  godly. 
U  Fewer  and  mercy  belong  to  God. 
To  the  chief  Musician,  to  Jeduthun,  A  Psalm 

of  David. 
fPRULY  1  my  soul  2  waiteth  upon  God: 
•*■  from  him  cometh  my  salvation. 

2  He  only  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation ;  he 
PS  my3  defence ;  I  shall  not  be  greatlymoved. 

3  How  long  will  ye  imagine  mischief 
agamst  a  man?  ye  shall  be  stain  all  of  you: 
as  a  bowing  wall  sMll  ye  be,  and  as  a 
tottering  lence. 

4  They  only  consult  to  cast  him  down  from 
his  excellency:  they  delight  in  lies: »  they 
bless  with  theur  mouth,  but  they  curse  *  in- 
wardly.   Selah. 

5  My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God;  for 
my  expectation  is  from  him. 

6  He  only  is  my  rock  and  my  salvation:  he 
is  my  defence ;  I  shall  not  be  moved. 

7  In  God  15  my  salvation  and  my  glory: 
the  rock  of  my  strength,  and  my  refuge,  is 
in  God. 

8  Tmst  in  him  at  all  times;  ye  peojile, 
pour  i  out  your  heart  before  him:  God  is  a 
x-efuge  for  us.    Selah. 

9  Smely  men  of  low  degree  are  vanity, 
and  men  of  high  degree  are  a  lie:  to  be 
laid  in  the  balance,  tney  are  6  altogether 
lighter  than  vanity. 

10  Trust  not  in  *  oppression,  and  become 
not  vain  in  robbery:  <»  if  riches  increase,  set 
Qfit  your  heart  upon  them. 

II  God  hath  spoken  once;  twice  have  I 
beard  this,  that^  power  oelongeth  unto 
God. 

12  Also  nnto  thee,  0  Lord,  belongeth 
mercy:  for "  thon  renderest  to  every  man 
according  to  his  work. 


PSALM  60. 

3  Or,  tri- 
umph thou 
over  me 
tironi- 
eallTl. 

4  city  of 
strength. 
SSa.11.1, 

6  salvation. 


PSALM   61. 

«  Pro.  18. 10. 

1  Or,  make 
my  nefuge. 

2  Thou  Shalt 
add  daya 
to  the 
day»  of 
the  king. 

8  B9  genera- 
tion and 
generation. 


PSALM  62. 

1  Or,  only. 

2  is  silent. 
8  high 

place, 
o  P».  28.  3. 
i  in  their 

inward 

parts. 
6  1  Sam.  1. 

16. 
6  Or,  alike, 
e  Is.  28.  4. 
d  Lu.  12. 16. 
6  Or, 

strength. 

Jer.  17.11. 
e  1  Pet.  1. 

17. 


PSALM  63 
oiSa.  22.6 

1  weary 
land  with- 

2  Catneos 

3  They 
shall  make 
hiia  run 
out  like 
water  by 
the  hands 
of  the 
Bword, 

6  Zeph.  1.  6, 


PSALM  64. 


3  Or,  we  are 

consumed 
by  that 
which  they 
have 

throughly 
searched, 
t  a  search 
searched. 

wound 


PSALM   66. 
1  is  silent. 
a  Is.  45.  11. 
6  John  12. 

82. 
a  Words,  or. 

Matters  of 

iniquities. 
e  Heb.  9.  14. 

lJohnl.7. 
4  Pi.  38. 11. 


PSALM  LXIIl. 
1  David's  thirst  after  God's  service  in  hit  san^ 

iuorij. 
A  Psalm  of  David,  "  when  he  was  in  the  wil- 
derness of  Judah. 
A  GOD,  thon  art  my  God;  early  will  I 
^  seek  thee:  my  soul  thirstetli  for  thee, 
my  flesh  lo^igeth  for  thee  in  a  dry  and 

1  thirsty  laud,  where  no  water  is; 

2  To  see  thy  power  and  thy  glory,  so  as  I 
have  seen  thee  iu  the  sanctuary. 

8  Because  thy  loving-kindness  is  better 
than  life,  my  lips  shall  praise  thee. 

4  Thus  will  I  bless  thee  wliile  I  live:  I 
will  lift  up  my  hands  in  thy  name. 

5  My  soul  shall  be  satisfied  as  with  2  mar- 
row and  fatness ;  and  my  mouth  shall  praise 
thee  with  joyful  lijis ; 

6  When  I  remember  thee  upon  my  bed, 
and  meditate  on  thee  in  the  nigli  t  watches. 

7  Because  thou  hast  been  my  help,  there- 
fore in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings  will  I 
rejoice. 

8  My  soul  followeth  hard  after  thee:  thy 
right  hand  upholdethme. 

9  But  those  that  seek  my  soul,  to  destroy 
it,  shall  go  into  the  lower  parts  of  the  earth. 

10  3  They  shall  fall  by  the  sword;  they 
shall  be  a  portion  for  foxes. 

11  But  the  king  shall  rejoice  in  God ;  every 
one  *  that  sweaieth  by  him  shall  glory:  but 
the  mouth  of  them  that  speak  lies  shall  be 
stopped. 

PSALM  LXIV. 
1  David  prays  for  deliverance  from  his  enemies. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 
fJEAU  my  voice,  0  God,  in  my  prayer: 
■'"'■  preserve  my  lire  from  fear  of  the  enemy. 

2  liide  me  from  the  secret  counsel  of 
the  wicked;  from  the  insmTection  of  the 
workers  of  iniquity: 

3  Who  whet  their  tongue  like  a  sword,  and 
bend  their  bows  to  shoot  theu-  arrows,  even 
bitter  words; 

4  That  they  may  shoot  in  secret  at  the 
perfect :  suddenly  do  they  shoot  at  him, 
and  fear  not. 

5  They  encourage  themselves  in  an  evil 

1  matter:  they  commune  2  of  laying  snares 
privUy;  they  say.  Who  shall  see  them? 

6  They  search  out  iniquities ;  3  they  accom- 
plish 4  a  diligent  search:  both  the  inward 
thought  of  every  one  of  them,  and  the  heart, 
is  deep. 

7  But  God  shall  shoot  at  them  with  an 
arrow;  suddenly  6  shall  they  be  wounded. 

8  So  they  shall  make  their  own  tongue 
to  fall  upon  themselves:  all  that  see  tHem 
shall  flee  away. 

9  And  all  men  shall  fear,  and  shall  declare 
the  work  of  God;  for  they  shall  wisely  con- 
sider  of  his  doing. 

10  The  righteous  shall  be  glad  in  the  Lord, 
and  shall  trust  in  him;  and  all  the  upright 
in  heart  shall  glory. 

PSALM  LXV. 
1  David  praises  God  for  his  grace.    4  Jnftnitt 

power  and  goodness  of  Ood. 
To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  and  Song  of 
_^  David. 

pRAISE  1  waiteth  for  thee,  0  God,  in 
Zion:  and  unto  thee  shall  the  vow  be 
performed. 

2  O  thou  "  that  hearest  prayer,  8  unto  thee 
shall  all  flesh  come. 

3  2  Iniquities  prevail  agairst  me:  as  for 
our  transgressions, thou  shalt  'purge  them 
away. 

4  Blessed  <*  w  (fte  man  wftom  thou  choosest. 


Desire  for  GotiUs  Service. 


PSALMS  LXm-LXVI, 


Infinite  Goodness  of  God. 


him  (Ps  4.  2.1.  Tliis  they  try  to  do  by  lies  representing  God  as  using  weapons  ]jk6 
and  duplicity  tPs.  5.  9.1.  5,6.  iCf.  Ps.  1.  2.).  theirs.  8.  their.,  .tongue  to  tail,  &c.— i.e., 
1  otbe  moved— not  at  all;  his  contidence  has  the  consequences  of  their  slanders,  &c.  (of, 
increased.  7.  rock  of  my  strength— or,  strong-  Ps.  10.  2;  31.  16.).  all  that  see  .  .  .  awav— their 
est  support  (Ps.  7. 10;  CI.  3.}.  8.  pour  out  your  partners  in  evil  shall  be  terrified.  9.  iO.  Men, 
heart— aive  full  expression  to  feeling  (1  Sam.  generally,  v^ill  acknowledge  God's  work,  and 
1.  15;  Job,  30.  16;  Ps.  42.  4.).  ye  people— Ciod's  the  righteous,  rejoicing  in  it,  shall  be  encou- 
people.  9.  No  kind  of  men  are  reliable,  com- 1  raged  to  trust  him  iPs.  68.  10.). 
pared  with  God  (Isa.  2.  22;  Jer.  17.  5.)    alto-l  PSALM  LXV. 

pet  her-  alike,  one  as  the  other  (Ps.  34. 3.).  10.  ]  Ver,  1-13.  This  is  a  song  of  praise  for  God's 
Ni3t  only  are  oppression  and  robbery,  which  '  spiritual  blessings  to  his  people  and  his  kind 
are  wicked  means  of  wealth,  no  grounds  of  providence  over  all  the  earth. 
bo;i sting,  but  even  wealth,  increasing  law- 1  1.  Praisewaitethfor  thee— Ki.,  To i/igeaifcnce 
fully,  ought  not  to  engross  the  heart.  11.  -praise,  or,  (cf.  Ps.  62,  1.),  To  thee  silence  ig 
once;  twice— fas  Job,  33.  14;  40.  5,',  are  used  to  praise— i.e.,  Praise  is  waiting  as  a  servant- 
give  emphasis  to  the  sentiment.  God's  power  it  is  due  to  thee.  So  the  last  clause  expresses 
is  tempered  by  His  mercy,  which  it  also  sus-  i  the  duty  of  paying  vows.  These  two  parts  of 
tains.  12.  For  thou  reilderest,  lit.  That  thou  acceptable  worship,  mentioned  Ps.  50. 14,  are 
rcnderest.  &c.,  connected  with  "  I  heardthis,"  rendered  in  Zion,  where  God  chieflydisidays 
as  the  phrase—"  that  power,"  &c.— teaching  His  mercy  and  receives  homage.  2.  All  are 
that  by  His  power  he  can  show  both  mercy  encouraged  to  pray  by  God's  readiness  to 
and  justice.  hear.    3.  God's  mercy  alone  delivers  us  from 

PSALM  LXin.  1  the  burden  of  iniquities,  by  purging  or  ex- 

Ver.  1-11.  The  historical  occasion  referred  :  piating  by  an  atonement  the  transgressions 
to  by  the  title  was  probably  during  Absa-  withwhich  we  are  charged,  and  which  are  de- 
lora's  rebellion  (cf.  2  Sam,  15.  23,  28;  10.  2.).  noted  \>y—lmqamcs—ov  lit.  Words  of  iniqui' 
David  expresses  an  earnest  desire  for  God's  ,  ties.  4.  dweil  in  thy  courts; .  . .  [and]  Eatisfied 
favour,  and  a  confident  exijectation  of  realis- !  with  the  goodness  .  .  .  temule  —  denote  com- 
ins  it  in  his  deliverance,  and  the  ruin  of  his  \  munion  with  God  (Ps.  15.  i;  23. 6  ;  cf.  Ps.  5. 7.). 
enemies.  Tliis  is  a  blessing  for  all  God's  people,  as  de- 

1.  eirly  .  .  .  seek  thee— earnestly  (Isa.  26.  9.). ! noted  by  the  change  of  number.  5.  terrible 
The  figurative  terms -dry  and  thirsty— ^i^.  !  things— i.e.,  by  the  manifestation  of  justice 
iccary,  denoting  moral  destitution,  suited,  and  wrath  to  enemies,  accompanying  that  of 
his  outward  circumstances,  soul  —  and —  1  mercy  to  his  people  (Ps.  63.  9-11;  64.7-9.).  the 
Sssh— the  whole  man  iPs.  16.  9,  10.).  2.  The  |  confidence- object  of  it.  of  all . .  .  earth— the 
special  object  of  desire  was  God's  perfections  whole  world— i.e.,  deservedly  such,  whether 
as  displayed  in  his  v/orship  Ps.  27.4.).  3. ;  men  think  so  or  not.  6-13.  God's*' great 
Experiencing  God's  mercy,  which  exceeds  all ;  power  and  goodness  are  the  grounds  of  this 
the  bles>^in^s  of  life,  his  lips  will  be  opened  ■  confidence.  These  are  illustrated  in  His 
for  his  praise  Ps.  51. 16.  .  4.  Thus— H(.,  Truly.  \  control  of  the  mightiest  agencies  of  nature 
^■/lU  I  bless— praise  thee  (Ps.  34.  1.).  lilt  up  ,  and  nations,  affecting  men  with  awe  and 
"'T  hands— in  worship  cf.  Ps.  28.  2.).  in  thy  dread  (Ps.  26.  7;  98.  1.,  &c.,),  and  in  His  fer- 
na.r  e— in  praise  of  thy  perfections.  5-8.  Full  tilising  showers,  causing  the  earth  to  produce 
spiritual  blessings  satisfy  his  desires,  and  '  abundantly  for  man  and  beast,  outgoings 
acts  of  praise  till  his  thoughts  and  time, '  of .  .  .  rejoice— a??  people  from  east  to  west, 
nigut— as  well  as  day.  Past  favours  assure  ,  visitest— in  mercy  (cf.  Ps.  8.  4.).  river  of  God 
him  of  future,  and  hence  he  presses  earnestly  ;  —His  exhaustless  resources,  thy  paths  — 
near  to  God,  whose  power  sustains  him  (Ps.  i  ways  of  providence  (Ps.  25.  4, 10.).  wilderness 
17.  8;  60.  5.).  9,  10.  those  ....  to  destroy  it— I— places,  though  not  inhabited  by  men,  fit 
or  lit.  to,  or,  for  ruin— i.e.,  such,  us  seek  to  I  for  pa.sture  (Lev.  16.  21,  22;  Job,  24.  6.). 
injui-e  me  (are)  for  ruin— appointed  to  it  (cf.  i  pastures— (in  v.  12,],  is  lit,  folds,  or,  enclosures 
Ps.  35.  8.).  sliall  go  . . .  earth— into  the  ^rave,  for  flocks;  and  in  v.  13,  it  may  be  lambs— the 
or,  to  death;  as  their  bodies  are  represented  i  same  word  used  and  so  translated  (Ps.  37. 20,): 
as  a  portion  for— foxes— K(.,  jackals.  11.  the  !  so  that  "  the  flocks  are  clothed  with  lambs,'' 
king— i.e.,  David  himself,  and  a!l  who  rever- !  a  figure  for  abundant  increase,  would  be  the 
ence  God,  "shall  share  a  glorious  part,"  while  !  form  of  expression 


treacherous  foes  shall  be  for  ever  silenced 

(Ps.  62.  4.). 

PSALM  LXIV. 

Ver.  1-10.  A  prayer  for  deliverance  from 
cunning  and  malicious  enemies,  with  a  con- 
fident view  of  their  overthrow,  which  will 
honour  God  and  give  joy  to  the  righteous. 

1.  preserve . . .  fear— as  well  as  the  danger  pro- 
ducing it.   2.  insurrection— ii(.,  uirroar,  noisy 


PSALM  LXYI. 

Ver.  1-20.  The  writer  invites  all  men  to 
unite  in  praise,  cites  some  striking  occasions 
for  it,  promises  special  acts  of  thanksgiving, 
and  celebrates  God's  great  mercy. 

1.  Make  .  . .  noise— or.  Shout.  2.  his  name- 
as  Ps.  29.  2.  make  his  praise  glorious— Ki., 
viake  or  place  honour.  His  praise,  or,  as  to 
His  praise — i.e.,  let  His  praise  be  such  as  will 


assaults,  as  well  as  their  secret  counsel. s.  i  glorify  Him,  or,  be  honourable  to  Him.  3,4. 
3,  4.  similar  figures  for  slander  (Ps.  57.  4;  59.  i  A  specimen  of  the  praise.  How  terrible— (cf, 
7.)  bend— Kf.,  iread,  or,  prepared.  The  allu-1  Ps.  65. 8.).  submit— (cf.Mfflrfif.),  show  a  forced 
sion  is  to  the  mode  of  bending  a  bnw  by ,  subjection  (Ps.  18.  44,),  produced  by  terror, 
treading  on  it;  here,  and  Ps.  68.  7,  transferred  5,6.  The  terrible  works  illustrated  in  Israel's 
to  arrows,  the  perfect— one  innocent  of  the :  history  (Ex.  14.  21.).  By  this  example  let 
diarges  made  (Ps.  18.  23.).  and  fear  not—  Ps.  !  rebels  be  admonished.  7.  behold  the  nations 
55.  I'J,  ,  not  regarding  God.  5.  A  sentiment ' —watch  their  conduct.  8,9.  Here  is,  perhaps, 
here  more  fully  presented,  by  depicting  their  i  cited  a  case  of  recent  deliverance,  holdeth 
deliberate  mahce.  6.  This  is  farther  evinced  ] ...  in  hie—lit,  putteth  our  soul  m  life— i.e., 
by  their  diligent  efforts  and  deeply  laid!  out  of  danger  (Ps.  30. 3;  49. 15.).  to  be  moved— 
schemes.    7.  The  contrast  is  heightened  by  I  (cf.  Ps.  10.  6;  66.  22.).    10-12.  Out  of  severe 


InfMite  goodmss  of  God. 


PSALMS  LXVI-LXVITT.       A  prayer  for  God's  kingdom. 


and  causest  to  approach  unto  thee,  tlmt  he 
Diay  dwell  in  thy  courts:  we  shall  be  satis- 
lied  with  the  goodness  of  thy  house,  even 
of  thy  holy  temple.  I 

5  By  tenible  things  in  righteousness  wilt  ■ 
thou  answer  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation;! 
who  art  the  confidence  of  all  the  ends  of  i 
the  earth,  and  of  them  that  are  afar  off 
upon  the  sea: 

(j  NVhich  liy  his  strength  setteth  fast  the 
mountains;  being  girded  with  power: 

7  W  hich  *  stilleth  the  noise  of  the  seas,  the 
noise  of  their  waves,  and  the  tumult  of  the 
peoide. 

a  l  hey  also  that  dwell  in  the  uttermost 
parts  are  afraid  at  thy  tokens:  thou  makest 
the  outgoings  of  the  morning  and  evening 
3  lo  rejoice. 

9  Thou  ^^sitest  the  earth,  and  *  waterest 
it:  thou  gi'eatly  enrichcst  it  with  the  river 
of  God,  icidcU  is  full  of  water:  thou  pri- 
parest  them  corn,  when  thou  hast  so  pro- 
vided for  it. 

10  Tliou  waterest  the  ridges  thereof  abun- 
dantly;  5  thou  settlest  the  fmrows  thereof; 
6  thou  makest  it  soft  with  showers;  thou 
blessest  the  springing  thereof: 

11  Thou  crownest  7  the  year  with  thy  good- 
ness* and  thy /paths  di'op  fatness. 

12  They  drop  upon  the  pastm-es  of  the 
wilderness ;  and  tlie  little  hills  8  rejoice  on 
every  side. 

13  The  pastures  are  clothed  with  flocks; 
the  valleys  also  are  covered  over  with  corn; 
they  shout  for  joy.  they  also  sing. 

rSALM  LXVI. 

1  Davi9texhort$  to  praise  God,  5  to  observe  his 

oreat  works,  8  to  bUsi  him  for  hia    gracious 

benefits. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Song  or  Psalm. 

XfAlvE  a  joyful  noise  unto  God,  i  all  ye 

•"■*-  lands; 

2  Sing  forth  the  honour  of  his  name ;  make 
his  praiae  glorious. 

3  Sav  unto  God,  How  terrible  art  thou  in 
thy  works!  "  through  the  gi  catness  of  thy 
power  shall  thine  enemies  2  submit  them- 
selves unto  thee. 

4  All  *  the  earth  shall  worship  thee,  and 
shall  sing  unto  thee;  they  shall  smg  to  thy 
name.    Selah. 

6  Come  "  and  see  the  works  of  God:  he  is 
terrible  in  his  doing  toward  the  children  of 
men. 

6  He  <»  turned  the  sea  into  dry  land: 
they  *  went  through  the  flood  on  foot: 
there  did  we  rejoice  in  him. 

7  He  ruleth  by  his  power  for  ever;  /his 
eyes  behold  the  nations:  let  not  the  re- 
bellious exalt  themselves.    Selah. 

8  0  bless  our  God,  ye  people,  and  make 
the  voice  of  his  praise  to  be  Iieard: 

9  NVhich  3  holcleth  our  soul  in  life,  and 
Butlcreth  not  om-  feet  to  be  moved. 

10  For  thou,  0  God,  hast  proved  us: » thou 
bast  tried  us,  as  silver  is  tried. 

11  Thou  broughtest  us  into  the  net;  thou 
laidst  atiliction  upon  our  loins. 

12  Thou  hast  caused  men  to  ride  over  our 
beads:  we  went  tluough  fire  and  through 
water;  but  thou  broughtest  us  out  into  a 
•  wealthy  pioce. 

13  I  wUf  go  into  thy  house  with  burnt 
ofleriugs; '' I  will  pay  thee  my  vows, 

14  ^Tiich  my  lips  have  6  uttered,  and 
my  mouth  hath  spoken,  when  I  was  in 
trouble. 

16  I  Hill  offer  unto  thee  burnt  sacriJices  of 
HA) 


i  Job  27.  9. 
Pro.  15.  29. 
Pro.  28.  9. 
Is.  1.  15. 
JohDS.  81. 
Jam.  4.  3. 


PSAL5I  e:. 

a  Nu.  6.  25. 


Tit.  2.  11. 
d  P».  «i.  4. 
«  Pi.  96. 10. 

Ps.  98.  9. 
2  lead, 
f  Lot.  26.  4. 

P..  85.  12. 

£:ek.  'ii. 

27. 
9  Pi.  22.  27. 


PSALM  68. 

1  from  hii 
face. 

2  rejoice 
with  gUd- 

3  Or, 

through 
thede- 
■erti;  in 
JABii 
hii  Dame. 
Ex.  6.  3. 
o  1  Sa.  2.  6. 

4  in  a  bouse. 
6  Judg.  4. 14. 

Hab.  3.  13. 

5  slial^o  out. 

6  eonfirm  it. 
e  Dou.  •.1i.  5. 

r*.  71. 19. 


6  fallings,  with  the  incense  of  rams:  I  will 
offer  bullocks  with  goats,    teelah. 
10  Come  and  hear,  all  ye  that  fear  God, 
and  I  will  declare  what  he  hath  done  for 
my  soul. 

17  1  cried  unto  him  with  my  mouth,  and 
he  was  extolled  with  my  tongue. 

18  If  « I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart,  the 
Lord  v,il]  not  hear  me: 

V.I  JJutxeniy  Gud  hatli  heard  we;  he  hath 
attended  to  the  voice  of  my  prayer. 
20  Jblessed  be  God,  which  hath  not  turned 
away  my  prayer,  nor  his  mercy  from  me. 

rSALM  LXVIL 

1  A  prayer  for  tke  eiUargeiuent  of  Ood's  kingdom, 

Z  to  the  joy  of  the  people,  Qandto  tUe  increase  of 

Ovd's  bUssiiigs. 

To  tiie  chief  Musician  on  Neginoch,  A  Psalm 

(»•  Song. 
CI OD  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us; 
^^  and  °-  cause  his  face  to  shine  i  upon 
us.    Seliih. 

2  Tliat  i  thy  way  inay  be  known  upon 
earth, "  thy  saving  health  among  all  na- 
tions. 

3  Let  <*  the  people  praise  thee,  0  God;  let 
all  the  people  praise  thee. 

4  0  let  the  nations  be  glad,  and  sing  for 
joy:  for  *  thou  shalt  judge  the  people  rii;h. 
teously,  and  2  govern  the  nations  upon 
earth.    S»lah. 

5  Let  the  people  praise  thee,  0  God;  let 
all  the  people  praise  tUee. 

6  Then  /  shall  the  earth  yield  her  in- 
crease ;  and  God,  even  our  own  God,  shall 
bless  us. 

7  God  shall  bless  us;  and  "all  the  ends  of 
the  earth  shall  fear  him. 

PSALM  LXVIIL 

1  A  prayer  at  the  removing  of  the  arh.    4  An  eg- 

hwtation  topi-aise  God  for  his  mercies,  7  and 

for  his  care  of  the  church. 

To  the  cliief  Musician,  A  Psalm  or  Song  of 

Uavid. 
T  ET  God  arise,  let  his  enemies  be  scat- 
-^  tered:  let  them  also  that  hate  him  flee 
1  before  him. 

2  As  smoke  is  driven  away,  so  drive  them 
away:  as  wax  melteth  before  the  fire,  so 
let  the  wicked  perish  at  the  presence  of 
God. 

3  But  let  the  righteous  be  glad:  let  thera 
rejoice  before  God;  yea,  let  tnem  2  exceed- 
ingly rejoice. 

4  Sing  unto  God,  sing  praises  to  his 
name  :  extol  him  that  ndeth  3  upon  the 
lieavens  by  his  name  J  AH,  and  rejoice 
before  him. 

5  A  father  of  the  fatherless,  and  a  judge 
of  the  widows,  is  God  in  his  holy  habita- 
tion. 

6  God  "  setteth  the  solitary  ♦  in  families: 
he  bringeth  out  those  which  are  bound 
\vith  chains:  but  the  rebellious  dwell  in  a 
dry  land. 

7  0  God,  &  when  thou  wentest  forth  be- 
fore thy  people,  when  thou  didst  march 
through  the  wilderness ;    Selah : 

8  The  earth  shook,  the  heavens  also 
dropped  at  the  presence  of  God:  even 
Sinai  itself  was  moved  at  the  presence 
of  God,  the  God  of  Israel. 

9  Thou,  O  God,  didst  5  send  a  plentifiU 
rain,  whereby  thou  didst  ^  confii-m  tliine 
inheritance,  when  it  was  weary. 

10  Thy  congregation  hath  dwelt  therein: 
thou,  *  O  God,  hast  prepared  of  thy  goo<i« 
ness  for  the  poor. 


Prayer  for  GocTs  Kingdom.       PSALMS  LXVn.  LXVin. God's  Great  Mercies^ 

trials,  God  had  brought  them  to  safety  (cf.  and  settlement  of  the  Israelites,  rebellions 
Isa.  48. 10;  iPet.  1. 7.).  3iSi.iciion— lit.,  pressure,  dwell  in  a  dry  land— removed  from  all  tho 
or,  as  Ps.  55.  3,  oppression,  which,  laid  on  comforts  of  home.  7,  8.  Cf.  Ex.  19.  16-18.). 
</ie— loins— the  seat  of  strength  (Deut.  33. 11,),  thou  wentesj— in  the  pillar  of  fire,  thou  didst 
enfeebles  the  frame,  men  to  ride  over  our  march— ii*.,  m  </ii/ fread,  thy  majestic  move- 
heads— made  us  10  pass— through  fire,  <fcc.—  ment.  even  Sinai  itsed— lit.,  that  Sinai,  a.s 
figures  describing  prostration  and  critical  Jud.  5.  5.  9, 10.  a  plentiful  rain— a  rain  of 
dangers  (cf.  Isa.  43.  2;  Ez.  36.  12.).  wealthy—  gifts,  as  manna  and  quails.  Thy  congregation 
lit.,  over.timcing,  or,  irrigated,  and  hence  fer-  —lit.,  troop,  as  2  Sam.  23.  11, 13,— the  military 
tile.  13- 15.  These  full  and  varied  offerings  aspectof  the  people  being  prominent,  accord- 
constitute  the  payment  of  vows  (Lev.  22.  18-  ing  to  the  figures  of  the  context,  therein— 
23.).  I  will  offer— ??■<.,  make  to  ascend- allud-  i.e.,  in  the  land  of  promise,  the  pcor— thy 
ing  to  the  smoke  of  burnt-offering,  which  humble  people,  [v.  9.  cf.  Ps.  10.  17;  12.  5.). 
explains  the  use  of  —  incense  —  elsewhere  11.  gave  the  word— i.e.,  of  triumph,  company— 
always  denoting  the  fumes  of  aromatics.  or,  choir  of  females,  celebrating  victoiy 
16-20.  "VViih  these  he  unites  his  public  (Ex.  15.  20.).  12.  Kings  of  armies— i.e.,  with 
thanks,  inviting  those  who  fear  God  (Ps.  60.  their  armies,  she  that . . .  at  home— mostly 
4;  61.  6.,  his  true  worshippers.),  to  hear.  He  females  so  remained,  and  the  ease  of  victoi-y 
vindicates  his  sincerity,  inasmuch  as  God  appears  in  that  such, Avithout danger,  quietly 
would  not  hear  hypocrites,  but  had  heard  enjoyed  the  spoils.  13.  Some  translate  this, 
him.  he  was  extolled  with  my  tongue— iii..  "When  ye  shall  lie  between  the  borders,  ye 
exaltation  (was)  under  my  tongue,  as  a  place  shall,"  <tc.,  comparing  the  peaceful  rest  in 
ofdeposit,  whence  it  proceeded— i.e.,  honour-  the  borders  or  limits  of  the  promised  land 
ing  God  was  habitual.  If  I  regard  iniquity—  to  the  proverbial  beauty  of  a  gentle  dove. 
lit.,  see  iniquity  with  pleasure.  'Others   understand  by  the   word  rendered 

PSALM  LXVU.  !  "pots,"  the  smoked  sides  of  caves,  in  which 

Ver.  1-7.  A  prayer  that,  by  God's  blessing  the  Israelites  took  refuge  from  enemies  in 
nn  His  people.  His  salvation  and  praise  may  the  times  of  the  judges:  or,  taking  the  whole 
be  extended  over  the  earth .  figuratively,  the  rows  of  stones  on  which 

1.  cause  his  face  to  shine— show  us  favour  cooking  vessels  were  hung;  and  thus  that  a 
(Num.  6.  24,  25;  Ps.  31.  16.).  2.  thy  waj^— of  contrast  is  drawn  between  their  former  low 
gracious  dealing  (Isa.  55.  8,),  as  explained  and  afflicted  state  and  their  succeeding  pros- 
by— saving  health  — or  lit.,  salvation.  3-5.  perity.  In  either  case,  a  stale  of  quiet  and 
Thanks  will  be  rendered  for  the  blessings  of  peace  is  described  by  a  beautiful  figure. 
His  wise  and  holy  government  (cf.  Isa.  2. 3, 4;  14.  Their  enemies  dispersed,  the  contrast  of 
11.  4.).  6,  7.  The  blessings  ot  a  fruitful  har-  their  prosperity  with  their  former  distress 
vest  are  mentioned  as  types  of  greater  and  is  represented  by  that  of  the  snow  with  the 
spiritual  blessings,  under  which  all  nations  dark  and  sombre  shades  of  Salmon.  15,  16. 
shall  fear  and  love  God.  1  Mountains  are  otten  symbols  of  nations  (Ps. 

PSALM  LXVin.  1 46.  2;  65.  6.).    That  of  Bashan,  N.E.  of  Pales- 

Ver.  1-35.  Tliis  is  a  Psalm-song  (cf.  Ps.  30.  tine,  denotes  a  heathen  nation,  which  is  de- 
title,),  perhaps  suggested  by  David's  victo-  scribed  as  a  hill  of  God,  or  a  great  hill.  Such 
ries,  which  secured  his  throne  and  gave  are  represented  as  envious  of  the  hill  (Zion) 
rest  to  the  nation.  In  general  terms,  the  on  which  God  resides;  17.  and,  to  the  as^er- 
judgment  of  God  on  the  wicked,  and  the  tion  of  God's  purpose  to  make  it  his  dwelling, 
equity  and  goodness  of  His  government  to  is  added  evidence  of  His  protecting  care, 
the  pious,  are  celebrated.  The  sentiment  is  He  is  described  as  in  the  midst  of  His  hea- 
illuslrated  by  examples  of  God's  dealings,  venly  armies— thousands  of  angels— lit.,  thou- 
cited  from  the  Jewish  history,  and  related  sands  of  repetitions,  or,  thousands  of  thou- 
in  highly  poetical  terms.  Hence  the  writer  sands— i.e.,  of  chariots.  The  word— angels- 
intimates  an  expectation  of  equal  and  even  was  perhaps  introduced  in  otir  version,  from 
greater  triumphs,  and  summons  all  nations  Deut.  33.  2,  and  Gal.  3.  19.  They  are,  of 
to  unite  in  praises  of  the  God  of  Israel.  The  course,  implied  as  conductors  of  the  chariots. 
Psalm  is  evidently  typical  of  the  relation  as  . . .  Sinai,  in  the  holy  place— i.e..  He  has  ap- 
which  God,  in  the  person  of  His  Son,  sus-  peared  in  Zion  as  once  in  Sinai.  18.  From 
tains  to  the  Church  (cf.  v.  18.).  the  scene  of  conquest  He  ascends  to  His 

1-3.  Cf.  Num.  10.  35;  Ps.  1.  4;  22.  14.,  on  throne,  leading— captivity  [or,  many  captives 
the  figures  here  used,  before  him— as  in  v.  2.,  (Jud.  5.  12,)]  captive,  received  gifts  for  mtn— 
from  His  presence,  as  dreaded;  but  in  v.  3.,  accepting  their  homage,  even  when  forced, 
in  His  presence,  as  under  His  protection  as  that  of  rebels,  that  tl:e  Lord  God  might 
(Ps.  61.  7.).  the  righteous— all  truly  pious,  dwell— or  lit.,  to  dwell,  oh  Lord  God  (cL  v.  16,) 
whether  of  Israel  or  not.  4.  extol  him  . .  .  —i.e.,  to  make  this  hill.  His  people  or  church, 
heavens— Zii.,  "cast  up  for  him  who  ridethin  His  dwelling.  This  Psalm  typifies  the  con- 
the  deserts,  or  wilderness"  (ct.  v.  7,),  alluding  quests  of  the  Church  uuderher  divine  leader, 
to  the  poetical  representation  of  His  leading  Christ.  He,  indeed,  "who  was  with  the 
His  people  in  the  wilderness  as  a  conqueror,  church  in  the  wiklernesV  (Acts,  7.  38.).  is 
before  whom  a  way  is  to  be  prepared,  or  the  Lord,  described  in  this  ideal  ascension. 
cast  up  cf.  Isa.  40. 3;  62. 10.) .  bv  his  name  J  AH  Hence  Paul  (Eph.  4.  8'  applies  this  language 
—or,  Jehovah,  of  which  it  is  a  contraction  to  describe  His  real  ascension,  when,  having 
(Ex  15.  3;  Isa.  12.  2,),  [Heb.].  name— or.  per-  conquered  sin,  death,  and  hell,  the  Lord  of 
fections  (Ps.  9.  10;  20.  1,),  which  5,  6.,  are  glory  triumphantly  entered  heaven,  attended 
illustrated  by  the  protection  to  the  helpless,  by  throngs  of  adoring  angels,  to  sit  on  the 
vindicat  on  of  the  innocent,  and  punishment  throne  and  wield  the  sceptre  of  an  eternal 
of  rebels,  ascribed  to  Him.  setteth  the  soli-  dominion.  The  phrase  —  rece.ved  gilts  lor 
tary  in  xamilies— Kf..  sdtkth  the  lonely  (as  [or  lit.,  among]  men— \s  by  Paul  'gave  gifts 
wanderers  at /iome.  Though  a  general  truth,  to  men."  Both  describe  the  acts  ot  a  con- 
there  is  perhaps  allusion  to  the  wandering  queror,  who  receives  and  distributes  spoils. 
400  "(i 


Godl^s  care  of  fTie  church. 


TSALM  LXIX. 


A  prayer  in  distress. 


11  The  Lord  gave  the  ivord;  <rreat  was 
the  "  comiiariy  of  those  that  published  it. 

12  Kiiiffs  of  armies  8  did  flee  apjice;  and 
she  that  tanied  at  home  divided  the  spoil. 

13  Thoiu-h  <i  ye  have  lien  among  the  pots, 
yet '  shall  ye  be  as  the  wings  of  a  do\e 
covered  with  silver,  and  her  feathers  with 
yellow  gold. 

_  14  When  the  Almighty  scattered  kings  9  in 
it,  it  wai  white  as  snow  in  Salmon. 

15  T!ie  hill  of  God  is  as  the  hill  of  Bashan; 
an^hii^h  hill,  as  the  hill  of  Bashan. 

10  Why  leap  ye,  ye  high  hills?  this  is  the 
hill  which  God  desiretn  to  dwell  in;  yea, 
the  Lord  will  dwell  in  it  for  ever. 

17  The /chariots  of  God  are  twenty  thou- 
sand, 10  even  thousands  of  angels:  the 
Lord  is  among  them,  aa  in  Sinai,  in  the 
holy  vlcKe. 

18  Thou  ^  hi^st  ascended  on  high,  "  thou 
hasfc  led  captivity  captive:  »  thou  hast 
received  gifts  n  lor  men;  yea,  for  i  the 
rebellious  also,  *that  the  Loed  God  might 
dwell  among  them. 

19  Blessed  be  the  Lord,  who  daily  loadeth 
ns  ^vith  benefits,  even  the  God  of  our  salva- 
tion.   Selah. 

20  He  that  is  our  God  is  the  God  of  sal- 
vation ;  and  J  unto  GoD  the  Lord  belong 
the  issues  from  death. 

21  But  God  shall  wound  the  head  of  his 
enemies,  and  the  hairy  scalp  of  such  an 
one  as  goeth  on  still  in  "his  trespasses. 

22  The  Lord  said,  I  will  bring  again  from 
Bashan ;  I  will  bring  my  peoptk  again  from 
the  depths  of  the  sea: 

23  That  thy  foot  may  be  12  dipped  in  the 
blood  of  thine  enemies,  and  the  tongue  of 
thy  dogs  in  the  same. 

24  They  have  seen  thy  goings,  0  God; 
even  the  goings  of  my  God,  my  King,  in 
the  sanctuary, 

25  The  singers  went  before,  the  players  on 
Instruments  followed  after;  among  them 
were  the  damsels  playing  with  timbrels. 

26  Bless  ye  God  in  the  congregations,  even 
the  Lord,  is  from  the  fountain  of  Israel. 

27  There  is  little  Benjamtn  with  their 
ruler,  the  princes  of  Jndah  i*  and  their 
council,  the  princes  of  Zebulun,  atwL  the 
princes  of  NaphtalL 

28  Thy  God  hath  commanded  thy  strength : 
strengthen,  0  God,  that  which  thou  hast 
wrought  for  us. 

29  Because  of  thy  temple  at  Jerusalem 
shall  "*  kings  bring  presents  unto  thee. 

30  Rebuke  16  the  company  of  spearmen, 
the  multitude  of  the  bulls,  with  the  calves 
of  the  people,  till  everyone  submit  himself 
with  pieces  of  silver:  16  scatter  thou  the 
people  that  delight  in  war. 

31  i'rinces  "  shall  come  oi:t  of  Egj^pt; 
Ethiopia  "  shall  soon  stretch  out  her  hands 
unto  God. 

32  Sing  unto  God,  ye  kingdoms  of  the 
earth;  0  sing  praises  imto  the  Lord; 
Se,lah: 

33  To  him  that  rideth  upon  the  heavens  of 
heavens,  which  tvere  of  old:  lo,  he  doth 
17  send  out  his  voice,  ajid  that  a  mighty 
voice. 

M  Ascribe  ye  strength  unto  God:  his  ex- 
cellency is  over  Israel,  and  his  strength  is 
in  the  w  clouds. 

35  O  God,  thov.  art  terrible  out  of  thy 
holy  places:  the  God  of  Israel  w  he  ^  that 
eiveth  strength  and  power  unto  his  people. 
Blessed  be  God. 

101 


PSAL5I   68. 

T  army. 


d  Pa.  SI.  5. 
e  Ps.  li>6.37. 

9  Or,  for  her, 
she  wa3. 

/  Deu.  o3.  2. 
2  Ki.  6.  17. 
Don.  7.  10. 
Heb.  12.  22. 

10  Or,  even 


£ph.  i.  8. 
ft  JuJg.  5. 


k  P».  78.  eo. 
(  Deu.  32  39. 
2  Cor.  1.10. 


Est 


.18. 


12  Or,  red. 

13  Or,  ye 
that  are 
of  the 
fountain. 
Deu.  33. 
23. 

14  Or.  with 

company. 
m  Is.  00.  IQ. 
16  Or,  the 

the  reeds, 
Jer.6L32. 

16  Or,  he 
«cattor- 
eth. 

n  Is.  19. 19. 

oZeph.  3.10. 

Acts  8.  27. 

17  give. 

18  Or, 
heavens. 

PZech.10.12. 


PSALM 


6  Is.  53.  3. 

John  1.  11. 

John  7.  6. 
0  John  2. 17. 
d  Rom.  15. 3. 
0  Jer.  2-i.  9. 
/  Job  ;iO.  9. 
4  drinkers  of 

drink. 
9  >a.  65.  6. 

2  Cor.  6.  2. 
6  make  haste 

to  hear  mo. 
ft  Ps.  22.  6. 

Heb.  12. 2. 

6  to  lament 
with  me. 

i  Mat.  27.34, 

48. 

Mark  15.23. 
;•  John  12.39. 

2  Cor.  3.14. 

7  their 
palace. 

8  let  there 
rot  be  a 
dweller. 

k  U.  63. «. 


PSALM  LXIX, 

1  David  complains  of  his  affiiction;  13  prayi  for 
deliverance  I  3>i  praises  Chd  with  thanksgiving. 
To  the  chief  Mu.sician  upon  Shoshannim,  A 

Psalm  of  David. 
QAVE  me,  O  God;  for  the  waters  are 
^  come  in  unto  mij  soul. 

2  I  sink  in  i  deep  mire,  where  there  is  no 
standing;  I  am  come  into  2  deep  waters, 
where  the  floods  overflow  me. 

3  I  am  weary  of  my  crying;  my  throat  is 
dried:  mine  eyes  fail  while  I  wait  for  my 
God. 

4  They  that "  hate  me  without  a  cause  are 
more  th.in  the  hairs  of  mine  head:  they 
that  would  destroy  me,  being  mine  ene- 
mies wrongfully,  are  mighty:  then  I  restored 
that  which  I  took  not  away. 

5  O  God,  thou  knowest  my  foolishness; 
aud-my  3  sins  are  not  hid  from  thee. 

6  Let  not  them  that  wait  on  thee,  0  Lord 
Gk)D  of  hosts,  be  ashamed  for  my  sake ;  let 
not  those  that  seek  thee  be  confounded  for 
my  sake,  O  God  of  Israel. 

7  Because  for  thy  sake  I  have  borne  re« 
proach ;  shame  hatn  covered  my  face. 

8  I  <>  am  become  a  stranger  unto  my 
brethren,  and  an  alien  unto  my  mother^ 
children. 

9  For  *  the  zeal  of  thine  house  hath  eaten 
me  up ;  <*  and  the  reproaches  of  them  that 
reproached  thee  are  fallen  upon  me. 

10  When  I  wept,  aiid  chastened  my  soul 
with  fasting,  that  was  to  my  reproach. 

11  I  made  sackcloth  also  my  garment  ; 
and  *  I  became  a  proverb  to  them. 

12  They  that  sit  m  the  gate  speak  against 
me ;  and  / 1  ivas  the  song  of  the  -  drunkards. 

lo  But  as  for  me,  ray  prayer  is  unto  thee, 
0  Lord,  "  in  an  acceptable  time:  0  God,  in 
the  multitude  of  thy  mercy  hear  me,  in  the 
truth  of  thy  salvation. 

14  Deliver  me  out  of  the  mire,  and  let 
me  not  sink :  let  me  be  delivered  from 
them  that  hate  me,  and  out  of  the  deep 
waters. 

15  Let  not  the  watei-flood  ovei-flow  me, 
neither  let  the  deep  swallow  me  up,  and 
let  not  the  pit  shut  lier  mouth  upon  me. 

16  Hear  me,  0  Lord;  for  thy  loviug-kind- 
ness  is  good:  tummitorae  according  to  the 
multitude  of  thy  tender  mercies. 

17  And  hide  not  thy  face  from  thy  sen'ant; 
for  I  am  in  trouble:  6  hear  me  speedily. 

18  Draw  nigh  unto  my  soul,  atid  redeem 
it:  deliver  me,  because  of  mine  enemies. 

19  Thou  hast  known  '>  my  reproach,  and 
my  shame,  and  my  dishonour:  mine  adver- 
saries are  all  before  thee. 

20  Reproach  hath  broken  my  heart,  and  I 
am  full  of  heaviness:  and  I  looked /or  soHia 
6  to  take  pit/y,  but  there  ivas  none;  and  for 
comforters,  but  I  found  none. 

21  They  gave  me  also  gall  for  my  meat; 
and  <  m  my  thirst  they  gave  me  vinegar  to 
drink. 

22  Let  their  table  become  a  snare  before 
them:  and  that  which  shouM  have  been  for 
their  welfare,  let  it  become  a  trap. 

23  Let  3  then-  eyes  be  darkened,  that  they 
see  not;  and  make  their  loins  continually 
to  shake. 

24  Bout  out  thine  indignation  upon  them, 
and  let  thy  \vrathful  anger  take  hold  of 
them. 

25  Let  f  their  habitation  be  desolate;  and 
8  let  none  dwell  in  their  tents. 

26  For  they  persecute  *  him  whom  then 

2  C* 


PSALM  LXIX. 


Prayer  in  BisWess. 


God's  Care  of  the  Chiirch. 
The  Psalmist  uses  "  receiviriff  ?i^  evincing  phetical  of  Christ  and  the  gospel  times. 


AI- 


Vhe  sr.ccess,  Tanl  "  gave"  as  the  act,  of  the  though  the  character,  in  which  the  Psalmist 
conqi;eror,  who,  having  subdued  his  enemies,  appears  to  some  in  v.  5,  is  tliat  of  a  sinner- 
proceeds  to  reward  his  friends.  Tlie  siiecial  yet  liis  condition  as  a  swi^erer  innocent  of 
application  of  the  passage  by  Paul  was  in  alleged  crimes  sustains  tlie  typical  character 
proof  of  Christ's  exaltation.  What  the  O  T.  of  the  composition,  and  it  may  be  tlierefore 
represents  of  His  descendmg  and  ascending  regarded  throughout,  as  the  2zd,  as  lypically 
corresponds  with  His  history.  He  who  de-  \  expressive  of  the  leelings  of  our  Saviour  iu 
sceiided  is  the  same  who  has  ascended.    As  '  the  flesh. 

then,  ascension  was  an  elemeait  of  Hisj  1,2.  iCf.  Ps.  40.  2.).  come  in  unto  my  soul- 
triumph,  so  is  it  now;  and  He,  who,  in  His  lit.,  come  even  to  iny  soul,  endanger  my  life 
humiliation,  must  be  recognised  as  our  i  by  drowning  (Jon.  2.  5.).  3.  iCf.  Ps.  li.  6.). 
vicarious  sacrifice  and  the  High  Priest  of  iniue  eyes  frfii— in  watching  (Ps.  119.82.).  4. 
our  profession,  must  also  be  adored  as  i  hate  me,  &c.— (of.  John,  15.  26.).  On  the  num- 
Head  of  His  Church  and  author  of  all  lier  ber  and  power  of  his  enemies  cf.  Ps.  40,  12. 
spiritual  benefits.  19-21.  God  daily  and  fully  ]  then  I  restored  ...  away  — i.e.,  he  suflered 
upplies  us.     The  issues  or  escapes  from  wrongfully  under  the  imputation  of  robljery. 

This  may  be  regarded  as  an  appeal,  vindi- 


.  jath  are  under  His  control,  who  is  the 
God  that  saves  us,  and  destroys  His  and  our 
enemies,  wound  the  iiead— or,  violently  de- 
stroy (Num.  24. 8;  Ps.  110.  0.1.  g(  eth  on  still  in 
..  .  trespasses— perseveringly  impenitent.  22. 
Former  examples  of  God's  deliverance  are 
generalised :  as  He  has  done  so  He  will  do. 
from  Bashan— the  farthest  region;  and— depths 


eating  his  innocence,  as  if  he  had  s;iiii,  "If 
sintul,  thou  knowest,"  &c.  Ihough  Dacida 
condition  as  a  svffirer  may  typi/y  Christ's, 
without  requiring  that  a  parallel  be  found 
in  character.  6.  for  my  sake— tit.,  in  me,  in 
my  coniusion  and  shame.  7-12.  This  plea 
contemplates  his  relation  to  God,  as  a  suf- 


of  the  sea— the  severest  afflictions.    Out  ofjferer   in    his   cause.     Reproach,   domestic 


all,  God  will  bring  them.  The  figures  of 
23  denote  the  completeness  of  the  conquest, 
not  implying  any  savage  cruelty  (cf.  2  Kl.  9. 
36;  Isa.  63.  1-6;  Jer.  15.  3.).  24  27.  The  tri- 
umphal procession,  after  the  deliverance,  is 
deuicted.  They  have  seen  —  impersonally, 
'■There  have  been  seen."  the  goings  of  my 
God— as  leading  the  procession,  the  ark,  the 
symbol  of  His  presence,  being  in  front.  The 
various  bands  of  music  (v.  25)  follow,  and 
all  who  are— from  [or  lit,  of]  tlie  fountain 
of  Israel— i.e.,  lineal  descendants  of  Jacob, 
are  invited  to  unite  in  the  doxology.  Then  by 
one  1  f  the  nearest  tribes,  one  of  the  most 
eminent,  and  two  of  the  most  remote,  are 
represented  the  whole  nation  of  Israel,  pass- 
ing forward  (Num.  7.).  28,  29.  Thanks 
for  the  past,  and  confident  prayer  for  the 
future,  victories  of  Zion  are  mingled  in  a 
song  of  praise,  thy  temple  at  [or  lit.,  over] 
Jerusalem— His  palace  or  residence  (Ps.  5. 7,', 
symbolised  His  protecting  presence  among 
Hisjieople,  and  hence  is  the  object  of  homage 
on  the  part  of  others.  30.  The  strongest 
nations  are  represented  by  the  strongest 
beasts  (cf.  Marg.].  31.  Princes  —  or  lit.. 
Fat  ones,  the  most  eminent  from  the  most 
wealthy,  and  the  most  distant  nation,  repre- 
sent the  universal  subjection,  stretch  out 
[or,  make  to  run]  her  hands— denoting  haste. 
32-36.  To  Him  who  is  presented  as  riding  in 
triumph  through  His  ancient  heavens  and 
proclaiming  His  presence— to  Him  who,  in 
nature,  and  still  more  in  the  wonders  of 
His  spiritual  government,  out  of  His  holy 
place  (Ps.  43.  3,),  is  terrible,  who  rules  His 
Church,  and,  by  His  Church,  rules  the  world 
in  righteousness— let  all  nations  and  king- 
doms give  honour  and  power  and  dominion 
evermore! 

PSALM  LXIX. 
Ver.  1-36.  Upon  Shoshannim—{cf.  Ps.  45. 
title.).  Mingling  the  language  of  prayer  and 
complaint,  the  sufferer,  whose  condition  is 
here  set  forth,  pleads  for  God's  help  as  one 
suffering  in  His  cause,  implores  the  divine 
retribu.tion  on  his  malicious  enemies,  and, 
viewing  his  deliverance  as  sure,  promises 
praise  by  himself,  and  others,  to  whom  God 
will  extend  like  blessings.  This  Psalm  is 
referred  to  seven  times  in  the  N.  T.  as  pro- 
401 


estrani:ement  (Mark.  3.  21;  John,  7.  6,;,  ex- 
liaustion  in  God's  service  (John,  2. 17,),  re- 
vilings  and  taimts  of  base  men  were  the  suf- 
ferings, wept,  (and  chastened)  my  soul— ^i^., 
wept  au-ay  my  soid,  a  strongly  figurative 
description  of  deep  grief,  sit  in  ti  e  gate — 
public  place  (Pro.  31.  31.).  13-15.  With  in- 
creasing reliance  on  God,  he  prays  for  help, 
describing  his  distress  in  the  figures  of  v.  1, 2. 
16-18.  These  earnest  terms  are  often  used, 
and  the  address  to  God,  as  indilierent  or 
averse,  is  found  in  Ps.  3.  7;  22.  24;  27.  9,  &c. 
19,  20.  Calling  God  to  witness  his  distress, 
he  presents  its  aggravation  produced  by  the 
want  of  sympathising  friends  iCf.  Isa.  63.  6; 
Mark,  14.  50.).  21.  Instead  of  such,  his  ene- 
mies increase  his  pain  by  giving  him  most 
distastelul  food  and  drink.  The  Psalu.ist 
may  have  thus  described  by  figure  what 
Christ  foimd  in  reality  cf.  John,  19.  29,  30.). 
22,  23.  With  unimportant  verbal  changes, 
this  language  is  used  by  Paul  to  describe  the 
rejection  of  the  Jews  who  refused  to  receive 
the  Saviour  (Kom.  11.  9,  10.).  The  purport 
of  the  figures  used  is,  that  blessings  shall 
become  curses,  the  table  of  joy  (as  one  of 
food)  a  snare,  their  welfare,  lik,  peaceful 
condition,  or  security,  a  trap.  Darkened 
eyes  and  failing  strength  complete  the  pic- 
ture of  the  ruin  falling  on  them  under  the 
invoked  retribution,  continually  to  shake— 
lit.,  to  stverve,  or,  bend,  in  weakness.  24,  25. 
An  utter  desolation  awaits  them.  They  will 
not  only  be  driven  from  their  homes,  but 
their  homes— or  lit.,  palaces,  indicative  of 
wealth— shall  be  desolate  (cf.  Mat.  23.  38.).  26. 
Though  -smitten  of  God  (Isa.  53. 4,!,  men  were 
liOt  less  guilty  in  persecuting  the  sufferer 
(Acts.  2.  23.).  talk  to  the  grief— in  respect 
to,  about  it,  implying  derision  and  taunts, 
wounded— or  lit.,  mortally  icounded.  27,  28. 
iniquity— or,  punishment  (Ps.  40. 12.).  come 
...  ligliteousness  — partake  of  its  benefits, 
book  of  the  living— or,  life,  with  the  next 
clause,  a  figurative  mode  of  representing 
those  saved,  as  having  their  names  in  a 
register  (cf.  Ex.  32.  32;  Isa.  4.  3.;,  29.  poor 
and  sorrowful— the  afflicted  pious,  often  de- 
noted by  such  terms  (ct.  Ps.  10.  17;  lii.  5.). 
set  me  .  .  .  high  —  out  of  danger.  SO,  31. 
Spiritual  are  better  than  mere  material 


A  prayer  for  ddiveranee 


PSALMS  LXX-LXXn. 


and  support  in  old  agt. 


hast  smitten;  and  they  talk  to  the  grief  of 
e  those  whom  thou  hast  wounded. 

27  Add  10  iniquity  unto  their  iniquity ; '  and 
let  them  not  come  into  thy  righteousness. 

28  Let  them  "»  be  blotted  out  of  the  book 
of  the  living,  "  and  not  be  written  with  the 
righteous. 

29  But  I  am  poor  and  sorrowful:  let  thy 
salvation.  O  God,  set  me  up  on  liigh. 

30  I  will  praise  the  name  of  God  with  a 
aoDg,  and  will  magnify  him  with  thanks- 
giving. 

31  This  also  shall  please  the  Lokd  better 
than  an  ox  or  bullock  that  hath  horns  and 
hoofs. 

32  The  11  humble  shall  see  this,  and  be 
glad:  and  your  heart  shall  live  that  seek 
God. 

33  For  the  Lobd  heareth  the  poor,  and 
despiseth  not  his  prisoners. 

34  Let  the  heaven  and  earth  praise  him, 
the  seas,  and  every  thing  that  w  moveth 
therein. 

35  For  "  God  will  save  Zion,  and  will  build 
the  cities  of  Judah;  that  they  may  dwell 
there,  and  have  it  in  possession. 

36  The  seed  also  of  his  servants  shall  in- 
herit it;  and  they  that  love  his  name  shall 
dwell  therein. 

PSALM  LXX. 
David  iolieits  Ood  to  the  tptedy  dtstruetion  of 

the  wicked,  and  preservation  of  the  godly. 
To  the  chief  Musician,  A  F»alm  of  David,  to 

bring  to  remembrance. 
JifAKE  haste,  0  God,  to  deliver  me; 
*^  make  haste  i  to  help  me,  0  Lord. 

2  Let  them  be  ashamed  and  confounded 
that  seek  alter  my  soul:  let  them  be  turned 
backward,  and  put  to  confusion,  that  desire 
my  hurt. 

3  Let  them  be  turned  back  fbr  a  reward 
of  their  shame  that  say,  Aha,  aha! 

4  Let "  aU  those  that  seek  thee  rejoice  and 
be  glad  in  thee:  and  let  such  as  love  thy 
salvation  say  continually.  Let  God  be  mag- 
nified. 

5  But  I  am  poor  and  needy;  make  haste 
mito  me,  0  God:  thou  art  my  help  and  my 
deliverer;  0  Lord,  make  no  tarrymg. 

PSALM  LXXL 

1  David,  in  eonfidenct  of  Ood'$  favour,  prays 

both  for  himself  arui  against  the  enemies  of  his 

scul  s   14  tie  promises  constancy;  17  prays  for 

support  in  old  aye. 

TN  thee,  0  Lobd,  do  I  put  my  trust;  let 
•*-  me  never  be  put  to  confusion. 

2  Deliver  me  in  thy  righteousness,  and 
cause  me  to  escape:  incline  thine  ear  onto 
me,  and  save  me. 

3 1  Be  thou  my  strong  habitation,  where- 
nnto  I  may  continually  resort:  thou  hast 
given  "  commandment  to  save  me ;  for  thou 
art  my  rock  and  my  fortress. 

4  Deliver  me,  0  my  God,  out  of  the  hand 
of  the  wicked:  out  of  the  hand  of  the  un- 
righteous and  cruel  man. 

5  For  thou  art  *  my  hope,  O  Lord  GrOD: 
thoxi.  art  my  trust  from  my  youth. 

6  By  *  thee  have  1  been  nolden  up  from 
the  womb:  thou  art  he  that  took  me  out 
of  my  mother's  bowels:  my  praise  shall  be 
continually  of  thee. 

7  1  <*  am  as  a  wonder  onto  many:  bat  thou 
art  my  strong  refuge. 

8  Let  my  mouth  be  filled  with  thy  praise 
and  with  thy  honour  all  the  day. 

9  Cast  me  notort'in  the  time  of  old  asre; 
forsake  me  not  when  my  strength  iailetb. 

4(ti 


PSALM  69. 
9  thy 


10  Or,  pun- 
iabmoot 
of  ini- 
quity. 

I  Rom.  9.  31. 

m  Ex.  32.32. 
PhU.  4.  3. 
Key.  3.  5. 
ReT.  13.8. 

n  Em.  1.39. 
Lu.  lU.  SO. 
Heb.  12. 
23. 

U  Or,  maek, 
or,  afflic- 
ted. 

12  creepeth. 

o  U.  44. 26. 


PSALU  70. 
1  to  my 

help. 

a  Is.  61. 10. 

Hab.  3. 17. 
Rom.  5.2. 
PhU.  3.  1. 
lPe.l.»-9. 


rock  of 
habiUtion. 
Pro.  18.10. 

0  P».  41.  4. 
6  Jer.  17.  7. 
e  P«.  22.  9. 

Is.  46.  3. 
d  Is,  8. 18. 
Zech.  3.  8. 
1  Cor.  4.9. 

2  iTKtch,  or, 

•  2  S».  n'.  1. 

M»t.  27. 1. 
fPs.  22.  11. 

Pj.  35.  22. 

Ps.  38.  21. 
g  Ps.  70. 1. 
h  Pi.  85.  4. 

P«.  40.  14. 

P».  70.  2. 
i  Pa.  35.  28. 
;•  Pi.  40.  6. 
k  Zech.  10. 

12. 

3  unto  old 
fcgeand 
grey  hairi. 

4  thine  arm. 

1  P..  67. 10. 
m  p,.  36.  lO, 

Ps.  86.  8. 
Pb.89.6,8. 

n  Ps.  60.  3. 

0  Hos.  6.  1. 

6  with  the 
instrument 
of  pbaltery, 

P  Is.  6U.  9. 

5  Ps.  103.  4. 


PSALM   72. 
1  Or,  of. 
a  U.  11.  2. 
Is.  32.  1. 
b  2  Sa.  23.  4. 

Bos.  6.  a 

e  Is.  2.  4. 
Dan.  2.  44 


(i£s.  23.31. 
Ps.  2.  8. 
Z«ch.8.10. 


10  For  mine  enemies  speak  against  me; 
and  they  that  2  lay  wait  for  my  soul « take 
counsel  together, 

11  Saying,  God  hath  forsaken  him:  per- 
secute and  take  him;  for  th^re  is  none  to 
deliver  him. 

12  O  /  God,  be  not  far  from  me:  0  my 
God,  I'  make  haste  for  my  help. 

13  Let ''  them  be  confounded  and  con- 
sumed that  are  adversaiies  to  my  soul;  let 
them  be  covered  ivith  reproach  and  dis- 
honour that  seek  my  hurt. 

14  But  I  will  hope  continually,  and  will 
yet  praise  thee  more  and  more. 

15  My  •  mouth  shall  show  forth  thy  righte- 
ousness and  thy  salvation  all  the  day;  for 
I J  kncyy  not  the  numbers  thereof. 

16  I  will  go  in  *  the  strength  ot  the  Lord 
God  :  I  will  make  mention  of  thy  righteous- 
ness, e«en  of  thine  only. 

17  0  God,  thou  hast  taught  me  from  my 
youth:  and  hitherto  have  I  declared  thy 
wondi-ous  works. 

18  Now  also  3  when  1  am  old  and  grey- 
headed, 0  God,  forsake  me  not,  until  I 
have  showed  *  thy  strength  unto  this  gen- 
eration,  and  thy  power  to  every  one  that  is 
to  come. 

19  Thy '  righteousness  also,  O  God,  i» 
vei-y  high,  who  hast  done  great  things:  "  0 
God,  who  is  like  unto  thee! 

20  Thau,  "  which  hast  showed  me  great 
and  sore  troubles, "  shalt  quicken  me  again, 
and  shalt  bring  me  up  again  from  the 
depths  of  the  earth. 

21  'J'hou  shalt  mcrease  my  greatness,  and 
comfort  me  on  every  side. 

22  I  wUl  also  praise  thee  6  with  the  psal- 
tery, even  thy  truth,  0  my  God:  unto  thee 
will  I  sing  with  the  harp,  0  thou  P  Holy 
One  of  Israel. 

23  My  lips  shall  greatly  rejoice  when  1 
sing  imto  thee  ;  and  9  my  soul,  which  thou 
hast  redeemed. 

24  My  tongue  also  shall  talk  of  thy  righte- 
ousness  aU  the  day  long:  for  they  are  con- 
founded, for  they  are  brought  unto  shame, 
that  seek  my  hurt. 

PSALM  LXXIL 
1  David,  praying  for  Solomon,  shows  the  good' 
ness  and  glory  of  his  kingdom  in  type,  and  of 
Christ's  in  truth:  18  he  blesses  Cfod. 
A  Psalm  1  for  Solomon. 
(?|.IVE  the  king  thy  judgments,  0  God, 
^-"  and  thy  righteousness  unto  the  king's 
son. 

2  He  shall "  judge  thy  people  with  righte- 
ousness, and  thy  poor  with  judgment. 

3  The  mountains  shall  bring  peace  to  the 
people,  and  the  little  hills.by  righteousness. 

4  lie  shall  judge  the  poor  of  the  people, 
he  shall  save  the  chijdren  of  the  needy,  and 
shall  break  in  pieces  the  oppressor. 

5  They  shall  rear  thee  as  long  as  the  sun 
and  moon  enduie,  throughout  all  generar- 
tions. 

6  He  '  bhall  come  down  like  rain  upon  the 
mo^vn  grass,  as  showers  that  water  the 
earth. 

7  In  his  days  shall  the  righteous  flourish; 
and '  abundance  of  peace  ^  so  long  as  the 
moon  endurcth. 

8  He  <*  shall  have  dominion  also  from  sea 
to  sea,  and  from  the  river  unto  the  ends  of 
the  eailh. 

9  They  that  dwell  in  the  wilderness  shall 
bow  before  him ;  and  his  enemies  shall  lick 

I  the  dust. 


Prayer  in  Old  Age. 


PSALMS  LXX-LXXn. 


Kingdom  of  the  Messiah. 


offerings  (Ps.  40.  6;  50.8;;  hence  a  promise  cent,  and  perpetual."    By  the  older  Jewish, 

of  the   former,  and  rather  contemptuous  and  most  modern  Christian  interpreters,  it 

terms  are  used  of  the  latter.    32,  33.  Others  has  been  referred  to  Christ,  whose  reign,  pre- 

shall   retoice.   Humble  and  poor,  as  v.  29.  sent  and  prospective,  alone  corresponds  with 

vourlieart,&c.— address  to  such  (cf.Ps.  22.26.).  its  statements.     As  the  imagery  ol  the  2d 

prisoners— peculiarly  liable  to  be  despised.  Psalm  was  drawn  from  the  martial  character 

34.-06.  The  call  on  the  universe  for  praise  is  of  David's  reign,  that  of  this  is  hv.m  the 

well  sustained  by  the  prediction  of  the  per-  peaceful  and  prosperous  state  of  Solomon's, 

petual  and  extended  blessings  which  shall  1.    Give  the  king.  <fec.— a  prayer  whit  h  is 

c<  me  upon  the   co\  enant  people  of  Cod.  equivalent  to  a  prediction,   judgments— the 

Though,  as  usual,  the  imagery  is  taken  from  ;  act.s,  and  (figuratively)  the  principles,  of  a 


terms  used  of  Palestine,  the  whole  tenor  of 
the  context  indicates  that  the  spiritual  pri- 
vileges and  blessings  of  the  Church  are 
meant. 

PSALM  LXX. 
Ver.  1:5.    This  corresponds  with  Ps.  40, 


right  governn.ent  (John.  5.  22;  9.  o9.!.  right- 
eousness—qualifications for  conductii'g  such 
a  government,  king's  son— same  person  as 
king— a  very  proper  title  for  Christ,  as  such 
in  btith  natures.  2,  &c.  The  effects  of  such 
a  government  by  one  thus  endowed  are  de- 


13-17  with  a  very  few  variations,  as  "turn  |  tailed,    tkv  people  . . .  and  thy  poor— or,  meek, 
back"  [V.3]  for  "desolate,"  and  "make  haste  1  the  pious  subjects  of  his  government.    3.  As 


unto  me"  (v.  5)  for  "thinketh  upon  me."  It 
forms  a  suitable  appendix  to  the  preceding, 
and  is  called  "a  Psalm  to  bring  to  remem- 
brance," as  the  38th, 

PSALM  LXXI. 
Ver.  1-24.  The  Psalmist,  probably  in  old  age, 
appeals  to  Cod  for  help  from  his  enemies-, 
pleading  his  past  favours,  and  stating  his 
present  need,  and,  in  confidence  of  a  hearing, 
promises  his  grateful  thanks  and  praise, 
1-3.  ,Cf.  Ps.  30.  1-3.).   rock  .  . .  fortress— (Ps 


mountains  and  Idlls  are  not  u.^ually  pro- 
ductive, they  are  here  selected  to  show  the 
abundance  of  peace,  being  represented  as — 
bringing— or  lit.,  heariug  it  as  a  iiroduce.  by 
righieousness— i.e..  by  means  of  his  eminently 
just  and  good  methods  of  ruling.  4.  That 
peace,  including  prosperity,  as  an  eminent 
characteristic  of  Christ's  reign  (Isa.  2.  4; 
9.  6;  11.  9,),  will  be  illustrated  in  the  security 
provided  for  the  helpless  and  needy,  and  the 
punishment  inflicted  on  oppressors,  whose 


18. 2.).  given  commandment— Zi^.,  ordained,  as  power  to  injure  or  mar  the  peace  of  others 


Ps.  44.  4;  68.  28.  4,  5.  cruel  man— corrupt  and 
ill-natured— Ki.,  sour,  trust— place  of  trust. 
6-9.  His  history  from  early  infancy  illustrated 
God's  care,  and  his  wonderful  deliverances 
were  at  once  occasions  of  praise  and  ground 
of  confidence  for  the  future,  my  praise  .  . . 
of  X.\\tQ—lit.,  in,  or,  ly  thee  (Ps.  22. 25.).  10, 11. 
The  craft  and  malicious  taunts  of  his  ene- 
mies now  led  him  to  call  for  aid  (cf.  on  the 
terms  used,  2  :?am.  17.  12;  Ps.  3.  2;  7.  2.).  12. 
(Cf.  Ps.  22. 19;  40.4.1.  13.  (Ci.  Ps.  35.  4;  40. 14.). 
14-16.  The  ruin  of  his  enemies,  as  illustrating 
God's  faithfulness,  is  his  deliverance,  and  a 
reason  for  future  confidence,  for  I  know  . . . 
thereoi— innumerable,  as  he  had  not  time  to 
count  them,  in  the  strength,  &c.— or,  relying 
on  it.'  tliy  righteousness— or,  faithful  perform- 
ance of  promises  to  the  pious  (Ps,  7. 17;  31. 1.). 
17-21.  Past  experience  again  encourages, 
taught  me,  (fee. —by  providential  dealings. 
is  very  high— distinguished  (Ps.  ae.  5;  Isa.  60. 
9.).  depths  of  the  eartii— debased,  low  condi- 
tion, increase.  &c.— i.e.,  the  great  things  done 
for  me  {v.  19,),  (cf.  Ps.  40.  5.).  22-24.  lo  the 
occasions  of  praise,  he  now  adds  the  promise 
to  render  it.  will .  . .  praise— Zii.,  will  thank. 
even  thy  truth— as  to  thy  truth  or  faithful- 
ness. 

PSALM  LXXn. 
Ver.  1-19.  For,  or  lit.,  of  Solomon.  The 
closing  verse  rather  relates  to  the  2d  book  of 
Psalms,  of  which  this  is  the  last,  and  was 
perhaps  added  by  some  collector,  to  intimate 
that  the  collection,  to  which,  as  chief  author, 
David's  name  was  appended,  was  closed.  In 
this  view,  there  may  consistently  be  the  pro- 
ductions of  others  included,  as  of  Asaph, 
Sons  of  Korah.  and  Solomon;  and  a  few  of 
David's  may  be  placed  in  the  latter  series. 
The  fact,  that  here  the  usual  mode  of  denot- 
ing authorship  is  used,  is  strongly  conclusive 
that  Soloiiion  was  the  author,  especially  as 
no  stronger  objection  appears  than  what  has 
been  now  set  aside.  The  Psalm,  in  highly 
wrouglit  figurative  style,  describes  the  reign 
01  a  king,  as  ''righteous,  universal,  benefi.- 
402 


will  be  destroyed  icf.  Isa.  65.  25;  Zech.  9.  10.). 
children  01  the  needy— for  the  needy  (cf.  sons 
of  strangers,  Ps.  18.  45.).  5.  as  long  as  . .  . 
eadure—lit,  with  the  sun,  coeval  with  its  ex- 
istence, and  before,  or,  in  presence  of  the 
moon,  while  it  lasts  (cf.  Gen.  11.  28,  before 
Terah,  lit ,  in  presence  of,  whUe  he  lived.). 
6.  A  beautiful  figure  expresses  the  grateful 
nature  of  His  influence;  7.,  and,  carrying 
out  the  figure,  the  re.sults  are  described  in 
an  abundant  production,  the  righteous— ^if., 
rigliteousness.  flourisli— iii.,  sprout,  or,  spring 
forth.  8.  The  foreign  nations  mentioned  {v. 
9.  10)  could  not  be  included  in  the  limits, 
if  designed  to  indicate  the  boundaries  of 
Solomon's  kingdom.  The  terms,  though  de- 
rived from  those  used  lEx.  23.  31;  Deut.  11. 
24)  to  denote  the  possessions  of  Israel,  must 
have  a  wider  sense.  Thus,  "ends  of  the 
earth"  is  never  used  of  Palestine,  but  always 
of  the  world  (cf.  Marg.).  9-11.  The  extent 
of  the  conquests.  Ti.ey  that  dwell  in  the 
wilderness  — the  wild  untutored  tribes  of 
deserts,  bow  .  . .  dust— in  profound  submis- 
sion. The  remotest  and  wealtluest  nations 
shall  acknowledge  him  (cf.  Ps.  45. 12.\  12-14. 
These  are  not  the  conquests  of  arms,  but  the 
influences  of  humane  and  peaceful  principles 
(cf.Isa.  9.  7;  11. 1-9;  Zech.  9.  9,  10.).  15.  In  his 
prokmged  life,  he  will  continue  to  receive 
the  honourable  gifts  of  the  rich,  and  the 

grayers  of  his  people  shall  be  made  for 
im,  and  their  praises  given  to  liini.  16. 
The  spiritual  blessings,  as  often  in  Scrip- 
ture, are  set  forth  by  material,  the  abun- 
dance of  which  is  described  by  a  figure,  in 
which  a  handful  (or  lit.,  a  piece,  or  small 
portion)  of  corn  in  the  most  unpropitious 
locality,  shall  produce  a  crop,  waving  in  the 
wind  in  its  luxuriant  growth,  Uke  the  forests 
of  Lebanon,  thev  of  the  city  .  . .  earth— This 
clause  denotes  the  rapid  and  abundant  in- 
crease of  population— of  [or,/roTOj  the  city- 
Jerusalem,  the  centre  and  seat  of  the  typical 
kingdom,  flourish— or,  glitter  as  new  grass 
— i.e.,  bloom.    This  increase  corresponds 


TJi6  h>.ngaom,  of  Messiah. PSALMS  LXXIII,  LXXIV.  Tht  desolatum  of  the  smetiiary. 


10  Tbp  *  kings  of  Tarshish  and  of  the  isles 
Bhall  bnue  presents:  the  kings  of  Sheba  and 
Seba  shall  offer  gifts 

11  Yea,  all  kings  shall  fall  down  before 
him-  all  nations  shall  serve  him. 

12  For  he  shall  deliver  the  needy  when  he 
crieth;  the  poor  also,  and  him  that  hath 
no  helper. 

13  He  shall  spare  the  poor  and  needy,  and 
shall  save  the  souls  of  the  needy. 

14  He  shaU  redeem  their  soul  from  de- 
ceit and  violence:  and  precious  shall  their 
blood  be  in  his  sight, 

15  And  he  shall  five,  and  to  him  3  shall  be 
given  of  the  gold  of  Sheba:/ prayer  also 
shall  be  made  for  him  continually;  and 
daily  shall  he  be  praised. 

16  There  shall  be  an  handful  of  com  in 
the  earth  upon  the  top  of  the  mountains; 
the  fruit  thereof  shall  shake  like  Lebanon: 
and  ^  they  of  the  city  shall  flourish  like 
grass  of  tiie  earth. 

17  His  name  *  shall  endure  for  ever:  6  his 
name  shall  be  continued  as  Ions;  as  the  sun: 
and '» men  shall  be  blessed  in  him:  ♦  all  na- 
tions shall  call  him  blessed. 

18  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God,  the  God  of 
Israel,  who  only  doeth  wondrous  things. 

19  And  blessed  be  his  glorious  name  for 
ever:  and  let  the  whole  earth  be  filled  witA 
his  glory.    Amen,  and  Amen. 

20  The  prayers  of  David  the  son  of  Jesse 
are  ended. 

PSALM  LXXIIL 
I  The  prophet,  prevailing  in  a  temptation,  2  shows 
the  occasion  thereof:  15  the  victory  over  it,  know- 
ledge of  God's  purpose. 

A  Psalm  1  of  Asaph. 
'TRULY  2  God  is  good  to  Israel,  even  to 
■*•   such  as  are  3  of  a  clean  heart. 

2  But  as  for  me,  my  feet  were  almost  gone ; 
my  steps  had  well  nigh  slipped. 

3  For  I  was  en\ious  at  the  foolish,  when  I 
saw  the  prosperity  of  the  wicked. 

4  For  there  are  no  bands  in  their  death; 
but  their  strength  is  *  firm. 

6  They  are  not  &  in  trouble  as  other  men; 
neither  are  they  plagued  6  like  otJier  men. 

6  Therefore"  pride  conipasseth  them  about 
as  a  chain;  violence  covereth  them  as  a 
garment. 

7  Their  eyes  stand  out  with  fatness:  T  they 
have  more  than  heart  could  wish. 

8  They  are  conupt,  and  speak  wickedly 
concerning  oppression:  they  6  speak  loftily. 

9  They  set  their  mouth  *  against  the 
heavens :  and  their  tongue  walketh  through 
the  earth. 

10  Therefore  his  people  return  hither;  and 
waters  of  a  full  cup  are  wrung  out  to 
them. 

11  And  they  say,  ^  How  doth  God  know? 
and  is  there  knowledge  in  the  Most  High? 

12  Behold,  these  are  the  ungodly,  who 
prosper  in  the  world;  they  increase  in 
riches. 

13  Verily  I  have  cleansed  my  heart  in  vain, 
and  *  washed  my  hands  in  innocency. 

14  For  all  the  day  long  have  I  been 
plagued,  and  8  chastened  every  morning. 

15  If  I  say,  I  will  speak  thus;  behold,  I 
should  oflfend  against  the  generation  of  thy 
children. 

16  When  / 1  thought  to  know  this,  9  it  was 
too  painful  for  me, 

17  Until "  I  went  into  the  sanctuary  of 
God^  then  understood  I  their  end. 

18  burely  thou  didst  set  them  in  slippery 

4j3 


PSALM   72. 
•  Is.  49.  7. 
8  oneihaU 

giTO. 

/  Mat.  6.  10. 

fflKi.  4.20. 

4  shall  be. 
Ps.  89.  36. 

6  ihaU  be  a> 
s  eon  to 
coBtiDue 
his  fa- 
ther's 
name  for 
ever. 

h  Gen.  12. 3. 
Jer.  4.  2. 

<  Ln.  1.  4B. 


PSALM    73. 

1  Or,  for. 

2  Or,  Tet. 
S  clean  of 

heart. 

4  fet. 

5  in  the 
trouble  of 
other  men. 

6  with. 

o  Ecol.  8.11. 

7  they  pass 


6  2  Pet.  2.18. 

Jtide  16. 
e  Kev.  13. 6. 
d  Job  22.  13. 

Ps.  94.  7. 
e  Ps.  26.  6. 
8  my  chas- 


was. 
/Eccl.8.  17. 

9  it  was 
labour  in 
mine  eyes. 

g  Pa.  77.  13. 

10  I  knew 

11  with  thee. 
h  Is.  58.  8. 

i  John  14.  3. 

2  Cor.  5.  1. 

2  Tim.  4.  8. 
j  PhU.  3.  8. 
k  Ps.  84.  a. 

12  rock. 
iHeb.10.22. 


PSALM   74. 

1  Or,  A 
Psalm  for 
Asaph  to 
give  in- 
struction. 

O  Ps.  95.  7. 
Ps.  100.  3. 

2  Or,  tribe. 
Deu.  32.9. 
Jer.  10. 16. 

6  Dan.  6.  27. 

3  They  have 
sent  thy 
sanctuary 
into  the 
fire. 

e  Ps.  83.  4. 

4  break. 

d  1  Ss.  3.  1. 
»  Ps.  44.  4. 
6  break. 
/ 1..  61.  9. 

6  Or,  whales. 
g  Nu.  14.  9. 
h  P«.  72.  9. 
i  Josh.  3. 13. 

7  rivers  of 
ttrength. 


places:  thou  castedst  them  down  into  de- 
struction. 

19  How  are  they  brought  into  desolation, 
as  in  a  moment!  they  are  utterly  consumed 
with  terrors. 

20  As  a  dream  when  one  awaketh;  so,  O 
Lord,  when  thou  awakest,  thou  shalt  de- 
spise their  image. 

21  Thus  my  heart  was  grieved,  and  I  was 
pricked  in  my  reins. 

22  So  foolish  was  I,  and  i"  ignorant:  I 
was  as  a  beast  n  before  thee. 

23  Nevertheless  I  am  continually  mth 
thee:  thou  hast  holdeu  me  by  my  right 
hand. 

24  Thou  ^  shalt  guide  me  with  thy  coun- 
sel,  and » afterward  receive  me  to  glory. 

25  Whom  J  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee?  and 
there  is  none  upon  eai'th  that  1  desire  be- 
sides thee. 

26  My* flesh  and  my  heart  faileth:  but 
God  is  the  12  strength  of  my  heart,  and  my 
portion  for  ever. 

27  For,  lo,  they  that  are  far  from  thee 
shall  perish:  thou  hast  destroyed  all  them 
that  go  awhoring  from  thee. 

28  But  it  is  good  for  me  to  *  draw  near  to 
God:  I  have  put  my  trust  in  the  Lord  God, 
that  I  may  declare  all  thv  works. 

PSALM  LXXIV. 
1  The  prophet  complains  of  the  desolation  of  fA« 
sanctuary :    10  he  moves  Ood  to  help,  in  con- 
sideration of  his  power,  and  of  his  covenant. 
1  Mascliil  of  Asaph. 
0  GOD,  why  hast  thou  cast  us  off  for 
^^  ever?   why  doth  thine  anger  smoke 
against  "  the  sheep  of  thy  pastui-e? 

2  Remember  thy  congregation,  which  thou 
hast  pmchased  of  old ;  the  2  rod  of  thine 
inheritance,  which  thou  hast  redeemed; 
this  mount  Zion,  wherein  thou  hast  dwelt. 

3  Lift  up  thy  feet  unto  the  perpetual  de- 
solations, even  all  that  the  enemy  hath 
done  wickedly  in  the  sanctuary.  _ 

4  Thine  enemies  roar  in  the  midst  of  thy 
congregations;* they  set  up  their  ensigns 
for  signs. 

5  A  ma7i  was  famous  according  as  he  had 
lifted  up  axes  upon  the  thick  trees. 

6  But  now  they  break  down  the  carved 
work  thereof  at  once  with  axes  and  ham- 
mers. 

7  3  They  have  cast  fire  into  thy  sanctuary; 
they  have  defiled  by  casting  down  the 
dwelling  place  of  thy  name  to  the  ground. 

8  They  '  said  in  their  hearts.  Let  us  *  de- 
stroy them  together:  they  have  burnt  up 
all  the  synagogues  of  God  in  the  land. 

9  We  see  not  oui- signs:  <*  there  is  no  more 
any  prophet:  neither  is  tliere  among  us  any 
that  knoweth  how  long. 

10  0  God,  how  long  shall  the  adversary 
reproach?  shall  the  enemy  blaspheme  thy 
name  for  ever? 

11  Why  withdrawest  thou  thy  hand,  even 
thy  right  hand?  pluck  it  out  of  thy  bosom. 

12  For  *  God  is  my  King  of  old,  working 
salvation  in  the  midst  of  the  earth. 

13  Thou  didst  6  divide  the  sea  by  thy 
strength: /thou  brakest  the  heads  of  the 
6  dragons  in  the  waters. 

14  Then  brakest  the  heads  of  leviathan  in 
pieces,  and  gavest  him  "to  be  meat /i  to  the 
people  inhabiting  the  wilderness. 

15  Ihou  didst  cleave  the  fountain  and  the 
flood: » thou  driedst  up  l  mighty  rivers. 

16  Tlie  day  is  thine,  the  night  also  is  thine; 
thou  hast  prepared  the  light  and  the  sun. 


Ruin  of  the  Ungodly. PSAMIS  LXXin,  LXXIV^  Desolation  of  the  Sanctuary, 

■with  the  increased  productiveness.  So,  as  take  for  {me)  (ilory  (cf.  Ps.  08.  18;  Eph  4  8  1 
tne  gospel  blessings  are  dift'used,  there  shall  25,  26.  Ood  is  his  only  satisfying  !,ood 
arise  increasing  recipients  of  them,  out  of  strength— Zi^.,  rock  (Ps.  18.  g.).  pori.on— (i^s. 
the  Church  in  which  Christ  resides  as  head,  1 16.  5;  Lam.  3.  24.).  27.  28.  The  lot  of  apos- 
17.  His  name  — or,  glorious  perfections,    as  tates  described  by  a  figure  of  frequent  use 

long  as  the  sun  — (ci.  v.  5.J.  "       -■      -    ■■     •-  .  . 

blessed— (Gen.  12.  8;  18.  18.'. 
words  close  the  Psalm  in  tirms  consistent 
with  the  style  of  the  context,  vvlule  20.  is 
evidently,  from  its  prosaic  style,  an  adfUtiou 
for  the  purpose  above  explained.  enaeA—lit., 
finislud,  or  completed:  the  word  never  de- 
notes fulfilment,  except  in  a  very  late  usage, 
as  Ezra,  1.  l;  Dan.  12.  7. 

PSALM  LXXIII. 
Ver.  1-28.    Of  Ami>h—{c{.  Intr.}.    God  is 


men  shall  be  !  (Jer.  3.  1-3;  Ez.  2S.  35.1,  is  con'rasied  v.  i th  h 
18,  19.  These  who  finds  happiness  innearness  mCod  Jam. 
4.  8,).  and  his  delightful  v.ork  the  declaration 
of  His  praise. 

PSALM  LXXIV. 
Ver.  1-23.  If  the  historical  allusions  of  v. 
6-8,  (&c.  be  referred,  as  is  probable,  to  tlie 
period  of  the  captivity,  the  author  was  pro- 
bably a  de.«cendant  and  namesake  of  Asai.h, 
David's  c  temporary  and.  sinter  (cf  2  Chr. 

.     .     ^.         ,  .,      -     35. 1;.;  Ezra,  2.  41.).    He  complains  of  God's 

good  to  His  peoj)le.  lor  although  the  pros- 1  desertion  of  his  church,  and  appeals  for  aid, 
pericy  of  the  wicked,  and  the  afflictions  of ;  encouraging  himself  by  recounlinit  son  e  of 
the  righteous,  tempted  the  isalmist  to  mis- 1  God's  mighty  deeds,  and  ur^^es  his  iirayer  on 


and  fearful  ruin  of  the  xw 


inc,  yei 
;:;odly. 


liuht  of  G(.d's  revelation,  re-assiiies  his  heart, 
and,  chiding  himself  for  his  folly,  he  is  led 


seen  in  the  i  people,  and  the  wickedness  of  his  and  their 


common  enemy. 


1.  cast . 


to  confide  renevvedly  in  God,  and  celebrates  i  2;  44.  9.). 


His  goodness  and  love 


I  implied. 


.  oil— with  abhorence  cf.  Ps.  43. 
There  is  no  disavowal  of  guilt 
The  figure  of  fire  to  denote  God's 


1.  The  abrupt  announcement  of  the  them*  I  anger  is  often  used:  and  here,  and  Deut.  29. 
indicates  that  it  is  the  conclusion  of  a  per- j  20,  by  the  word  "smoke,"  suggests  its  con- 
plexing  mental  conflict,  which  is  then  de-  tinuance.  sheep  . . .  pasture— icf.  Ps.80.  l;  95. 
tailed  (cf.  Jer.  12.  1-4.).  Truly— or.  Surely  it  I  7.).  2.  The  terms  to  denote  God's  relation  to 
is  so.  cleau  heart— iPs.  18.  26  describes  the  j  His  people  increase  in  force:  "congregation" 
true  Israel.  2.  The  figures  express  his  I —"  purchased"— "xedeemed"  —  "  2;ion."  His 
wavering  faith,  by  terms  denoting  tottering  i  dwelling.  3.  Lift .  .  .  feet— (Gen.  2y.  l)— i.e. 
and  weakness  (cf.  Ps.  22.  5;  62.  3.).  3-9.  The  i  Come  (to  behold  the  desolations  iPs.  73.  19.). 
prosperous  wicked  are  insolently  proud  (cf.  1  4.  roar— with  bestial  fury,  congiegaaoris— K^., 
Ps.  6.  5.  .  They  die,  as  well  as  live,  free  from  worshipidng  assemblies,  ensigus— Wi.,  signs, 
perplexities:  pride  adorns  them,  and  vie-  substituted  their  idolatrous  objects,  or 
lence  is  tlieir  clothing;  indeed  they  are  in-  tokens  of  authority,  for  those  articles  of  the 
fl9,ted  with  unexpected  success.  With  all  temple  which  denoted  God's  presence.  5,  6. 
this  —  they  are  corrupt— or  lit.,  they  deride.  Though  some  terms  and  clauses  here  are 
they  speak  maliciously  and  arrogantly,  and  j  very  obscure,  the  general  sense  is,  that  the 
invade  even  heaven  v.ith  blasphemy  iliev.  |  spoilers  destroyed  the  beauties  of  the  temple 
13.  6,),  and  cover  earth  with  slanders  (Job,  21.   with  the  violence  of  woodmen,    was  fc.mous 


-14.).    10-13.  Hence  God's  people  are  con- 
founded, turned  hither  (or  back  and  thither. 


moils 

lit.,  was  known,    carved  work— (l  Ki.  6. 29.). 

thereof— i.e.,  of  the  temple,  in  the  writei-'s 


perplexed  v.ith  doubts  of  God's  knowledi;e  mind,  though  not  expressed  till  i;.  7,  in  which 
and  care,  ami  filled  with  sorrow,  prosper  in  its  utter  destruction  by  fire  is  mentioned 
the  world— Zii.,  secure  for  ever.  13, 14.  The  I  (2  Ki.  25.  9;  Isa.  64. 11.),  defiled— or,  profaned. 
Psalmist,  partaking  of  these  troubles,  is  j  as  Ps.  s9.  39.  8.  together— ai  once,  all  alike, 
especially  disturbed  in  view  of  his  own  case,  I  synagogues  —  lit,  assemblies,  for  places  of 
thatwithallhisdiligentefiortsfor  a  holy  life,  I  assembly,  whether  such  as  schools  of  the 
he  is  still  sorely  tried.    15.  Freed  from  idio- 1  prophets  (2  Ki.  4.  23,),  or  .synagogues  in  the 


matic  phrases  this  verse  expresses  a  sup- 
position, as,  "Had  I  thus  spoken,  I  should," 
intimating  that  he  had  kept  his  troubles 


usual  sense,  there  is  much  doubt,    y.  signs 

—of  God's  presence,  as  altar,  ark,  (fee.  (cf.  v. 

4;  2  Chr.  36.  18, 19;  Dan.  5.  2.).    no  more  any 

to  himself,    generation  of  thy  children- thy  [prophet- 'Isa.  3.  2;  Jer.  40.  1;  43.  6.).    how 


people  [1  John,  3.  1.).  offend— /ii.,  deceive 
mislead.  16,  17.  Still  he  —  thougiit  —  lit., 
studiecl.or,  pondered  this  riddle;  but  in  vain: 
it  remained  a  toil  [ci.Marg.].  till  he— went 
into  the  sanctuary- to  inquire  icf.  Ex.  25.  22; 
Ps.  5.  7;  27.  4.'.  18-20.  Their  end,  or,  future 
(Ps.  37.  37,  38,),  which  is  dismal  and  terribly 
sudden  (Pro.  1.  27;  29.  l,j,  aggravated  and 
hastened  by  terror.  As  one  despises  an 
unsubstantial  dream,  so  God,  waking  up  to 
judgment  (Ps.  7.  6;  44.  23,),  despises  their 
vain  shadow  of  happiness  (Ps.  39.  6;  Isa.  29. 


long  — this  is  to  last.  Jeremiah's  propliecy 
(25.  11,1,  if  published,  may  not  have  been 
generally  known  or  understood.  To  the  bulk 
of  the  people,  during  the  captivity,  the  occa- 
sional and  local  proi^hetical  services  of  Jere- 
ndah,  Ezekiel,  and  Daniel,  would  not  make 
an  exception  to  the  clause,  "  there  is  no  more 
aity  yropliet."  10.  (Cf.  Ps.  31. 1.  .  how  loiig . , . 
reproach— us  as  deserted  of  God.  blaspheme 
thy  name— or,  perfections,  as  power,  goodness, 
&c.  (Ps.  29.  'Z...  11.  Why  cease  to  help  us  J 
(Cf.  Is.  .i.  7;  7.  6;  60,  5.).    12.  For— lit,  A  ud,  in 


They  are  thrown  into  ruins  as  a  building  j  an  adversative  sense.  ,,13-15.  Examples  of 


falling  to  pieces  (Ps.  74 
fesses  how— fo'ilisu- K^, 


3.'.    21,22.  He  con 
stupid,  and— igno 


the 


■  salvation  wrought"  are  cited,  d  Vide  the 
,Redsea.  brakest.,  .waters— Pharaoh 


ra.at—lit..  not  discerning,  had  been  his  course  !  and  his  host  (cf.  Isa.  51.  9, 10;  Ez.  29.  3,  4.) 


of  thought,  before  fiiee— lit.,  luith  thee,  in 
conduct  respecting  thee.  23.  Still  he  was 
'I'-ith  God,  as  a  dependent  beneficiary,  and  so 
kept  from  falling  Iv.  2.).  24.  All  doubts  are 
silenced  in  confidence  of  divine  guidance 
and  future  glory,  receive  me  to  gfory— iif,, 
403 


heads  of  Itviatlian- the  word  is  a  collective, 
and  so  used  for  many,  the  people  .  .  .  wilder- 
ness—  i.e.,  wild  beasts,  as  conies  (Pro.  30, 
25,  2(i,),  are  called  a  people.  Others  take  the 
passages  literally,  that  the  sea  monsters 
thrown  out  on  diy  laud  were  food  for  tka 


fhvemment  of  God. 


PSALMS  LXXV-LXXYin.      God's  greatness  and  majesfy. 


17  Tkou  hast  >  set  all  the  horrlers  of  the 
earth:  thou  hast  8  made  t-"--    lt  aiidniriter. 

18  Remember  *  tms,  tluil  lue  enemy  liath 
reproached,  0  Lord,  and  that  the  foolish 
people  have  blasphemed  thy  name. 

19  0  deliver  not  the  soul  of  thy  turtle- 
dove unto  the  multitude  of  the  wicked: 
forget  not  the  congregation  of  thy  poor  for 
ever. 

20  Have  "*  respect  unto  the  covenant:  for 
^he  dark  places  of  the  earth  are  full  of  the 
habitations  of  cruelty. 

21  O  let  not  the  "  oppressed  return 
ashamed:  let  the  poor  and  needy  praise 
thy  name. 

22  Arise,  O  God,  plead  thine  own  cause: 
remember  how  the  foolish  man  "  reproach- 
eth  thee  daily. 

23  Forget  not  the  voice  of  thine  enemies: 
the  tumult  of  those  that  rise  up  against 
thee  ^  increaseth  contiimally. 

PSALxM  LXXV. 
1  The  prophet  praises   God,   4  and  relnCkes  the 
proud  by  the  cmisideration  of  Ood's  superin- 
tending providence. 
To  the  chief  Musician,  1  Al-taschith,  A  Psabn 

or  Song  2  of  Asaph. 
TTNTO  thee,  0  God,  do  we  give  thanks, 
^  unto  thee  do  we  give  thanks:  for  that  thy 
name  is  near  thy  wondrous  works  dci-kre. 

2  When  I  shall  3  receive  the  congregation 
I  will  judge  uprightly. 

3  The  earth  and  all  the  inhabitants  thereof 
are  dissolved:  I  *  bear  up  the  pillars  of  it. 
Selah. 

4  I  said  unto  the  fools,  Deal  not  foolishly; 
and  to  the  wicked.  Lift  not  up  the  horn: 

5  Lift  not  up  your  horn  on  liigh:  speak 
not  with  a  stiff  neck. 

6  For  promotion  cometh  neither  from  the 
east.nor  from  the  west, nor  from  the  *  south. 

7  But  God  is  the  judge:  *  he  putteth  down 
one,  and  setteth  up  another. 

8  For  m  the  hand  of  the  Lokd  there  is  a 
cup,  and  the  wine  is  red ;  it  is  full  of  mix- 
ture; and  he  poureth  out  of  the  same:  but 
the  dregs  thereof,  all  the  wicked  of  the 
earth  shall  wring  them  out,  and  drink  them. 

9  Bat  1  will  declare  for  ever;  I  wi]l  sing 
praises  to  the  God  of  Jacob. 

10  All  the  horns  of  the  wicked  also  will  I 
cut  off:  hut  the  horns  of  the  righteous  shall 
be  exalted. 

PSALM  LXXVI. 
1  A  declaration  of  Ood's  majesty  in  tfieehureh: 

11  an  exhortation  to  terve  him  reverently. 

Id  the  chief  Musician  on  Neginoth,  A  Esahn 

or  Song  1  of  Asaph. 

TN  Judah  is  God  known ;  his  name  is  great 
■■■  in  Israel. 

2  In  Salem  also  is  his  tabernacle,  and  his 
dwelling  place  in  Zion. 

3  There  "  brake  he  the  arrows  of  the  bow, 
the  shield,  and  the  sword,  and  the  battle. 
Selah. 

4  Thou  art  more  glorious  and  excellent 
than  i>  the  mountains  of  prey. 

6  The "  stout-hearted  are  spoiled,  <*  they 
have  slept  their  sleep ;  and  none  of  tne  men 
of  might  have  found  their  hands. 

6  At '  thy  rebuke,  O  God  of  Jacob,  both 
the  chaiiot  and  horse  are  cast  into  a  dead 
Bleep. 

7  Thou,  even  thou,  art  to  be  feared:  and 
who /may  stand  in  thy  sight  when  once 
thou  art  angry? 

8  Thou  didst  cause  judgment  to  be  heard 
from  heaven ;  the  earth  leared,aad  was  still, 

401 


PSALM  74. 
}  Acts  17.26. 

8  mado  thorn, 
Gen.  8.  22. 

A  Hev.  16.  19. 
I  Song  2.  14. 
m  Gon.  17.7. 

LeT.26.44. 

Jer  33.21. 
n  P».  9.  18 
o  Is.  37.  23. 

9  Bsccndeth, 
Jonah  1. 2. 


PSALM   75. 
1  Or,  Do- 


PSAL,M   ; 
1  Or,  for. 


Eze.  39'.  9 
6EZ0.33. 12. 
c  U.  40.  12. 
d  Pi.  13.  3. 

Jer.  51. 39 
•  Er.  15.  1. 

Nah.  2.  13 

Zech.12.4 
/Jub41.10. 

Nah.  1.  0. 
y  Ex.  9.  16. 

Ex.  18.  11. 
h  Eccl.  6.  4. 
i  Pa.  08.  29. 

Pb.  S9.  7. 
2  to  the  fear. 
/  Pb.  68.  35. 


PSALM    77. 

1  Or,  for. 

a  Pa.  60. 16. 
h  Is    2C.  9. 

2  mv  hand. 
<•■  De"u,  32.  7. 

Ps.  143.  5. 

Is.  51.  9. 
d  Jonah  2. 4. 
e  Rom.  9.  6. 

3  to  genera- 
generation. 

/  Is.  49.  16. 
g  Ps.  31.  22. 

Jer.  10. 19. 

Dan.  9.  7. 

Mark  9.  24. 
h  Ps.  143.  6. 
t  Pa.  73.  17. 
}  Ex.  14.  21. 
sh.  3.16. 

4  Thecloudg 


U.  63.  11. 
Hoa.  12. 
13. 


PSALM   78. 

1  Or,  A 
Psalm  for 
Aaaph  to 


Ex.  19.  6. 
Deu  .32.29 
U.  61. «. 


9  When  God  arose  to  judgment,  to  save 
all  the  meek  of  the  earth.    Selah. 

10  Surely  "  the  wrath  of  man  shall  praise 
thee:  the  remainder  of  wrath  shalt  then 
restrain. 

11  Vow,  h  and  pay  unto  the  Lokd  your 
God :  »  let  all  that  be  round  about  liim 
bring  presents  2  unto  him  that  ought  to  be 
feared. 

12  He  shall  cut  off  the  spirit  of  princes: 
he)  is  terrible  to  the  kings  of  the  earth. 

PSALM  LXXVII. 

1  'JThe  psalmist  shows  nhat fierce  combat  h<:  had 

with  diffidence:  10  the  victory  which  he  had  by 

consideration  of  God's  great  and  gracious  v/orks. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  to  Jeduthuu,  A  Psalm 

1  of  Asaph. 
T  CRIED  unto  God  with  my  voice,  even 
-*-  unto  God  with  my  voice ;  and  he  gave 
ear  mito  me. 

2  In  "  the  day  of  my  trouble  1  *  sought  the 
Lord: 2  my  sore  ra.n  in  the  night,  and  ceased 
not:  my  soul  refused  to  be  comforteil. 

3  I  remembered  God,  and  was  trou'oled:  I 
complained,  and  my  spirit  was  overwuelm- 
ed.    Selah. 

4  Thou  boldest  mine  eyes  waking:  I  am 
so  troubled  that  I  cannot  speak. 

51"  have  considered  the  days  of  old,  the 
years  of  ancient  times. 

6  I  call  to  remembrance  my  song  in  the 
night:  I  commune  with  mine  own  heart; 
and  my  spirit  made  diligent  search. 

7  Will  the  Lord  cast  off  forever?  and  will 
he  be  favourable  no  more? 

8la<i  his  mercy  clean  gone  for  ever?  doth 
his  'promise  fail  3  for  evermore? 

9  liath  God/ forgotten  to  be  gracious', 
hath  he  in  anger  shut  up  his  tender  mer- 
cies?   Selah. 

10  And  1  said,  This  is"  my  infirmity:  but  1 
will  revi  ember  the  yeai's  of  the  riglit  hand 
of  the  Most  High. 

11  1  ''  will  remember  the  works  of  the 
Lord:  surely  I  will  remember  thy  wonders 
of  old. 

12  1  will  meditate  also  of  all  thy  work,  and 
talk  of  thy  doings. 

13  Thy  *  way,  0  God,  is  in  the  sanctuary: 
who  is  so  great  a  God  as  oar  God? 

14  Thou  art  the  God  that  doest  wonders: 
thou  hast  declared  thy  strength  among  the 
people. 

15  Thou  hast  with  thine  arm  redeemed 
thy  people,  the  sons  of  Jacob  and  Joseph. 

16  The  J  waters  saw  thee,  0  God,  the 
waters  saw  thee;  they  were  afraid:  the 
depths  also  were  troubled. 

17  *  The  clouds  poured  out  water;  the 
skies  sent  out  a  sound:  thine  arrows  also 
went  abroad. 

18  The  voice  of  thy  thunder  ivas  in  the 
heaven:  the  lightnings  lightened  the  world: 
the  tarth  trembled  and  shook. 

19  Thy  *  way  is  in  the  sea,  and  thy  path  in 
the  great  waters,  *  and  thy  footsteps  are 
not  known. 

20  Thou  "*  leddest  thy  people  like  a  flock 
by  the  hand  of  Moses  and  Aaron. 

PSALM  LXXVIIL 
1  An  eghortation  both  to  learn  and  to  preach  th« 
law  of  God.    9  Stimi  of  Ood's  wrath,  against 
the  incredulous  and  disobedient. 
I  Maschil  of  Asaph. 
niVE  »  ear,  0  my  people,  to  mv  law:  in. 
^  cline  your  ears  to  the  words  of   suv 
mouth. 


Government  oj  God. 


wandering  Arabs,  cleave  the  fountain — i.e., 
the  rocks  of  i/09v/KiiMlivrtfZ(r7(— for  fViintains. 
diietisi  up— Jordan,  and,  perb-aps,  Arnun  and 
Jabbok  (Num.  -Zl.  14.).  16,  17.  The  fixed 
order.s  of  nature  and  bounds  of  earth  are  of 
God.  18.  (Cf.  V.  10;  Deut.  32.  6.).  The  con- 
trast is  striking— that  such  a  God  should  be 
thus  in.'iulTed!  19.  multitude  — /i*.,  heast, 
tlieir  flock,  or  company  of  men  (Ps.  68.  10. . 
turtle-dove— /.e.,  the  meek  and  lonely  church, 
congr  gat  on— ^ii.,  company,  as  above— thus 
the  Church  is  represented  as  the  spoiled  and 
defeated  remnant  of  an  army,  exposed  to 
violence.  20.  And  the  prevalence  of  injustice 
in  heathen  lands  is  a  reason  for  invoking 
God's  ret:ard  to  His  promise  (cf.  Num.  14.  21; 
Ps.  7.  16;  iS.  48.).  21.  oppressed— broken  Ps. 
9. 9.).  return— from  seeking  God.  asiiamed— 
(Ps.  ?6.  4.).  22,  23.  iCf.  Ps.  3.  7;  7.  G.i,  God 
hears  the  wicked  to  their  own  ruin  (Gen.  4. 
10;  18.  20.). 

PSALM  LXXV. 

Ver.  1-10.  Al-taschith— [cLPs.  67.  title.).  In 
impending  danger,  the  Psalmist,  anticipating 
relief  in  view  of  God's  righteous  government, 
takes  courage  and  renders  praise. 

1.  God's  name  or  perfections  are  set  forth 
by  His  wondrous  works.  2,  3.  These  verses 
express  the  purpose  of  God  to  administer  a 
just  government,  and  in  a  time  of  anarchy 
that  He  sustains  the  nation.  Some  apply 
the  words  to  the  Psalmist     receive  the  ccn- 

Sregation- Kf.,  take  a  set  time  (Ps.  102.  la; 
[os.  2.  3,),  or  an  assembly  at  a  .'^et  time— 
i.e.,  for  judging.  Pillar^i  of  earth— \  Sam.  2. 
8.).  4-8.  Here  the  writer  speaks  in  view  of 
God's  declaration,  warnins  tJie  wicked.  Lift 
...  up  the  licrn— to  exalt  power,  here,  of  the 
■wicked  himself— i.e.,  to  be  arrogant  or  self- 
elated,  speak  .  .  .  neck  —  insolently,  pro- 
motion—Zit.,  a  lifting  up.  God  is  the  only  right 
judge  of  merit,  iu  the  hau ;  ...  a  cup  ,  .  .  red 
—  God's  wrath  often  thus  represented  cf. 
Isa.  51.  17;  Jer.  25.  15.).  but  the  dregs— Zif., 
surely  the  dregs,  they  shall  drain  it.  9,  10. 
Contrasted  is  the  lot  of  the  pious  who  \^  iU 
praise  God,  and,  acting  under  His  direction, 
will  destroy  the  power  of  the  wicked,  and 
exalt  that  of  the  righteous. 

PS.^LM  LXXVI. 
Ver.  1-12.  On,  Neginoth—[c{.  Ps.  4.  title.). 
This  Psalm  commemorates  what  the  preced- 
ing anticipates :  God's  deliverance  of  His 
people  by  a  signal  interposition  of  power 
against  tneir  enemies.  The  occasion  was 
probably  the  events  narrated  2  Ki.  19.  35; 
Isa.  37.  ,Cf.  Ps.  46.1. 

1,  2.  These  well-known  terms  denote  God's 
people  and  Church  and  His  intimate  and 
glorious  relations  to  them.  Salem— (tien.  14. 
18)  is  Jerusalem.  3.  brake  .  .  .  the  arrows— 
lit...  thunderbolts  ;Ps.  78.  48,).  from  their 
rapid  flight  or  ignition  cf.  Ps.  18.  14;  Eph.  6. 
16.).  tlie  battle— for  arms  (Hos.  2.  18.).  4. 
Thou— God.  mountains  cf  prey — great  victo- 
rious nations,  as  Assyria  (Isa.  41.  15;  Ez.  38. 
11, 12;  Zech.  4.  7.).  5.  slept  their  sleep- died 
^v  (Ps.  13. 3.).  none . . .  found . . .  hands— are  power- 
i  less.  6.  chariot  and  horse— for  those  fighting 
on  them  of  Ps.  6S  17.).  7.  may . . .  sigi.t— con- 
tend with  thee  (Deut.  9.  4;  Josh.  7.  12.;.  8,  9. 
God's  judgment  on  the  wicked  is  His  people's 
deliverance  Ps.  9.  12;  IQ.  17.;.  10.  Man's 
wrath  praises  God  by  its  futility  before  His 
power,  restrain  —  or.  gird — i.e.,  thy.^elf,  as 
■with  as  sword,  with  whicli  to  desti'oy,  or  as 
an  ornament  to  thy  iiraise,  11, 12.  invite 
404 


PSALMS  LXXV-LXXVm. 

homage  to  such 


Great  Worlds  of  Gori, 


God  (2  Chr.  32.  23, ,  who 
can  stop  the  breath  of  kings  and  princes 
when  he  will  fUan.  6.  23  ). 

PSALM  LXXVI r. 

Ver.  1-20.  To  Jcduihun—lct.  Ps.  ."9.  title.). 
In  a  time  of  great  affliction,  uhen  re  dy  to 
despair,  the  Psalmist  derives  relief  from 
calling  to  n  ind  God's  former  and  wonderful 
works  of  delivering  power  and  urace. 

1.  expresses  the  purport  of  the  Psalm,  2, 
his  importunacy.  my  sore  ran  .  . .  niglit— 
lit.,  my  hand  v:as  spread,  or,  dretehed  out  'cf. 
Ps.  44.  20.).  ceased  not— W.,  grew  not  n  umb 
or,  feeble  (<^en.  45.  26;  Ps.  38.  8.).  my  soxd 
. .  .  comlorted— (cf.  Gen.  37.  35;  Jer.  31.  1.5.). 
3-9.  His  sad  state  contrasted  with  forn:er 
joys,  was  txo\x\)\edi  — lit.,  violently  agitated, 
or,  disquieted  Ps.  39.  6;  42.  5.).  my  spirit 
was  overwhehiud— or,  fainted  (Ps.  107.  5;  Jon. 
2.  7.).  boldest.  .  .  waking  — or,  fast,  that  I 
cannot  sleep.  Thus  he  is  led  to  express  his 
anxious  feelings  in  several  earnest  qne.stions 
indicative  of  impatient  sorrow.  10.  Omit- 
ting the  supplied  words,  we  may  read,  "This 
is  my  affliction— the  years  or."  (fee— years 
being  taken  as  parallel  to  affliction  icf.  Ps. 
9U.  15,),  as  of  God's  ordering.  11,  12.  He 
finds  relief  in  contrasting  God's  former  deli- 
verances. Shall  we  receive  gooetat  His  hands, 
and  not  evil?  Both  are  orderings  of  unerr- 
ing mercy  and  unfailing  love.  13.  Thy  way 
...  in  the  saictnary— God's  ways  of  grace  and 
providence  ,Ps.  22.  3;  67.  2,),  ordered  on  holy 
principles,  as  developed  in  His  worship;  or 
implied  in  His  perfections,  if  holiness  be 
used  for  sanctuary,  as  some  prefer  translat- 
ing (cf.  Ex.  15.  11.).  14-20.  Illustrations  of 
God's  power  in  His  special  interventions  for 
His  people  (Ex.  14.),  and,  in  the  more  com- 
mon, but  sublime,  control  of  nature  (Ps.  22. 
11-14;  Hab.  3.  14)  which  may  have  attended 
those  miraculous  events  (Ex.  14.  24.).  Jacob 
and  Joseph  — representing  all.  foots  eps  . . . 
w.iters— may  refer  to  His  actual  leading  the 
people  through  the  sea,  though  also  express- 
ing-the  mysteries  of  pro-vidence. 
PSALM  LXXV  J II. 

Ver.  1-72.  This  Psabu  appears  to  have 
been  occasioned  by  the  removal  of  the  sanc- 
tuary from  Sliiloh  in  the  tribe  of  Ei  hraira 
to  Zion  in  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  the  co- 
incident transfer  of  pre-eminence  in  Israel 
from  tlie  former  to  the  latter  tribe,  as  clearly 
evinced  by  David's  settlement  as  the  head  of 
the  Church  and  nation.  Though  this  was 
the  execution  of  Clod's  purpose,  the  writer 
here  shows  that  it  also  proceeded  from  the 
divine  judgment  on  Ephraim,  under  whose 
leadership  the  people  bad  manifested  the 
same  sinful  and  rebellious  character  which 
had  distinguished  their  ancestors  in  Egypt. 

1.  my  people  .  .my  law— the  ian.^uage  of  a 
religious  teacher  {v.  2;  Lam.  3.  14;  liom.  2. 
16,  27;  cf.  Ps.  49.  4.).  The  history  which  fol- 
lows V.  as  a  "  dark  saying,"  or  riddle,  it  left 
unexplained,  and  its  right  apprehension  re- 
quired wisdom  and  attention  3-8.  This  his- 
tory had  been  handed  down  (Ex.  12. 14;  Deut. 
6.  20)  for  God's  honour,  and  that  the  prin- 
ciiiles  of  His  law  might  be  know  n  and  ob- 
served by  posterity.  This  important  senti- 
ment is  reiterated  in  ;t-.  7,  8'  negative  form, 
testimony— [is.  19. 7.).  stubborn  i:d  ebfl:ious 
—  (Deut.  21. 18. '.  set  not  their  Lea.  t-  on  (rod's 
service  2  Chr.  12. 14.'.  9-11.  The  privileges 
of  the  first-born  which  belonged  to  Joseph 
(1  Cki-.  5. 1,  2)  were  assigned  to  Epluaim  hy 


story  of  God's  dealings 


PSALM  LXXVm. 


with  Tsrael  in  the  wilderness. 


2  I  *  will  open  my  mouth  in  a  parable:  I 
will  utter  darksajiiii^s  of  old: 

3  Which  "we  have  heard  and  known,  and 
our  fathers  have  told  us. 

4  We  <*  will  not  hide  them  from  their  chil- 
dren, •  showina;  to  the  generation  to  come 
the  praises  of  the  Lord,  and  his  stren^'th, 
and  Ms  wondeiful  works  that  he  hath 
done. 

5  For  he  established  a  testimony  in  Jacob, 
and  appointed  a  law  in  Israel,  which  he 
commanded  our  fathere,  that  they  should 
make  them  known  to  their  children; 

6  That/ the  generation  to  come  might 
know  them,  even  the  children  which  should 
be  born,  ivho  should  arise  and  declare  tliem 
to  their  children  • 

7  That  they  might  set  their  hope  in  God, 
and  not  forget  ilie  works  of  God,  but  keep 
his  commandments: 

8  And  might  not  be  as  their  fathers,  a 
Btubbom  and  rebellious  generation ;  a  gen- 
eration 2  that  set  not  their  heart  aright, 
and  whose  spirit  was  not  stedt'ast  with 
God 


9  The  children  of  Ephraim,  hehw  armed, 

■^ack  in 
;ay  of  battle 


and  3  can  .nng  bows,  tui'ued  ba 


the 


10  They  kept  n*t  the  covenant  of  God,  and 
refused  to  walk  in  his  law: 

11  And  ^  forgat  his  works,  and  his  won- 
ders that  he  had  showed  them. 

i2  Marvellous  things  did  he  in  the  sight  of 
their  fathers,  in  the  land  of  Egypt, ''  in  the 
field  of  Zoan. 

13  He  divided  the  sea,  and  caused  them  to 
pass  through;  and  he  made  the  waters  to 
Btand  as  an  heap. 

14  In  the  day-time  also  he  led  them  with 
a  cloud,  and  ail  the  night  with  a  light  of 
fire. 

15  He  *  clave  the  rocks  in  the  wilderness, 
and  gave  tliem  drink  as  out  of  the  great 
depths. 

16  He  brought  i  streams  also  out  of  the 
rock,  and  caused  waters  to  run  down  like 
rivers. 

17  And  they  sinned  yet  more  against  him 
by  *  provoking  the  Most  High  m  the  wil- 
demess. 

18  And  they  tempted  God  in  their  heart, 
by  asking  meat  for  their  lust. 

19  Yea,  i  they  spake  against  God;  they 
Baid,  Can  God  *  tumish  a  table  in  the  wil- 
derness? 

20  Behold,  "*  he  smote  the  rock,  that  the 
waters  gushed  out,  and  the  streams  over- 
flowed ;  can  he  give  bread  also  1  can  he  pro- 
vide flesh  for  his  people? 

21  Therefore  the  Lokd  heard  this,  and  was 
wroth:  so  a  fire  was  kindled  against  J  acob, 
and  anger  also  came  up  against  Israel; 

22  because  they  "  believeil  not  in  God, 
and  trusted  not  in  his  salvation, 

23  Though  he  had  commanded  the  clouds 
from  above,  *  and  opened  the  doors  of  hea- 
ven, 

24  And  P  had  rained  down  manna  upon 
them  to  eat,  and  had  given  them  of  the 
com  of  heaven. 

25  6  M  an  did  eat  angels'  food:  he  sent  them 
meat  to  the  full. 

26  He  caused  an  east  wind  6  to  blow  in 
the  heaven ;  and  by  his  power  he  brought 
in  the  south  wind. 

27  He  rained  flesh  also  upon  them  as  dust, 
and  1  feathered  fowls  like  as  the  sand  or 
tixe  sea; 


PSALM  78. 
J  P«.  49.  4. 

Mat.  13.35. 
e  Ps.  44.  1. 
d  Deut.  4. 9. 

DBut.  5.  7. 

Jc«l  1.  3. 
eEr.  12.28. 

Ex.  13.  8. 

Joih.  4.B,7. 
/  Ps.  102. 18. 
2  that  pre- 
pared not 

their  heart. 

2  Chr.  20. 

33. 
8  throwing 

forth. 
?  Is.  17.10. 

Jer.  2.  82. 
h  Gen.  32.  3. 

NU.13.K,'. 

Is.  19.  11. 

Eze.m.li. 
i  Ex.  17.  6. 

Nu.  20.  n. 

Ps.  105.41. 

1  Cor.  10.4. 
}  Deu.  9.  21. 
k  Heb.  3. 16. 
I  Nu.  11.  4. 

m  £i.  17.  6. 

Nu.  20.11. 

n  Heb.  3. 10. 

0  Gen.  7.  11. 

Mai.  3. 10. 
P  John  6.  31. 

1  Cor.10.3. 

5  Or,  Every 
one  did 
eat  the 
bread  o{ 
the 
mighty, 

6  to  go. 

7  fowl  of 
wing. 

8  maJa  to 
bow. 

9  pr,  young 

g  Hos.  5.  15. 
r  Eze.  33.  31. 
8  Ex.  34.  0. 

Neh.  9. 17. 

Ps.  80.  15. 

Jer.  32.  18. 
tlKi.  21.29. 

Is.  48.  9. 


V  Jim.  4.  14. 

10  Or,  rebel 
against 

Eph!4.30. 
Heb.  3.16. 

11  Or,  from 
affliction. 

13  killed. 

14  Or,  great 

15  He  shut 
up. 

16  Or,  light- 
nings. 

«•  Bom.  2.  8. 

17  He 
weighed 

18  Or,  their 
beasts 

to  the 

1  Gen.  9.  22. 

19  covered. 

y  £x.  16. 17. 


28  And  he  let  it  fall  in  the  midst  of  their 
camp,  round  about  their  habitations. 

29  So  they  did  eat.  and  were  well  filledj 
for  he  gave  them  their  own  desire ; 

30  They  were  not  estranged  from  their 
lust:  but  wlule  their  meat  was  yet  in  their 
mouths, 

31  The  wTath  of  God  came  upon  them,  and 
slew  the  fattest  of  them,  and^  smote  down 
the  9  chosen  men  of  Israel. 

i-2  For  all  this  they  sinned  stUl,  and  be- 
lieved not  for  his  wondious  works. 

33  Therefore  their  days  did  he  consume  ia 
vanity,  and  then-  years  in  trouble. 

:34  \\  hen  «  he  slew  them,  then  they  sought 
him;  and  they  returned  and  enquired  early 
after  God: 

35  And  they  remembered  that  God  was 
their  Rock,  and  the  high  God  their  Re- 
deemer. 

3(1  Nevertheless  they  did  •■  flatter  him  with 
their  mouth,  and  they  Ued  unto  him  with 
their  tongues. 

37  For  their  heart  was  not  right  with 
him,  neither  were  they  stedfast  in  hia 
covenant. 

38  But  he,  being  •  full  of  compassion,  for- 
gave their  miquity,and  destroyed  them  not; 
yea,  many  a  time '  turned  he  his  anges 
away,  and  did  not  stk  up  all  his  wrath. 

39  For  he  remembered  "  that  lliey  were 
bid  flesh; "  a  wind  that  passeth  away,  and 
Cometh  not  a^ain. 

40  How  oft  did  they  lo  provoke  him  in  the 
wilderness,  and  giieve  him  in  the  desert! 

41  Y'ea,  they  turned  back,  and  t'-nipted 
God,  and  limited  the  Holy  One  <>i'  Isr.ud. 

42  They  remembered  not  his  liLiml.  nor  the 
day  when  he  delivered  them  n  fium  the 
enemy: 

43  How  he  had  12  wrought  his  signs  in 
Egypt,  and  his  wonders  in  the  field  of 
Zoan: 

44  .\nd  had  turned  their  rivers  into 
blood;  and  their  floods,  that  they  could 
not  drink. 

451ie  sent  divers  sorts  of  flies  among  them, 
which  devoured  them;  and  frogs,  which  de- 
stroyed them. 

46  He  gave  also  their  increase  unto  the 
caterpillar,  and  their  labour  unto  the  lo- 
cust, 

i7  He  13  destroyed  their  vines  with  hail, 
and  then-  sycamore  trees  w  ith  1^  fi  ost. 

48  15  He  gave  up  their  cattle  al.'^o  to  the 
hail,  and  their  flocks  to  le  hut  thumleiimlts. 

49  lie  cast  upon  them  the  "'  fierceness  of 
his  anger,  wrath,  and  in(l;>iiialion,  and 
trouble,  by  sending  evU  angels  amouij  them. 

501' He  made  a  way  to  his  anger;  he 
spared  not  their  soul  trom  death,  but  gave 
their  18  life  over  to  the  pestilence; 

51  And  smote  all  the  first-born  in  Eg\pt; 
the  chief  of  their  strength  in  the  taber- 
nacles  of  Mam: 

52  But  made  his  own  people  to  go  forth 
lilve  sheep,  and  guided  them  in  the  wilder- 
ness like  a  flock. 

53  And  he  led  them  on  safely,  so  that  they 
feared  not:  but  the  sea  19 overwhehued 
their  enemies. 

54  And  he  brought  them  to  the  border 
of  his  ^  s.-inctuary,  ttvu  to  this  mountain, 
whidi  his  right-liund  had  pm'chased. 

55  He  cast  out  the  heathen  also  before 
them,  and  divided  ihem  an  inheritance  l)y 
line,  and  made  the  tribes  of  Israel  to  dwell 
in  their  teats. 


PSALM  LXXIX. 


xvith  Israel  in  the  Wildeniesi.. 


Story  of  Go<fs  Dealings 

Jacob  (Gen.  48.  1.).  The  supremacy  of  the  gave  name  {Mizraim,  Heb.)  to  Em)t  52^54 
tribe  thus  intimated  was  recognised  by  its  made  liis  .  .  .  forth— or,  brouglit  ihem  by  De- 
position (m  the  marching  of  the  nation  to  riodical  journeys  (cf.  Ex.  15.  l.J.  border  of 
Canaan]  next  to  the  ark  JSum.  2.  18-24,).  by  his  sanctuary— or,  holy  border— i.e.,  rcion 
the  .selection  of  the  first  permanent  locality  of  which— this  mountain— (Zion)  was,  as  the 
for  the  ark  within  its  borders  at  fehiloh,  and  seat  of  civil  and  religious  goveniniwu,  tlie 
by  the  extensive  and  fertile  province  given  representative,  used  lor  the  whole  land,  as 
for  Its  possession.  Traces  of  this  prominence  afterwards  for  the  Church  [Isa  2.5.  i;  7) 
remained  after  the  schism  under  Kehoboam,  purchased— or,  procured  by  His  right  hand 
in  the  use,  by  later  writers,  of  £p/iraim  for  or  power  (Ps.  GO.  5.j.  55.  bv  .ine— or,  the 
Israd  (cf.  Hos.  5.  3-14 ;  11.  3-12.).  Though  a  portion  thus  measured,  divide-t  them— i.e., 
strong,  well  armed  tribe,  and,  from  an  early  the  heathen,  put  for  their  pos.sessions,  so 
period,  emulous  and  haughty  (cf.  Josh.  VJ.\  tents— i.e.,  of  the  heathen  ci.  JJeut  (i  11) 
14;  Jud.  8.  1-3;  2  Sam.  19.  41,),  it  appears,  in  66,  57.  a  deceitful  bow-which  turns  back.' 
this  place,  that  it  had  rather  led  the  rest  in  and  so  fails  to  project  the  arrow  (2  bam.  1  -zi- 
cowardice  than  courage;  and  had  incurred  Hos.  7.  lo.).  They  relapsed.  68  Idolatry 
God's  displeasure,  because,  difhdent  of  His  resulted  from  sparing  the  heathen  cf  v 
promiise.  though  often  heretofore  fulfilled,  9-11.).  69,  60.  heard— perceived  (Gen.  11  7  ) 
it  had  failed  as  a  leader  to  carry  out  the  abhorred— but  not  utterly,  tent .  .  .  placed— 
terms  of  the  covenant,  by  driving  out  the  lit.,  caused  to  dwell,  set  un  (Josh.  is.  i.).  61. 
heathen  (Ex.  23.  24;  Deut.  31. 16;  2  Ki.  17. 15.).  his  strength— the  ark,  as  symbolical  o:  it  (Ps 
12-14.  A  record  of  God's  dealings  and  the  96.  6.).  62.  gave— or,  shut  up.  his  people- 
sins  of  the  people  is  now  made.  The  writer  (v.  48;  1  Sam.  4. 10-17.).  63.  fire— eitlier  figure 
gives  the  history  from  the  exode  to  the  re-  of  the  slaughter  (1  Sam.  4.  lOj,  or  a  literal 
treat  from  Kadesh;  then  contrasts  their  sins  burning  by  the  heathen,    given  to  inarri;.ge 


with  their  reasons  for  confidence,  shown  l)y 

a  detail  of  God's  dealings  in  Egypt,  and  pre-  ,,  _.  .   

sentsa  summary  of  the  subsequent  history  made  no  lamentation— either  because  stupified 

to  David's  time.     Zoan— for  Egypt,  as  its  by  grief,  or  hindered  by  the  eneii.y.    65.  iCf. 


lit.,  prait^edr—i.e.,  as  brides.    64.  Cf.  J  SaiTi. 
17,);  and  there  were,  doubtless,  otliers. 


ancient  capital  (Num.  13.  22;  Isa.  19.  11.) 
15,  16.  There  were  two  similar  miracles  (Ex 


Ps.  22.  16;  Isa.  42.  13.).    66.    And  he  smote  , 
part— or,  struck  His  enemies' back.     The 


17.  6;  Num.  20. 11.).   great  depths— and— rivers  !  Philistines  never  regained  their  position  after 
denote  abundance.    17-20.  yet  more  — ^i<.,  [their  defeats  by  David.    67,68.  taberncle  of 


added  to  sin,  instead  of  being  led  to  repent- !  Joseph- or,  home,  or,  tribe,  to  which— tri 


ance  (Rom.  2.  4.).     in  their  heart— (Mat.  15.  i  of  Ephraim— is  parallel  icf.  Eev.  7. 


Its 


19.  .  for  their  lust— Ki.,  soul,  or,  desire,  pro-  [  pre-eminence  was,  likeSaul's,  only  permitted, 
yoking— and— tempted  —  illustrated  by  their  Judah  had  been  the  choice  ((jlen.  40.  10.). 
absurd  doubts,  19,  20.  in  the  iace  of  His  j  69.  Exalted  as— high  palaces— or,  mountains, 
admitted  power.  21.  fire- the  eftect  of  the  i  and  abiding  as  —  the  eartb.  70-72.  God's 
anger  (Num.  11.  1.}.     22.  (Ci'.  Heb.  8.  8,  9.).  {sovereignty  was  illustrated  in  this  clioice. 


23-29.  (Cf.  Ex.  16.;  Num.  11.).    angels'  food- 

Ut,  bread  of  the  mighty  (cf,  Ps.  105.  40) ;  j 

called,  as  it  came  from  heaven,    meat— lit. 

victuals,  as  for  a  journey,    their  .  . 

what  they  longed  for.    30,  31.  not 

. .  .  lust— or,  desire— i.e.,  were  indulging  it. 

slew . .  ,  fattest— or,  among  the  fattest;  some 


^  The  contrast  is  striking— humility  and  exal- 

jtation— and  the  correspondence  is  beRinjfiU 

'  following  .  . .  ewes,  &c.—lit.,  ewes  giti.  g  s  ik 

desire— i  (cf.  Isa.  40.  11.).    On  the  pastoral  te:ins  cf. 

tranged ;  Ps.  79. 13. 

PSALM  LXXIX. 
Ver.  1-13.   This  Psalm,  like  the  74th,  proba- 


of  them— chosen— the  young  and  strong  (Isa.  \  bly  depicts  the  desolations  of  the  Chaldeans 
40.  31,),  and  so  none  could  resist.  33-39.  }(Jer.  52.  12-24.).  It  comprises  the  usual 
Though  there  were  partial  reformations  after  i  complaint,  prayer,  and  promised  thanks  for 
chastisement,  and  God,  in  pity,  withdrew ;  relief. 

1.  (Cf.  Ps.  74.  2-7.).    2,  3.  (Cf.  Jer.  15.  3 :  16. 

4.).   4.  [CS.  Ps.  44. 13 ;  Jer.  42. 18  ;  Lam.  2. 1.5.), 

be  angry— iPs.  74. 


Bis  hand  for  a  time,  yet  their  general  con- 
duct was  rebellious,  and  He  was  thus  pro- 
le 


tongues— a  feigned  obedience  (Ps.  18.  44.) 
lieart ...  not  right— or.  Arm  icf.  v.  8:  Ps.  51. 10.) 
a  wind  .  .  .  again— Zii.,  a  breath,  tjiin  air  (cf, 


voked  to  waste  and  destroy  them,  by  long ,  5.  How  long— (Ps.  l: 

and  fruitless  wandering  in  the  desert,    lied  ,1-10.).   jealousy  burn— (Deut.  2;;."  20.).    6,   7. 
'    '     '■  T^    --   ..  ■     (Cf.  Jer.  10.  25.).    Though  we  deserve  much, 

do  not  the  heathen  deserve  more  for  their 
violence  to  us  (Jer.  51.  3-5  ;  Zech.  1. 14  ?  The 
Ps.  103.  16;  Jam.  4.  14.).  40,  41.  There  were  singular  denotes  the  chief  power,  and  the  use 
ton  temptations  (Num.  14.  22.).  limited— as  ,  oi  the  plural  indicates  the  coml  lined  cinfe- 
V.  19,  20.  Though  some  prefer  grieved  or  derates,  called  upon  [or,  by]  thy  name— pro- 
provoked.  The  retreat  from  Kadesh  (Deut.  claimed  thy  attributes  and  professed  alle- 
1.  19-23;  is  meant,  whether— turned— be  for  glance  (Isa.  12.  4;  Acts.  2.  21.).  8.  former  ini- 
turning  back,  or  to  denote  repetition  of  q,mtiei—lit.,iniq^iitiesoj  former  times,  nrevent 
Qtfence.  43.  wrought— set  or  held  forth.  45.  [lit.,  meet]  us— as  Ps.  21.  3.  9.  for. ..glory  of  thy 
ihe  dog-fly  or  the  mosquito.  46.  caterpillar  name  [and  for]  name's  sake— both  mean  for  il- 
— the  Heb.  name,  from  its  voracity,  and  that  lustrating  thy  attributes,  faithfulness,  power, 
tif— locust— from  its  multitude.  47,48.  The  &c.  v'arge... sins— lit., inake, or provide.atone- 
additional  etiects  of  the  storm  here  mentioned  ment  .for  us.  Deliverance  from  sin  and  suf- 
(cf.  Ex.  9.  2:>-34)  are  consistent  with  Moses'  fering.  for  their  good  and  God's  glory,  often 
account,  gave  . . .  cattle— iif.,  shut  up  (cf.  Ps.  distinguish  the  prayers  of  O.T.  saints  cf.  Eph. 
31.  8.;.  49.  evil  angels— or.  angels  of  evil—  l.!7.).  10.  Ihis  ground  of  pleading  often  used 
many  were  perhaps  employed,  and  other  evils  (Ex.  32. 12;  Ntim.  14.  13-16.1.  Wood.  . .  shed- 
inflicted.  50,  51.  made  a  way— removed  ob-  {v.  3.).  11.  prisoner— the  whole  captive  peo- 
stacles,  gave  it  full  scope,  chief  of  their  pie.  power— /i<.,ar77i  Ps.  10. 15.  .  12.  into  their 
strength- iif.,  first-fruits,  or,  first-born  (Gen.  bosem- the  lap  or  folds  of  the  dress  is  used  by 
49. 3;  Deut.  21.  IT.).  Ham— oae  of  whose  sons  \  Eastern  people  for  receiving  articles.  The 
4Ud 


./Jesolation  of  Jerusalem. 


PSALMS  LXXIX.  LXXX.      3Iiserahle  state  of  the  eJiurcTi. 


PSALM  78. 
t  Ere.  20.27. 
a  Hoa.  7.  IB. 
6  0eu.  12.  2. 
e  Heb.  1. 13. 
d  1  Sd.  4.  11. 

Jer.  7.  12. 

Jer.  26.  8. 
•  Judg.  18. 

30. 
/  1  S«.  4. 11. 
20  praised. 
g  Job  27.  !6. 

£ie  24.23. 
ft  Is.  42.  13. 
Kin.  8. 


56  Yet  tliey  tempted  and  provoked  the 
most  high  God,  and  kept  not  his  testi- 
monies;' .        „  .  , 

57  But '  tamed  back,  and  dealt  unfaith- 
fully like  their  fathers:  they  were  turned 
aside  "  like  a  deceitful  bow. 

5S  For  they  provoked  him  to  anger  with 
their  '  high  places,  and  moved  him  to  jeal- 
ousy with  their  graven  images. 

59  When  God "  heard  this,  he  was  wroth, 
and  greatly  abhorred  Israel: 

60  So<*  that  he  forsook  the  tabernacle  of 
Shiioh,  the  tent  which  he  placed  among 
men;  „.  „ 

61  And  •  delivered  his  /  strength  mto  21  f.unded. 
captivity,  and  his  glory  into  the  enemy's  i  22  From 
h.'ind.  "f""'- 

&>  lie  gave  his  people  over  also  unto  the  I    ^^"-  fl^- 
Bword;and  was  v\Toth  with  his  inheritance,  j'  j'„"*.  °:^„ 

63  The  fire  consumed  their  young  men;  !fciKi.'9.4r 
and  their  maidens   were  not  2^*  given   to 
niiuTiage. 

6i  Their  priests  fell  by  the  sword;  and 
their  "  widows  made  no  lamentation. 

65  Then  the  Lord  awaked  as  one  out  of 
sleep,  and  '» like  a  mighty  man  thatshout- 
eth  by  reason  of  wine. 

G6  And  he  smote  his  enemies  in  the  hinder 
pr.rt;  he  put  them  toapen)etualreproach._ 

67  Moreover  he  refused  the  tabernacle  of 
Joseph, and  chose  not  the  tribe  of  Ephraim ; 

68  But  chose  the  tribe  of  Judah,  the  mount 
Zivin  which  he  loved. 

6y  And  he  «  built  his  sanctuary  like  high 
riaUices.  like  the  earth  which  he  hath 
ai  established  for  ever. 

70  He  chose  David  also  his  servant,  and 
took  him  from  the  sheepfulds: 

71 22  From  following  the  ewes  great  with 
young  he  brought  him  i  to  teed  Jacob  his 
people,  and  Israel  his  inheritance. 

72  So  he  fed  them  according  to  the  *  integ- 
rity of  his  heart;  and  guided  them  by  the 
Bkufulness  of  his  hands. 

PSALM  LXXIX. 
1  7%«  psalmist  complains  ctf  the  desolation  of 

Jerusalem:    8  prays  for  deliverance,  13  and 

promises  thankjtdness. 

A  Psalm  1  of  Aaaph. 
f\  GOD,  the  heathen  are  come  into  thine 
^-^  inheritance;  thy  holy  temple  have  they 
defiled  ; "  they   have   laid   Jerusalem   on 
heaps. 

2  The  i>  dead  bodies  of  thy  servants  have 
they  given  to  be  meat  unto  the  fowls  of  the 
heaven,  the  flesh  of  thy  saints  unto  the 
beasts  of  the  earth. 

3  Theii-  blood  have  they  shed  like  water 
romid  about  Jerusalem; "and  there  was 
none  to  bm-y  them. 

4  We  are  become  a  reproach  to  our  neigh- 
bours, a  scorn  and  derision  to  them  that 
are  round  about  us, 

5  How  long,  LoKD?  wilt  thou  be  angry 
for  ever?  shall  thy  <*  jealousy  bum  like 
fire? 

6  Pour  out  thy  wrath  upon  the  heathen 
that  have  *  not  known  thee,  and  upon  the 
kingdoms  that  have /not  called  upon  thy 
name: 

7  For  they  have  devoured  Jacob,  and  laid 
waste  his  aweUing  place. 


PSALM   79. 

1  Or,  for. 
«  2  Ki.  25.  9. 

Mic.  3.  12. 

Jer.  7.  83. 

Jer.  14.  16. 

Re'.  U.  9. 
d  Zeph.  3.  8. 
e  l3.  45.  4. 

2  Theaa. 

18. 
/  Pa.  53.  4. 
a  la.  43.  25. 

Is.  44.  22. 

Is.  G4.  9. 

2  Or,  the 

of  tbem 

that  were 

before  ua. 

ft  Jer.  14.  7. 

3  vengeance. 
Nu.  14.  17. 

4  thine  arm. 
6  reserve  the 

children  of 
death. 
;  la.  43.  21. 
"  to  genera- 
tion and 
{feneration 


PSALM  60. 

1  Or.  for. 
a  Ex.  £5.  20. 

1  Sa.  4.  4. 

Pa.  99.  1. 

b  Deu.  33.  2. 

2  come  for 
salvatioD 


0  "  remember  not  against  us  2  former 
iniquities:  let  thy  tender  mercies  speedily 
prevent  us;  for  we  are  brought  very  low. 
ft  Help  us,  O  God  of  our  salvation,  for  the 
glory  jf  thy  name;  and  deliver  us,  and 
purge  awajf  oar  sins,  '*  for  thy  name's  sake. 


d  1  Kin.  18. 

37. 

Jer.  31. 18. 
8  la.  5.  1,  7. 

Jer.  2.  21. 

Eio.  15.  6. 

Eze.  17.6. 

Eie.  19. 10. 
4  the  cedar* 

of  God. 
/Ex.  23.  31. 

P«.  72.  8. 
g  U.  6.  6. 

Nah.  2.  2. 
ft  Zech.  1. 

12,  16,  17. 
i  la.  63.  15. 
j  U.  49.  6. 
k  Pi.  K).  2X. 

{ Ex.  4.  aa. 

m  Hu.  8.  '&. 


10  Wherefore  should  the  heathen  say. 
Where  is  their  God?  let  him  be  known 
among  the  heathen  in  our  sight  hy  the  ^re- 
vengiiig  of  the  blood  of  thy  servants  which 
is  shed, 

11  Let  the  sighing  of  the  prisoner  come 
before  thee ; » according  to  the  greatness  of 
*  thy  power  5  preserve  thou  those  that  are 
appointed  to  die ; 

Vl  And  render  unto  our  neighbours  seven- 
fold mto  their  bosom  their  reproach,  where- 
with  they  have  reproached  thee,  O  Lord. 

13  So  we  thy  people,  and  sheep  of  thy 
pasture,  Tsill  give  thee  thanks  for  ever:  i  we 
will  show  forth  thy  praise  6  to  all  genera- 
tioos. 

PSALM  LXXX. 

1  The  psalmist  in  his  prayer  f,omplains  of  the 

miseries  of  the  church,     11  He  prays  for  de- 


A  Psalm  1  of  Asaph. 
n.IVE  ear,  O  Shepherd  of  Israel,  thou 
^^  that  leadest  Joseph  like  a  flock ; "  thou 
that  dwellest  between  the  chembim, »  shine 
forth. 

2  Before  Ephraim  and  Benjamin  and 
Manasseh  stir  up  thy  strength,  and  2  come 
aiul  save  us. 

3  Turn  *  us  again,  0  God,  and  cause  thy 
face  to  shine ;  and  we  shall  be  saved. 

4  0  LoKD  God  of  hosts,  how  long  3  wilt 
thdu  be  angry  against  the  prayer  of  thy 
people? 

5  Thou  feedest  them  with  the  bread  of 
tears;  and  givest  them  tears  to  diink  in 
great  measure. 

6  Thou  rnakest  ua  a  strife  unto  our  neigh- 
bours ;  and  our  enemies  laugh  among  them* 
selves. 

7  Turn  <*  us  again.  O  God  of  hosts,  and 
cause  thy  face  to  shine;  and  we  shall  be 
saved. 

8  Thou  hast  brought  •  a  vine  out  of  Egypt; 
thou  hast  cast  out  the  heathen,  and  planted 
it. 

9  Thou  preparedst  room  before  it,  and 
didst  cause  it  to  take  deep  root,  and  it  filled 
the  lalid. 

10  The  hills  were  covered  with  the  shadow 
of  it,  and  the  boughs  thereof  were  like  *  the 
goodly  cedars. 

11  She  sent  out  her  boughs  unto  the  sea, 
and  her  branches  /  mito  the  river. 

12  Why  hast  thou  then  "  broken  down  her 
hedges,  so  that  all  they  which  pass  by  the 
way  do  pluck  her? 

13  The  boar  out  of  the  wood  doth  waste 
it,  and  the  wild  beast  of  the  field  doth  de» 
vour  it. 

14  Return,  *  we  beseech  thee,  0  God  of 
hosts: » look  down  from  heaven,  and  be- 
hold, and  ^^sit  this  vine ; 

15  And  the  \-ineyard  which  thy  right  hand 
hath  planted,  and  the  branch  that  thou 
madest  strong  >  for  thyself. 

16  It  is  buint  with  tire ;  it  is  cut  down: 
they  perish  at  the  rebuke  of  thy  counte. 
nance. 

17  Let  *  thy  hand  be  upon  the '  Man  of  thy 
right  hand,  upon  the  Son  of  man  whom, 
thou  madest  strong  for  thyself. 

IS  So  will  not  we  go  back  from  thee: 
quicken  us,  and  we  will  call  upon  thy 
name. 

19  Turn  us  again,  0  Loed  God  of  hostfc 
cause  "*  thy  face  to  shine  ;  and  we  shall  be 
saved. 


Miserable  state  of  the  Church.  PSALMS  LXXX— LXXXm.  IsraeVsCon  federated  Emmfee. 


figure  denotes  retaliation   cf.  Isa.  65.  6,  7.) 
They  reproached  Uod  as  well  as  his  people 
13.  sheep  .  .  .  pasture— icf.  Vs.  74.  1 ;  78.  70.J. 
JPSALM  LXXX. 
Ver.  1-19.  Shoshannim—lLihes  (Ps.  46.  title.), 
£fh(?/(— Testimony,  referring  to  the  topic  as  a 


place— the  cloud  fi-om  which  He  troub'ed  the 
Egyptians  (Ex.  14.  24. .  proved  ihee— (Ps.  7. 
10;  17.  3,),  tested  their  faith  by  the  iniracle. 
8.  (Cf.  Ps.  ."iO.  7.\  The  reproof  follows  to  v.  12. 
if  thou  wilt  hearken — Lie  then  pn^^ounds  the 
terms  of  H.s  covenant:  they  shoiild  worship 


testimony  of  God  to  his  people  cf.  Ps.  19.  7.).  i  Him  alone,  who  [v.  10)  had  delivered  them. 
This  Psalm  probably  relates  to  the  captivity  and  would  still  conler  all  needed  blessings. 


of  the  ten  tribes  as  the  lormer  to  ihat  of 
Judah.  Its  complaint  is  a.L^gravated  by  the 
contrast  of  former  prosperity,  and  ihe  prayer 
for  reliet  occurs  as  a  retrain  through  the 
Psalm. 

1, 2.  JoFeph— for  Ephraim  (1  Chr.  7.  20-29; Ps, 
78.  67;  Eev.  7.  8, .  for  Israel.  Si.epherd— (cf. 
Gen.  49.  24.).  leadest,  &c.— (Ps.  77.  '/O.  .  dwell- 
ing .  .  .  cutrrubim  — (Ex.  26.  20.).  The  place 
of  (  od's  visible  gloiy,  whence  He  com- 
muned with  the  people  Heb.  9.  5.'.  shine 
forih— appear  iPs.  60.  2;  94.  1.).  Eeiore  Eph- 
raiui,  &c.— These  tribes  marched  next  the 
ark  Num.  2.  18-24.).  The  name  of  Eeiijaniin 
may  be  introduced  merely  in  allusion  to  that 

/  fact,  and  not  because  that  tribe  was  identified 
with  Israel  in  the  schLmi  (1  Ki.  12.  16-21 ;  cf. 
also  Num.  10.  24.).  3.  luin  us— i.e.,  from  cap- 
tivity, tny  f  08  to  shine— (Num.  6. 25.).  4.  be 
angiy— cf.  Jliarf/.).  5.  bread  cf  tears— still  an 
Eas.ern  figure  for  affliction.  6.  sirile— object 
or  cause  of  Isa.  9.  il.;.  On  last  clause  cf. 
Ps.  79. 4;  Ez.  36. 4.  8-11.  brought— or,  plucked 
up,  as  by  roots,  to  be  replanted,  a  vine— .Ps. 
78.  47.J.  The  figure  Isa.  16.  8  represents  the 
flourishing  state  of  Israel,  as  predicted  Gen. 
28.  14,  and  verified  1  Ki.  4.  20-25.  12.  hedges 
—(Isa.  6. 6.).  13.  The  boar— may  represent  tlie 
ravaging  Assyrian,  and  the  wild  bead  other 
heathen.  14, 15.  visit  this  vine-  favourably 
(Ps.  8.  4.).  And  the  vineyard— or,  ""And  pro- 
tect or  guard  what  thy  right  band,"  &c.  the 
branch— Ki.,  "'over  the  Son.  oj  Man"  preced- 
ing this  phrase,  with  "  protect,"  or  "watch." 
for  thyself— a  tacit  allusion  to  the  plea  for 
help;  for  16.  it— (the  vine)  or  they— (the  peo- 
plej  are  suflering  from  thy  displeasure.  17. 
thy  hand . .  .  upon— i.e.,  strengthen  (Ezra,  7'.  6 
8.  n.).  Man  of . . .  hand— may  allude  to  Benja- 
min (Gen.  35.  18.).  The  terms  in  the  latter 
clause  correspond  with  those  of  v.  15,  from 
"  and  the  branch,"  &c.,  literally,  and  confirm 
the  exposition  given  above.  18.  We  need 
quickening  grace  Ps.  71.  20;  119.  25)  to  per- 
severe in  thy  right  worship  (Gen.  4.  26;  Pom. 
10.  11.).  19.  Cf.  V.  3.  0  God;  v.  7,  O  God  of 
hosts. 

PSALM  LXXXI. 
Ver.  1-16.  Gittith- icL  Ps.  8.  title.).  A 
festal  Psalm,  probably  for  the  passover 
(cf.  Mat.  26.  30,),  in  which,  after  an  exhorta- 
tion to  praise  God,  He  is  introduced,  re- 
minding Israel  of  their  obligations,  chiding 
their  neglect,  and  depicting  the  happy  results 
of  obedience. 

1.  cur  strength— (Ps.  38.  7.).  2.  unites  the 
most  joyful  kinds  of  music,  vocal  and  instru- 

<  mental.  3.  the  new  moon— or,  the  month,  the 
linae  appointed— (cf.  Pro.  7.  20.).  5.  a  testi- 
mony—the feasts,  espei-ially  the  passover, 
attested  God's  relation  to  His  people.  Joseph 
■—tor  Israel  Ps.  80. 1.).  went  out  through—or, 
over,  i.e.,  Israel  in  the  exode.  I  heard— 
change  of  person.  Tlie  writer  speaks  for  the 
nation,  language- iii.,  lip  (Ps.  14.  1.).  An 
a;-gravation  or  element  Of  their  distress  that 
their  oppressors  were  foreigners  (Deut.  28. 
49.).  6.  God's  language  alludes  to  the  bur- 
densome slavery  of  the  Israelites.  7.  secret 
400 


11,  12.  They  failed,  and  He  gave  them  up  to 
their  own  desires  and  hardness  of  heart  (Deut. 
29.  18;  Iro.  1.  30;  Kom.  11.  26.).  13-16.  Obe- 
dience would  have  secured  all  promised  bless- 
ings and  the  subjection  ot  foes.  In  this  pas- 
sage, •*  should  have,"  "would  have,"  <tc.,are 
better  "  should "  and  "  would,"  expressing 
God'."  intention  at  the  time,  i.e.,  when  they 
left  Egypt. 

PSALIM  LXXXII. 

Ver.  1-8.  Bel  ore  the  Great  Judge,  the  judges 
of  the  earth  are  rebuked,  exhorted,  and 
threatened. 

1.  tona:regation— 'cf.  Ex.  12.  3;  16.  V.  of  the 
mighty— i.e.,  of  God,  of  His  appointment,  the 
gpa's— or,  judges  (Ex.  21.  6;  22.  9,),  God's  re- 
presentatives. 2.  accept  the  persons— Zit.,  take, 
ovjijtupthe  faces,  i.e., from  dejection,  or  ad- 
mit to  favour  and  communion,  regardless  of 
merit  (Lev.  19.  16- Pro.  IS.  5.).  3,  4.  8o  must 
good  judges  act  (Ps.  lO.  14;  29.  12.!.  poor  and 
needy—  cf.  Ps.  34.  10;  41.  1.).  6.  By  the  wilful 
ignorance  and  negligence  of  judges,  anarchy 
ensues  (Ps.  11.  3;  76.  3.).  out  of  couise— (of. 
Marg.;  Ps.  9.  6;  62.  2.).  6.  7.  Though  God 
admitted  their  official  dignity  (John,  10.  34,), 
He  reminds  them  of  their  mortality,  fall  like, 
dire.- be  cut  ott  suddenly  Ps.  20.  8;  91,  7.).  8. 
As  rightful  sovereign  of  earth,  God  is  invoked 
personally,  to  correct  the  evils  of  His  repre- 
sentatives. 

PSALM  LXXXIII. 

Ver.  1-18.  Of  Asoph-ici.  Ps.  74.  title.). 
The  historical  occasion  is  prob^ly  that  of 
2  Chr.  20.  1-2  (cf.  Ps.  47.  and  48.  i.  After  a  ge- 
neral petition,  the  craft  and  rage  of  the  com- 
bined enemies  are  described,  God's  former 
dealings  recited,  and  a  hke  summary  and 
speedy  destruction  on  them  is  invoked. 

1.  God  addressed  as  indifterent  (cf.  Ps.  36. 
22;  39. 12.).  be  not  still— Zii.,  7iot  quiet,  as  op- 
posed to  action.  2.  thine  enemies— as  v,  ell  as 
ours  (Ps.  74.  23;  Isa.  37.  23.'.  3.  hidden  ones — 
whom  God  specially  protects  (Ps.  27. 5;  91. 1.). 
4.  from  being  a  nation— utter  destruction  (Isa. 
7.  8;  23.  1.  .  Israel— here  used  for  Judah,  hav- 
ing been  the  common  name.  5.  they  have  con- 
sulted—it;ii/i /learf,  or  cordially,  together— aU 
alike.  6-8.  tabernacles— for  people  Ps.78.67.). 
they— all  these  united  with  the  children  of 
Lot,  or  Ammonites  and  Moabites  (cf.  2  Chr. 
20.  1.).  9-11.  compare  the  similar  fate  of 
these  (2  Chr.  20.23)  with  that  of  the  foes  men- 
tioned in  Jud.  7.  22,  here  referred  to.  They 
destroyed  one  another  (Jud.  4.  6-24-  7.  26.). 
Human  remains  form  manure  icf.  2  Ki.  9.  37; 
Jer.  9.  22.).  12.  The  language  of  the  invaders. 
houses  — lit,  residences,  inclosures,  as  for 
flocks  (Ps.  65. 12.).  of  God— as  the  proprietors 
of  the  land  (2  Chr.  20. 11;  Isa.  14.  25.  i.  13.  like 
a  wheel— or,  whirling  of  any  light  thing  (Isa. 
17. 13,),  as  stubble  or  chatf  ,Ps.  1.  4.).  14, 15. 
pursus  them,  to  an  utter  destruction.  16. 
that  they  may  seek  — or,  as  v.  18.  supply 
"men,"  since  v.  17,  18  amplify  the  sentiment 
of  V.  16,  expressing  more  fully  the  mtaiure  of 
destruction,  and  the  lesson  of  God's  being 
and  periections  ^cf.  2  Chr.  20. 29j  taught  to  aLl 
men. 


Exhortation  to  praise  God.       TSALMS  LXXXI-LXXXIV.    Fsrael's  confederated  enemies. 


G'^R. 


FSALM   81. 

1  Or,  for. 
"Lev.  23. 24. 

2  Or, 

3  parsed 
away. 


b  John  16.  7. 
Eph.  3.  20, 

e  Acts  7.  42. 
Acts  14.16, 
Rom.  1. 24, 

6  Or,  to  the 
h.irdnea3 

tions. 
i  Is.  48.  18. 

7  Ued, 
or,  yielded 

obedience. 

8  with  the 
fat  of 
wheat. 


PSALM  82. 

1  Or,  for. 

»  Eccl.  6.  8. 
6  Ei.  21.  6. 
eOeu.  1. 17. 

2  Jud?e. 

d  !•«.  11.  3. 

3  moved. 

e  Ex.  22.  9. 

John  10. 

34. 
/Em.  31.1*. 
0  Ps.  2.  8. 

Hot.  11.16. 


PSALM  LXXXI. 

t  An  eehortation  to  a  solemn  praising  of  Ood. 

4  Oo'i  challenges  that  duty  by  nason  of  his 

benefits. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Gittith,  A  Psaltn 

1  of  Asaph. 
QING  aloud  unto  God  our  strength:  make 
^  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  God  of  Jacob. 

2  Take  a  j'saliti,  and  bring  hither  the  5  Or,  strife, 
timbrel,  the  pleasant  harp  vath  the  psal- 

3  Blow  up  the  trumpet  in  the  new  moon, 
In  the  time  appointed,  on  our  solemn  feast 
day. 

4  For  "  this  was  a  statute  for  Israel,  and 
a  law  of  the  God  of  Jacob. 

5  This  he  ordained  in  Joseph /or  a  testi- 
mony, when  he  went  out  2  thi-ough  the 
Sand  of  Ksiypt;  ivhere  I  heard  a  language 
that  I  understood  not. 

6  I  removed  his  shoulder  from  the  bur- 
den: his  hands  3  were  delivered  from  the 
♦  pots. 

7  Thou  calledst  in  trouble,  and  I  delivered 
thee;  I  answered  thee  in  the  secret  place 
of  thunder:  I  proved  thee  at  the  waters  of 
5Meribah.    Selah. 

8  Hear,  0  my  people,  and  I  ■will  testify 
onto  thee:  0  Israel,  if  thou  wilt  hearken 
an  to  me; 

9  There  shall  no  strange  god  be  in  thee; 
neither  shalt  thou  worship  any  strange 
god. 

10 1  am  the  Lord  thy  God,  which  brought 
thee  out  of  the  land  of  Egj-pt:  *  open  thy 
mouth  wide,  and  I  will  fill  it. 

11  But  my  peo])le  would  not  hearken  to 
my  voice;  and  Israel  would  none  of  me. 

12  So  *  I  gave  them  up  6  unto  their  own 
hearts'  lust:  and  they  walked  in  their  own 
counsels. 

13  Oh  <i  that  my  people  had  hearkened 
unto  me,  and  Israel  had  walked  in  my 
ways! 

14  I  should  soon  have  subdued  their  ene- 
mies, and  turned  my  hand  against  their 
adversaries. 

15  The  haters  of  the  Lokd  should  have 
1  submitted  tliemselves  unto  him:  but  their 
time  should  have  endured  for  ever. 

16  He  should  have  fed  them  also  8  with 
the  finest  of  the  wheat:  and  with  honey 
out  of  the  rock  should  I  have  satisfied 
thee. 

PSALM  LXXXIL 
I  The  psalmist,  having  exhorted  the  judges,  6 
and  reproved  their  negligence,  8  prays  Qod  to 
judge. 

A  Psalm  1  of  Asaph. 
standeth  in  the  congregation  of 
the  mighty;  he  judgeth  aii^ong  *  the 
gods. 

2  How  long  will  ye  judge  unjustly,  and 
accept "  the  persons  of  the  wicked?    Selah. 

3  2  Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless;  do 
justice  to  the  afflicted  and  needy. 

4  Heliver  the  poor  and  needy:  nd  them  out 
of  the  hand  of  the  wicked. 

5  They  know  not,  neither  will  they  un- 
uerstaiid;  they  walk  on  in  darkness:  "^all 
the  foundations  of  the  earth  are  3  out  of 
course. 

6  1"  have  said,  Ye  are  gods*  and  all  of 
^u  are  children  of  the  Most  High: 

7  But /ye  shall  die  like  men,  and  fall  like 
one  of  the  princes. 

8  Arise,  0  God,  judge  the  earth;  '  for 
t^ou  shaU  inherit  all  nations, 

407 


PSALM  83. 
1  Or,  for. 


Col.  3.  3. 

e  2  Sa.  10.  6. 

2  Chr.20.1. 

2  heart. 

3  they  have 

arm  to  the 

children 

of  Lot. 

Gen.19.37. 
d  Jud?.  7.22. 
•  Judg.4.16. 


PSALM  84. 

1  Or,  of. 

o  P3.  27.  4. 

2  Or,  At  the 

sparrow 
findeth  ■ 

and  the 
swallow  A 
nest  for 
herself,  lo 
findoth  my 
aoul  thins 
altars. 

3  Or,  of 
mulberry 


4  covereth. 

6  Or,  from 

company 


PSALM  LXXXIIL 
1 A  complaint  to  God  of  a  powerful  confederaep 
of  the  tneinies  of  Israel.     9  A  prayer  against 
those  who  oppress  the  church. 

A  Song  or  Psalm  1  of  Asaph. 
TTEEP  not  thou  silence,  0  God:  hold  not 
■•■*-  thy  peace,  and  be  not  still,  0  God. 

2  For,  lo,  "  thine  enemies  make  a  tumult; 
and  they  that  hate  thee  have  lifted  up  the 
head. 

3  They  have  taken  crafty  counsel  against 
thy  people,  and  consulted  *  against  thy 
hidden  ones. 

4  They  have  said.  Come,  and  "  let  us  cut 
them  otf  from  bein<j  a  nation;  thst  the 
name  of  Israel  may  be  no  more  in  remem- 
brance. 

5  For  they  have  consulted  together  with 
one  2  consent:  they  are  confederate  against 
thee: 

6  The  tabernacles  of  Edom,  and  the  Ish- 
maelites;  of  Moab,  and  the  Hagarenes; 

7  Gebal,  and  Ammon,  and  Ani.ilok;  the 
Philistines  with  the  inhabitants  oi  Tyre; 

8  Assur  also  is  joined  with  them:  ^^  they 
have  hnlpen  the  chihh'en  of  Lot.     Selah. 

9  Do  unto  them  as  unto  the  <*  Midianites: 
as  to « Sisera,  as  to  Jabin,  at  the  brook  of 
Kison- 

10  Xvhich  perished  at  En-dor:  they  became 
as  dung  for  the  earth. 

11  Make  their  nobles  like  Oreb  and  like 
Zeeb  •  yea,  all  their  princes  as  Zebah  and 
as  Zalmunna; 

12  Who  said,  Let  us  take  to  ourselves  the 
houses  of  God  in  possession. 

13  O  my  God,  make  them  like  a  wheel;  as 
the  stubble  before  the  wind. 

14  As  the  fij  e  bumeth  a  wood,  and  as  the 
flame  setteth  the  moimtains  on  fire; 

15  So  persecute  them  with  thy  tempest, 
and  make  them  afraid  with  thy  storm. 

16  Fill  their  faces  with  shame;  that  thej 
may  seek  thy  name,  O  Lord. 

17  Let  them  be  confounded  and  troubled 
for  ever;  yea,  let  them  be  put  to  shame, 
and  perish: 

18  That  men  may  know  that  thou,  whose 
name  alone  is  JEHOVAH,  art  the  Most 
High  over  all  the  earth. 

PSALM  LXXXIV. 

1  The  prophet,  longing  for  the  ec^nmunion  of  th* 

sanctuary,  4  shows  how  blessed  they  ar4  that 

dwell  therein :  8  he  prays  to  be  restored  unto  it. 

To  the  chief  Musician  upon  Gittith,  A  Psalm 

1  for  the  sons  of  Korah, 
TTOW  "  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  0 
■'•■'■  Lord  of  hosts! 

My  soul  longeth,  yea,  even  fainteth  for 
the  courts  of  the  Lord  ;  my  heart  and  my 
flesh  crieth  out  for  the  liniig  God. 

3  2  Yea,  the  sparrow  hath  found  an  house, 
and  the  swallow  a  nest  for  herself,  where 
she  may  lay  her  yoimg,  even  thine  altars, 
O  Lord  of  hosts,  my  king,  and  my  God. 

4  Blessed  are  they  that  dwell  in  thy 
house:  they  will  be  still  praising  thee. 
SeLih. 

5  Blessed  is  the  man  whose  strength  is  in 
thee:  in  whose  heart  are  the  ways  of  them, 

6  Who  passhig  through  the  valley  3  of 
Baca  make  it  a  well;  the  rain  also  *  filleth 
the  pools. 

7  They  go  6  from  strength  to  strength; 
every  one  of  them  in  Zion  ^  appeareth  b& 
fore  God. 

8  0  Lord  God  of  hosts,  hear  my  prayer, 
give  ear.  0  God  of  Jacob.    Selah. 


DesiraUeneas  of  Gods  Worship.  PSALMS  LXXXIV— liXXXYHT.      atory  of  the  ^L%rcn. 

guided,  in  God's  holy  ways.  Dcmbtless,  in 
this  description  of  God's  returning  favour, 
the  writer  had  in  view  that  n^ore  t;loriou3 
period,  when  (Christ  shall  establish  His  gu- 
vernnient  on  (^od's  reconciled  justice  and 


PSALM  LXXXIV. 

Ver.  1-12.  Cf.  on  titles  of  Ps.  8  and  42.  The 
writer  describes  the  desirableness  of  Gad's 
worship,  and  prays  for  a  restoration  to  its 
privileges. 

1.  amiable— not  lovely,  bvt  beloved,  taber- 
nacles—(Ps.  43. 3.).  2.  loiigt-i-most intensely 
(Gen.  31.  30;  Ps.  17. 12.^.  lainterh— exhausted 
with  desire,  courts— as  tabernacles  [v.  D— the 
whole  building,  crieth  out— K(.,  sings  for  joii; 
but  here,  and  Lam.  2.  19,  expresses  an  act  of 
sorrow  as  the  corresponding  noun  Ps.  17. 1; 
fil.  2.).  heart  and  .  .  .  flesh— as  Ps.  63.  1.  3. 
rhine  altars— i.e.,  of  burnt-offering  and  in- 
cense, used  for  the  whole  tabernacle.  Its 
structure  aftbrded  facilities  for  sparrows  and 
swallows  to  indulge  their  kn  own  predilections 
for  such  places.  Some  understand  the  state- 
ment as  to  the  birds  as  a  comparison:  "as 
they  find  homes  so  do  I  desire  thine  altars," 
&c.  4.  Thisview  is  favoured  by  the  languatie 
here,  whidi,  as  Ps.  15.  1;  23.  6,  recognises  the 
.blessing  of  membership  in  God's  family,  by 
terms  denoting  a  dwdling  in  His  Itouse.  5. 
(Cf.  Ps.  68.  28.).  in  whose  heart .  .  .  ways— i.e., 
who  knows  and  loves  the  way  to  God's  favour 
(Pro.  16. 17;  Lsa.  40.  3,  4.).  6.  valley  of  Baca— 
or,  weeping.  Through  such,  by  reason  of  their 
dry  and  barren  condition,  the  worshippers 
olten  liad  to  pass  to  Jerusalem.  As  they 
misiht  become  wells,  or  fountains,  or  pools, 
supplied  by  refreshing  rain,  so  the  grace  of 
God,  by  the  exercises  of  His  worship,refre.-hes 
and  revives  the  hearts  of  His  people,  so  that 
for  sorrows  they  have  "rivers  of  delight"' 
(Ps.  36.  S;  46. 4.).  7.  The  figure  of  the  pilgrim 
IS  carried  out.  As  such  daily  refit  their  bodily 
strength  till  they  reach  Jerusalem,  so  the 
spiritual  worshipper  is  daily  supplied  with 
spiritual  strength  by  God's  grace,  till  he  ap- 
pears before  God  in  heaven,  appearetli  .  .  . 
Go;i— the  terms  of  the  requi.sition  lor  the  at- 
tendance on  the  feasts  (cf.  Deut.  16.  10.).  9. 
God  is  addres.sed  as  a  shield  fcf.  v.  11.).  thine 
anuiuted— David  (l  Sam.  16.  12.).  10.  I  1  ad 
. . .  doorkeeper— ?(i.,  /  choose  to  sit  on  the  ihresh- 
old.  the  meanest  place.  11. 12.  As  a  sun,  God 
evilightens  (Ps.  27:1;);  as  a  shield,  protects 


abounding  mercy. 

PS,^LM  LXXXVL 

Ver.  1-17.  This  is  a  prayer  in  which  the 
writer,  with  deep  emotion,  mingles  petitions 
and  praises,  now  mgent  lor  helii,  and  now 
elated  with  hope,  in  view  of  fori)  er  mercies. 
The  occurrence  of  many  terms  and  phrases 
peculiar  to  David's  Psalms  clearly  iniimates 
its  authorship. 

1, 2.  poer  (  nd  needy— a  suffering  child  of  God 
as  Ps.  10.  12,17;  18.  27.  1  am  hoy— or,  godJy. 
as  Ps.4. 3;  86. 8.  4.  lift  un  my  sou'— with  strong 
desire  (Ps.  25. 1.  .  5-7.' unto  all  . .  .  that  call 
upon  t;  fe— or,  worship  thee  Ps.  :'0.  15;  91.  15) 
however undeserA'iiig  (tx.  34. 6;  Lev.  11.  9-13.;. 
8.  neither^...  works- ?it,  notliAng  lilte  thy 
vjorks,  thegods  have  none  at  all.  9,  10.  The 
pious  Jews  believed  that  God's  common  re- 
lation to  all  would  be  ultimately  acknow- 
ledged by  aU  men  (Ps.  45.  12-16;  47.  9.).  11. 
Teaci;— Show,  point  out.  thy  way— of  provi- 
dence, walk  in  thy  truth— according  to  its 
declarations,  unite  my  heart— fix  all  my  af- 
fections Ps.  12. 2;  Jam.  4. 8.).  to  tear  thy  name 
—  cf.  V.  12,),  to  honour  thy  perfections.  13, 14. 
The  reason:  God  had  delivered  him  from 
death  and  the  power  of  insolent,  violent, 
and  godless  persecutors  (Ps.  54.  3;  Ez.  S.  12.). 

15.  contrasts  God  with  his  enemies  (cf.  v.  5.). 

16.  son  .  .  .  handmaid  —  home-born  servant 
(cf.  Luke,  15. 17.^  17.  Show  n.e— lit.. Make vnth 
vie  a  token,  by  thy  providential  care.  Thus 
in  and  by  his  prosperity  his  enemies  would 
be  confounded. 

PSALM  LXXXVII. 

Ver.  1-7.  This  triumphal  song  was  pro- 
bably occasioned  by  the  same  event  as  the 
46th.  The  writer  celebrates  the  glory  of  the 
Cliurch,  as  tiie  means  of  spiritual  blessing  to 
the  nations. 

1.  His  [i.e.,  God's]  foundation— or,  what  He 
has  founded,  i.e.,  Zion  (lsa.  14.  32.).    is  in 

e  holy  mountains— the  location  of  Z'on,  in 


Grace,  is  God's  favour,  its  irmt^-ijlory  the  j  the  wide  sense,  for  the  capital,  or  Jerusalem 

being  on  several  hills.  2.  gates— for  the  en- 
closures, or  city  to  which  they  opened  Ps.  9. 
14;122.2;cf.  Ps.l32. 13,14.).  3.  spoken  ot  [or, in] 
thee— i.e.,  the  city  of  God  (Ps.  46.  4;  48.  2.). 
4.  This  is  what  is  spoken  by  God.  to  them 
.  . .  me— lit.,  for  my  knovxr.^;  they  are  true 
worshippers  'Ps.  36.  10;  lsa.  19.  21.).    These 


honour  He  bestows,  uprightly— (Ps.  15. 2;  18. 
23.).    that  trusteth— constantly. 
PSALM  LXXXV. 

Ver.  1-13.  On  the  ground  of  former  mercies, 
the  Psalmist  prays  for  renewed  bles.^ings, 
and,  confidently  expecting  them,  rejoices. 

1.  captivity  —  not  necessarily  the  Baby- 
lonian, but  any  great  evil  (Ps.  14.  7.).  2,  3. 
(Uf.  Ps.  32.  1-5.).  To  turn  from  the  Heme- 
ncss,  ikc,  hnplies  that  He  was  reconcileable, 
though  4-7.  having  still  occasion  for  the  ai 


are  ???en(ioned  as  specimens.  This  [i.e.,  nation] 
.  .  .  was  born  there.  Of  each  it  is  said,  "  This 
icas  born,  or  is  a  native  of  Zion,  spiritually," 

, „ ^_.  ,5.  The  writer  resumes— This  and  that  man — 

which  is  deprecated,    craw  out— or,  prolontr ,  lit.,  Man  and  man,  or  many  (Gen.  14. 10;  Ex. 
iT.s.  36.  10.).     8.  He  is  confident  God  wUllS.  10,  14,),  or  all  (lsa.  44.  5;  Gal.  3.28.).    the 


favour  His  penitent  people  Ps.  61. 17;  80. 18.). 
saints-as  Ps.  4.  3,  the  "  godly."  9. 1'hey  are 
here  termed,  "them  that  tear  him;"  and  grace 
produces  glory  (Ps.  84.  11.).  10.  God's  jiro- 
niises  of  mercy  will  be  verified  by  His 
truth  Id.  Ps.  25.10;  40.  10  ;  and  the  "work 
of  righteousness"  in  His  holy  government 


Highest  . .  .  her— God  is  her  protector.  _. 
The  same  idea  is  set  forth  under  the  figure 
of  a  register  made  by  God  (cf.  lsa.  4.  3.).  7. 
As  in  a  great  procession  of  those  thus  vmtten 
up.  or  registered,  seeking  Zion  (lsa.  2.  3;  Jer. 
50.  5,),  the  singers  and  players,  or  pipers, 
shall  precede,    all  my  springs— so  each  shall 


shall  be  "  peace"  (lsa.  32.  17.).    There  is  an  |  say,  "  All  my  sources  of  spiritual  .joy  are  in 
implied  contrast  with  a  dispensation,  under  j  thee"  (Ps.  46.  4;  84.  6.). 
which  (iod's  truth  sustains  His  threatened  |  PSALM  LXXXVIIL 

wrath,  and  His  righteousness  inflicts  misery  |  Ver.  1-18.  Upoib  Malialath— either  an  in- 
on  the  wicked.  11.  Earth  and  heaven  shall  j  stiitment,  as  a  lute,  to  be  used  as  an  accom- 
au(Mind  with  the  bles.sings  of  this  govern- ipaniment,  itfnnt'jm,  for  singing,  or,  as  others 
meat;  12,  13.,  and,  under  this,  the  deserted  think,  an  enigmatic  title  (cf.  Ps.  5.,  22,  and 
laud  shall  be  productive,  and  men  be  set,  or  1 45. titles)  denoting  the  subject— i.e.,  "sickness 
407  ' 


Tpr^continuance  of  mercies.    PSALMS  LXXXy-LSSXVTII. 

9  Behold,  '  0  (rod  our  shield,  and  look 
upon  the  face  of  thine  anointed, 


The  glory  of  Zion. 


10  For  a  day  in  thy  courts  *;>•  better  than 
a  thousand.  6 1  had  rather  be  a  doorkeeper 
in  the  house  of  my  God,  than  to  dwell  in 
the  tents  of  wickedness. 

H  For  the  Lord  God  is  a  sun  and  shield: 
the  Lord  will  give  grace  and  glory:  no 
good  tiling  will  he  withhold  from  them 
that  wall;  upritchtly. 

12  0  Lord  of  hosts,  blessed  is  the  man 
that  trusteth  in  thee. 

PSALM  LXXXV. 
1  TAe  psalmist,  from  the  experience  of  former 

mercies,  prays  for  the  continuance  thereof;  She 

promises  to  wait  thereon,  in  oonfidence  of  God's 

goodness. 
To  the  chief  Mueician,  A  Psalm  1  for  the  sons 

of  Korah. 
T  ORD,  thon  hast  been  2  favotirable  nnto 
■^  thy  land:  thou  hast "  brought  back  the 
captivity  of  Jacob. 

2  Thou  hast  forgiven  the  miquity  of  thy 
people,  thou  hast  covered  all  theil:  sin. 
&elah. 

3  Thou  hast  taken  away  all  thy  wrath : 

8  thou  hast  turned  thyself  from  the  fierce- 
Dess  of  thine  anger. 

4  Tum  us,  0  God  of  our  salvation,  and 
cause  thine  anger  toward  us  to  cease. 

5  Wilt  thou  be  angry  with  us  for  ever? 
wilt  thou  draw  out  thine  anger  to  all  gene- 
rations? 

6  Wilt  thon  not  *  revive  ns  again,  that  thy 
people  may  rejoice  in  thee? 

7  Show  us  thy  mercy,  O  Lokd,  and  grant 
as  thy  salvation. 

8  1 "  will  hear  what  God  the  Lord  will 
Bpeak:  for  <*  he  will  speak  peace  unto  his 
people,  and  to  his  saints:  but  let  them  not 
turn  »  again  to  folly. 

9  Surely  his  salvation  is  nigh  them  that 
fear  him ;  that  glory  may  dwell  in  our  land. 

10  ilercy  /  and  truth  are  met  together; 

9  righteousness  and  peace  have  Idssed  each 
other. 

11  Truth  '»  shall  spring  out  of  the  earth; 
and  righteousness  shall  look  down  from 
heaven. 

12  Yea,  *  the  Lord  shall  give  that  which 
is  good;  and  our  land  shall  yield  her  in- 
crease. 

13  Righteousness  shall  go  before  him,  and 
shall  set  tts  in  the  way  of  his  steps. 

PSALM  LXXXVl. 
1  David  strengthens  his  prayer  by  his  conscious- 
ness of  religion:  6  by   God's  power  and  good- 
ness: 11  /w  desires  the  continuance  of  his  grace. 
1 A  Prayer  of  David. 
■ROW  down  thine  ear,  O  Lord,  hear  me; 
■"-^  for  I  am  poor  and  needy. 

2  Prescne  my  soul,  for  I  am  2 holy;  0 
thou  my  God,  save  thy  servant  that  trust- 
eth in  thee. 

3  Be  merciful  unto  me,  O  Lord:  for  I  cry 
unto  thee  ^  daily. 

4  Rejoice  the  soul  of  thy  servant:  for  unto 
thee.  O  Lord,  do  I  lift  up  my  soul. 

5  For  "  thou.  Lord,  art  good,  and  ready 
to  forgive;  and  plenteous  in  mercy  unto  all 
them  that  call  upon  thee. 

6  Give  ear,  O  Lord,  unto  my  prayer;  and 
attend  to  the  voice  of  my  sujiplications. 

7  In  the  dayof  mv  trouble  I  will  call  upon 
thee:  for  thou  wilt  answer  me. 

8  Among  'the  gods  thtre  is  none  like  unto 
thee,  O  Lord;  neither  an,  there  any  works 
like  txuto  ihy  works. 


PSALM  84. 

c  Gen.  15. 1. 

6  I  would 
choose 
rather  to 
Bit  at  the 
threshold. 


PSAI.M  86. 

1  Or  of. 

2  Or,  weU 

pleased. 
•  Eira  1. 11. 
Jer.  30  18. 
£ze.89.:j5 
Joel  a.  1. 

3  Or,  thou 
bast  turn- 
ed thine 
anser  from 
waxing 
hot. 

b  Hah.  8.  2. 
C  Hah.  2.  1. 
d  Zoch.  9  10. 
e  i;  1. ,1.2. 2 1. 
/■Mio.  7.20. 
g  Is.  32. 17. 

Lu.  2  14. 
h  Is.  45.  8. 

2  Cor.  5. 

14-21. 
<  Jam.  1. 17. 


PSALM  86. 

1  Or,  A 
Prayer, 

Psalm  of 
David. 

2  Or,  one 
whom  thou 
favourest. 

3  Or,  aU  the 

a  .loel  2. 13. 
b  Ex.  15. 11. 
c  U.  43.  7. 

Rev.  16.  4. 
d  Deu.  6.  4. 

Deu.  32.39. 

la.  37.  10. 

Is.  44.  6. 

Mftr.12.29. 

1  Cor  8.  4. 

£pb.  4.  6. 
<  Ps.  66.  13. 

Ps.  116.  8. 

4  Or,  (p-ave. 
6  terrible. 

/  Ei.  34.  6. 
Nu.  14. 18. 
Neh.  !).  17. 
Joel  2.  13. 


9  All  *  nations  whom  thou  hastmadt  shall 
come  and  worship  before  thee,  U  Lord; 
and  shall  glorify  thy  name. 

10  For  thou  ar<  gi-eat,  and  doest  wondrous 
things:  ■■'  thou  art  God  alone. 

11  Teach  me  thy  way,  O  Lord  ;  I  will  walk 
in  thy  truth:  unite  my  heart  to  fear  thy 
name. 

12  1  will  praise  thee,  O  Lord  my  God, 
with  all  my  heart;  and  I  will  glorify  thy 
name  for  evemiore. 

13  For  great  is  thy  mercy  toward  rne ;  and 
thou  hast  *  delivered  my  soul  from  the 
lowest  *  hell. 

14  0  God,  the  proud  are  risen  against  me, 
and  the  assemblies  of  5  violent  men  have 
sought  alter  my  soul,  and  have  not  set 
thee  be  lore  them. 

15  But  /  thou,  0  Lord,  art  a  God  full  of 
coiiiiuissiou,  and  gracious,  long-suflVring, 
and  plenteous  in  mercy  and  truth. 

16  O  tum  unto  m.e,  and  have  mercy  upon 
me;  give  tiiy  strenuth  unto  thy  servant, 
and  save  the  son  of  thine  handmaid. 

17  Show  me  a  token  for  good;  that  they 
"hich  hate  me  may  see  it,  and  be  ashamed : 
because  thou.  Lord,  hast  holpen  me,  and 
comlbrted  me. 

PSALM  LXXXVII. 
1  The  seat  and  glory  of  the  church:  4  the  increase 
and  honourable   dtstinction   of  the  membert 
thereof. 

A  Psalm  or  Song  1  for  the  eons  of  Korah. 
TJIS  foundation  is  in  the  holy  moun- 
■'"'-  tains. 

2  The  Lord  loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more 
than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob. 

3  Glorious  "  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  O 
city  of  God.    Selan. 

4  I  will  make  mention  of  2  Rahab  and 
Babylon  to  them  that  know  me:  behold 
Philistia,  and  Tjtc,  with  Ethiopia;  this 
man  was  born  there. 

5  And  of  Zion  it  shall  be  said,  This  and 
that  man  was  born  in  her:  and  *the 
Highest  himself  shall  establish  her. 

6  The  *  Lord  shall  count,  when  <*  he  writ- 
eth  up  the  people,  that  this  man  was  bora 
there.    Selah. 

7  AS  well  the  singers  as  the  players  on  in- 
struments  shall  be  there:  all  my  eprings 
are  in  thee. 

PSALM  LXXXVIIL 

A  prayer  containing  a  grievous  complaint. 
A  Sone  or  Psalin  1  for  the  sons  of  Korah,  to  '.he 
chief  Musician    upon    Maluilath  LeannoUi, 
2  Maschil  of  Henian  the  Ezraliite. 

salvation,  I  have 
before  thee. 

2  Let  my  prayer  come  before  thee:  in- 
cline thine  ear  unto  my  cry; 

3  For  my  soul  is  lull  of  troubles,  and  my 
life  "drav-'eth  nigh  unto  the  grave. 

4  I  am  counted  with  them  that  go  down 
into  the  pit:  I  am  as  a  man  t.Uat  hath  no 
strength : 

5  Flee  among  the  dead,  like  the  slain  that 
lie  ill  the  grave,  whom  thon  renieniberest 
no  more:  and  they  are  cut  ofl'  ''from  thy 
hand. 

6  Thou  hast  laid  me  in  the  lowest  pit,  in 
darkness,  in  the  deeps. 

7  Thy  wrath  lieth  hard  upon  me,  and 
thou  hast  atilicted  me  with  all  thy  waves. 
Selah. 

8  Thuu  hast  put  away  n'ine  acquaiat- 
auce  far  Ijom  me ;  thou  hast  maut  me  an 


O  LORD  God  of  my 
^-^   cried  day  and  night 


David  praises  God 


PSALM  LXXXIX. for  His  Promises  of  Favour. 


or  disease,  for  humbhrg,"  the  idea  of  spiri-  Him,  Tabor  and  Hermon  for  east  and  west 
tual  maladies  being  often  represented  by  and  "north  and  south,"  together  represent- 
disease  icf.  Ks.  6.  5,  G;  22. 14,  15,  &c.).  On  the  ing  the  whole  world,  declares  the  same  truth 
other  terms  cf.  Ps.  42.  32  Heman  and  as  to  His  attributes,  rejoice  in  thy  name— 
Jitlifin  iFs.  S9.  title}  were  David's  singers  praise  thy  perfections  by  their  very  existence. 
Vr\.\  '^•A^',^^'  ^^-  15'.).  of  the  family  of ,  15.Hisgovernmentof  righteousnessisserved 
Kohath.  If  the  persons  alluded  to  (1  Ki.  4. ;  by  merci/ and  truth&s  ministers  (Pb.  85. 10-13 j. 
?^1  ^  k"*"-.^--^'^'  *^.^^y  ^\^\^  probably  adopted  know  the  joyful  sound— understand  and  appre- 
rnto  the  tnbe  oi  Judah  Though  called  a ,  date  the  spiritual  blessings  sj'n.bolised  by 
song,  which  usually  imphes  joy  (Ps.  83,  l,i, !  the  feasts  to  which  the  people  were  called  by 
both  the  style  and  matter  of  the  Psalm  are  \  the  trumpet  (Lev.  25.  O.&c  ).  walk  .  counte- 
very  despondent;  yet  the  appeals  to  God  '  nance— live  in  His  favour  iPs.  4.  6- 44  3  )  16 
evince  faith,  and  we  may  suppose  that  the  j  17.  in  [or.^j/l  thy  righteousness-thy  faithful 
word  song  might  be  extended  to  such  com-  just  rule,  glory  [or,  btaiiti,]  of  their  strength 
positions.  —they  shallbe  adorned  as'well  as  protected. 

1,  2.  Cf.  on  the  terms  used  Ps.  22.  2;  31.  2.  our  horn-exalt  our  power  (Ps.  75. 10;  Luke.  1. 
3.  grave-?i«.,  hell  (Ps.  16.  10.),  death  m  wide  i  69.).  18.  (Cf.  Mara.).  Thus  is  introduced  the 
sense.  4.  go  . .  pit— of  destruction  Ps.  28.  l.),  I  promise  to  "  our  .shield,"  "our  king,"  David, 
as  a  man-M,  a  stout  man,  whose  strength  is  i  19-37.  Tlien— When  the  covenant  was  estalj- 
utterly  gone.  5.  Free  .  .  .dead— Cut  off  from  i  iished,  of  w^lfose  execution  the  e.xalted  views 
God  s  care,  as  are  the  slam,  who,  falling  un-  of  God  now  given  furnish  assurance,  thou  . . . 
derH-.s  wrath,  are  left,  no  longer  sustained  I  to  thy  Holy  One-or  godlj-,  saint,  object  of 
t)y  His  hand.  6.  feimilar  figures  for  distress  favour  Ps.  4.  3.  .  Nathan  is  meant  (■'  Sam. 
m  Ps  6.5.  9;  69.  3  7.  Cf.  Ps.  38.  2,  on  fir.4. '  7.  17;  l  Chr.  17.  3-15.).  laid  help-^/i.,"  given 
and  Ps.  42.  7,  on  last  clause.  8.  Both  cut  off  hdih  David  was  chosen  and  then  exalted, 
from  sympathy  and  made  hateful  to  friends  20.  I  have  found  — having  sought  and  then 
U^s.  31.  11.).  9.  Mine  eye  mounieth  —  Tif. .  selected  him  (1  Sam.  16.1-16,),  21.  will  pro- 
dccays,  or,  fails,  denoting  exhaustion  (Ps.6,  tect  and  sustain  (Isa.  41.  10,),  22  25.  by  re- 
7;  31. 9.1.  I...  called— (Ps.  86.  5,  7.).  stretched  straining  and  conquering  his  enemies,  and 
put— for  help  ;Ps.44.20.).  10.  shall  the  dead  performing  my  gracious  purpose  of  extending 
[the  remains  of  ghosts]  arise— Kt.,  rtse  -wp, ;  his  dominion— hand  [and]  right  hand— power 
I.e.,  as  dead  persons.  11,  12.  amplify  the  (Ps.  17.  7;  60.  5.).  sea.  ana  ...  rivers— limits  of 
foregoing,  the  whole  purport  (as  Ps.  6.  5)  his  empire  (Ps.  72.  8.).  26,  27.  first  born— one 
being  to  contrast  death  and  life  as  seasons  I  who  is  chief,  most  beloved  or  distinguished 
for  praising  God.  13.  prevent  — meet— i.e.,  j  (Ex.  4.  22;  Col.  1.  15.).  In  God's  sit'lit  and 
he  will  diligently  come  before  God  for  help  purposes  he  was  the  first  among  all  monardis. 
(Ps.  18.  41.).  14.  On  the  terms  (Ps.  27.  9-  74. '  and  specially  so  in  his  typical  relation  to 
1;  77.  7.).  15.  from  .  .  .  youth  up— all  my  life.  Christ,  28-37.  This  relation  is  perpetual  with 
With  16,  17.  the  extremes  of  anguish  and :  David's  descendants,  as  a  whole  typical  io 
despair  are  depicted.  18.  into  darkness  — !  official  position  of  his  last  greatest  descend- 
better  omit  "  into"  —  mine  acquaintances  ;  ant.  Hence,  though  in  personal  relations 
(are  darkness,  the  gloom  of  death,  &c.  (Job. ,  any  of  them  might  be  faithless  and  so  pun- 
17.  13, 14.).  ^^^^^  ished,  their  typical  relation  shall  continue. 

PSALM  LXXXIX.  His  oath  confirms  his  promise,  and  the  most 

Ver.1-52.  O/.Ef/ian— (see  Ps.  88.  title.).  The  enduring  objects  of  earth  and  heaven  illus- 
Psalm  was  comyiosed  during  some  season  of  trate  its  perpetual  force  (Ps.  72.  5  7, 17  )  by 
great  national  distress,  perhaps  Absalom's  my  holiness— as  a  holy  God.  once— one  thing 
rebellion.  It  contrasts  the  promised  prospe- ,  (Ps.  27.  4.).  that  I  will  not  lie— lit.,  if  I  lie— 
......  .^-r.,   ..._  .,  .....  „  .        _  6;  2 


rity  and  perpetuity  of  David's  throne  (with  ;  part  of  the  form  of  swearing  1  Sam.  24. 
reference  to  the  great  promise  of  2  Sam.  7.),  Sam.  3.  35.).  It  shall  ..  .  moon,  ...  heaven- 
vidth  a  time  when  God  appeared  to  have  Kt.,  "^s</iemoo«,  and  the  witness  in  the  sky 
forgotten  His  covenant.  The  picture  thus  |  is  sure,  i.e.,  the  moon."  38-62.  present  a 
drawn  may  typify  the  promises  and  the  ad-  striking  contrast  to  these  glowing  promises, 
versifies  of  Christ's  kingdom,  and  the  terms  ,  in  mournful  evidences  of  a  loss  of  God's  fa- 
of  confiding  appeal  to  God  provide  appro- :  vour.  38.  cast  off— and  rejected  (cf.  Ps.  15.  4; 
pri  ate  prayers  for  the  divine  aid  and  promised  1 43.  2;  44.  9.).  39.  An  insult  to  the  cromi,  as 
blessings.  of  divine  origin,  was  a  profanation.    40-45. 

1.  mercies— those  promised  (Isa.  56. 3-  Acts,  1  The  ruin  is  depicted  under  several  figures— 

13.  34,),  and— faithfulness— i.e.,  in  fulfilling  a  vineyard  whose  broken  hedges,  and  a 
them.  2.  I  have  said— expressed,  as  well  as  stronghold  whose  ruins  invite  spoilers  and 
felt,  my  convictions  (2  Cor.  4.  13.).  3,4.  The  invaders;  a  warrior,  whose  enemies  are  aided 
object  of  this  faith  expressed  in  God's  words  by  God,  and  whose  sword's  edge— lit,  rock  or 
(2  Sam.  7. 11-16.).  with  [or  lit.,  to']  my  chosen—  strength  Josh.  5.  2)  is  useless;  and  a  youth 
as  the  covenant  is  in  the  form  of  a  promise,  prenaturely  old.  days  of  his  youth— or,  youth- 
6,  7.  This  is  worthy  of  our  belief,  for  His  ful  vigour,  i.e.  of  the  royal  line,  or  promised 
faithfulness  is  praised)  by  the  congregation  perpetual  kingdom,  under  the  figure  of  a 
of  saints  or  holy  ones,  i.e.,  angels  (cf.  Deut.  man.  46.  How  long?  &c.-(cf.  Ps.  13.1;  8S.  14; 
33.  2;  Dan.  8.  13.).  sons  of  .  .  .  mighty  (cf.  Ps.  Jer.4.  4.)  47.  These  exi^o-stulations  are  ex- 
29.  \.t.    So  is  He  to  be  admired  on  earth.    8-  cited  in  view  of  the  identity  of  t!  e  prosperity 

14.  To  illustrate  His  power  and  faithfulness  of  tliis  kingdom  with  the  welfare  of  all 
examples  are  cited  from  history.  His  con-  manl:ind  (Gen.  22. 18;  Ps.  72.  17;  Isa.  9.  7;  11. 
trol  of  the  sea  (the  most  mighty  andunstable  1-10;);  for  if  such  is  the  fate  of  this  chosen 
object  in  nature),  and  of  Egypt  (Ps.  87.  4,),  royal  line,  48.  What  muxi— lit.,  strong  man— 
thi-  first  great  foe  of  Israel  (subjected  to  utter  shall  live?  and,  indeed,  have  not  all  men  been 
helplessness  from  pride  and  insolence),  are  made  in  vain,  as  to  glorifying  God?  49-61. 
specimens.  At  the  same  time,  the  whole  The  terms  of  expostulation  are  used  in  view- 
frame  of  nature  foimded  ami  sustained  by  of  the  actual  appearance  that  God  had  for- 

40S  3  H 


David  praises  God 

abominatiou  unto  them:  /  am  shut  up, 
and  1  cannot  come  forth. 

9  Mine  eye  mourneth  by  reason  of  afflic- 
tion: LoKD,  I  have  called  daily  u\>on  thee, 
I  have  stretched  out  my  hands  uMo  thee. 

10  Wilt  thou  show  wonders  to  the  dead^ 
Bhall  the   dead  arise  and  praise   thee? 

ll^ShaU  thy  loving-kindness  be  declared 
in  the  grave?  or  thy  faithtolness  m  de- 
struction? ,         -       ,        _„  •„  Xl,„ 

12  Shall  i>  thy  wonders  be  known  m  the 
dark?  «  and  thy  righteousness  in  the  land 
of  forgetfulness?  •  ^    ri  r^^r.. 

13  But  unto  thee  have  I  cned,  0  Lokd  ; 
and  in  the  morning  shaU  my  prayer  prevent 

14  Lord,  why  castest  thou  off  my  soul? 
vihv  hidest  thou  thy  face  from  me? 

15  I  am  afflicted  and  ready  to  die  from 
my  youth  up:  while  I  <i suffer  thy  terrors  I 
am  distracted.  .         ,,  .u 

16  Thy  *  fierce  wrath  goeth  over  me;  thy 
terrors  have  cut  me  off. 

17  They  came  round  about  me  &  daily  liKe 
water;  they  compassed  me  about  together. 

18  Lover  •  and  friend  hast  thou  put  lar 
from  me,  and  mine   acquaintance  into 

^^^"""    PSALM  LXXXIX 

1  The  psalmist  praises  God.  6  for  his  won<Urful 
fxnuer,  16  for  his  core  of  the  church,  19  and  /a- 
vour  to  David's  kingdom. 

1  Masc'hil  of  "  Ethan  the  Ezrahite. 

I  WILL  sing  of  the  mercies  of  the  Lord 
for  ever:  with  my  mouth  will  I  make 
known  thy  faithfitlness  2  to  all  generations. 

2  For  I  liave  said,  Mercy  shall  be  bmlt  up 
for  ever :  thy  faithfulness  shalt  thou  es- 
tablish in  the  very  heavens. 

3  I  have  made  a  covenant  with  my  chosen, 
I  have  6  swom  unto  David  my  servant, 

4  Thy  seed  will  I  establish  for  ever,  and 
build  up  thy  throne  'to  all  generations. 
Selah.  „         .       ^, 

5  And  the  heavens  shall  praise  thy 
wonders,  O  Lokd;  thy  faithfulness  also  in 
the  congregation  of  the  saints. 

6  For  who  in  the  heaven  can  be  compared 
tmto  the  Lord?  tvho  among  the  sons  of  the 
mighty  can  be  likened  unto  the  Lord? 

7  God  is  greatly  to  be  feared  in  the 
assembly  of  the  saints,  and  to  be  had  ui 
reverence  of  all  them  that  are  about  him. 

8  O  Lord  God  of  hosts,  who  is  a  strong 
Lord  like  unto  thee?  or  to  thy  faithfiilness 
roiuid  about  thee? 

9  Thou  -irulest  the  raging  of  the  sea: 
when  the  waves  thereof  arise,  thou  stillest 
them.  „  .    ,  . 

10  Thon  •  haat  broken  s  Rahab  m  pieces, 
as  one  that  is  slain;  thou  hast  scattered 
thine  enemies  *  with  thy  strong  arm. 

11  The  heavens  are  thine,  the  earth  also 
in  thine:  as  for  the  world  and  the  fulness 
thereof,  thou  hast  founded  them. 

U  The  north  and  the  south  thou  hast 
created  them:  /Tabor  and  "  Hermon  shall 
reioice  in  thy  name.  . 

13  Thou  hast  6  a  mighty  arm:  strong  is  thy 
hand,  and  high  is  thy  nght  hand. 

11  Justice  and  judgment  are  the  ^habi- 
tation of  thy  throne:  mercy  and  truth  shall 
go  before  thy  face. 

15  messed  is  the  people  that  know  the 
jo) I'ul  ''sound:  they  shaU  walk,  0  Lord,  m 
the  liifht  of  thy  countenance. 

16  Li  thy  name  shall  they  rejoice  aU  the 

400 


PSALM  LXXXIX. 


for  Ms  promises  of  favour. 


PSALM  S8.  .day;  an 
.  ,  .„>  „,   ,be  exalted 


d  in  thy  righteousness  shall  they 


I-,  11  12  ,   17  For  thou  art  the  glory  of  their  strength; 
Eoci.  8  10.  and  in  thy  favour  our  horn  shall  be  exa  ted. 


4  burrunjB. 

5  Or,  all  the 
day. 

•  Job  19. 13. 


PSALM  89. 

1  Or,  A 

Psalm  for 
Elhar.  the 
Eirahite, 
to  give  in- 

0  1  Ki.  4.31. 
1  Chr.2.6. 

2  to  ^neia- 

generation. 
6  Ere  34.23. 

Hos.  3.  6. 
c  2  Sa.  7.  16. 

Is.  44.  5. 

Is.  59.  21. 

Lu.  1.  S2. 

Hob.  2.  13. 
d  ^ah.  1.  4. 

Mat.  8.  26. 
«  Is.  30.  7. 

3  Or,  Egypt. 

4  -with  the 
arm  of  thy 
strength. 

/  Jos.  19.  22. 
9  Jos   12.  1. 

with 
might. 

6  Or,  estalH 
Ushmcnt. 
Deu.  :a  *. 
Pb.  97.  a. 
Jer.  12.  1. 

h  Nu.  10.  10. 
23.21. 

7  Or,  our 
thield  it 
of  the 

lord, 

ard  our 
king  is  of 
the  Holy 
One  of 

Ps.  47.  9. 
{  Hob.  13. 10. 
;■  Pa.  Bl.  7. 
k  2Sa.  7.14. 

John  5.  17. 
JP8.2.  7. 

Col.  1.  IB. 
m  Ib.  55.  3. 
n  1«.  9.  7. 

Jer.  a^.  17. 

Dan.  7. 14. 

Rei-.  22. 1. 
0  Deu.  11  21. 
p  2  Sa.  7. 14. 


9Je 


.  Q   13. 


8  profane  my 

9  1  will 


Jn.  12.  34. 
(  Jer.  81 .36. 
u  Lara.  6. 16. 
12  bright- 
ness. 
V  Job  7.  7. 


IS  For  "the  Lord  is  our  defence;  and  the 
Holv  « One  of  Israel  is  oiu-  King. 

19  I'hen  thou  spakest  in  vision  to  thy 
Holy  One,  and  saidst,  I  have  laid  help  upon 
one' that  is  mighty;  I  have  exalted  ont 
chosen  out  of  the  people. 

'20  1  have  foimd  David  my  servant;  with 
my  holv  oil  have  I  anointed  him: 

21  \Yith  whom  my  hand  shall  be  estab- 
lished; mine  arm  also  shall  strengthen  him. 

22  The  enemy  shaU  not  exact  upon  him; 
nor  the  son  of  wickedness  afflict  him. 

23  And  I  wiU  beat  Gown  his  foes  before 
his  face,  and  plague  them  that  hate  him. 

24  But }  my  faithfulness  and  my  nierCT 
shall  be  with  him;  and  in  my  name  shall 
his  horn  be  exalted.         ,     .    .,  , 

25  I  wiU  set  his  hand  also  in  the  sea,  and 
his  ritrht  hand  in  the  rivers. 

26  He  shaU  cry  unto  me.  Thou  ar«  *my 
Father,  my  God,  and  the  Rock  ot  my  sal- 

27  Also  I  wUl  make  him  J«i?/ ftrst-bom, 
higher  than  the  kings  of  the  earth.  _ 

28  My  "'  mercy  wiU  I  keep  for  him  for 
evermore,  and  my  covenant  shaU  stand 
fast  with  him.  .„  ^        ,     ^         , 

29  His  seed  also  wiU  I  make  to  endure 
for  ever,  "  and  his  throne  "  as  the  days  o£ 

30  \f  P  his  children  foi-sake  «  my  law,  and 
waUi  not  in  my  judgments;  ,  ,     „ 

31  If  they  » litak  my  statutes,  and  keep 
not  my  commandments;    _ 

32  Then  will  I  visit  their  transgression 
with   the   rod,   and  their  miquity   with 

^Sa'^Nevertheless  my  loving-kindness  9  will 

I  not  utterly  take  from  him,  nor  sufler  my 
faithfulness  1"  tc  fail. 

34  My  covenant  wiU  I  not  break,  nor  alter 
the  thing  that  is  gone  out  of  my  hns. 
?,5  Once  have  I  sworn  '^by  my  tolmess 

II  that  1  will  not  he  unto  David. 
26  His  *  seed  shaU  endure  for  ever,  andniB 

throne  as  the  sun  before  me. 

37  It  « shaU  be  established  for  ever  as  the 
moon,  and  as  a  faithful  witness  in  heaven. 
Selah 

38  But  thou  hast  cast  off  and  abhorred, 
thou  hast  been  wroth  with  thine  anomted. 

39  Thou  hast  made  void  the  covenant  of 
thy  servan' ; "  thou  hast  profaned  his  crown 
hy  casling  it  to  the  ground.    „  ^.  ,    . 

40  Thou  ha.st  broken  down  all  his  hedges; 
thou  hast  brought  his  strong  holds  to  rum. 

41  AU  that  pass  by  the  wayspoU  him;  ne 
is  a  reproach  to  his  neighbours. 

42  Thou  hast  set  up  the  ri«bt  hand  of  his 
adversaries;  thou  hast  made  aU  his  ene- 
mies  to  rejoice.  ,,,.•>       *  i,:. 

43  Thon  hast  also  turned  the  edge  ot  hia 
sword,  and  hast  not  made  him  to  stand  m 
the  battle.  .    ,„  ,       ^ 

44  Thou  hast  made  his  12  glory  to  cease, 
and  cast  his  throne  down  to  the  ground. 

45  The  days  of  his  youth  hast  thon 
shortened  :  thou  hast  covered  him  witn 
shame.     Selah.  ,  - ,     ^i, 

46  How  long,  Lord?  wilt  thou  hide  thy- 
self for  ever?  shaU  thy  wrath  bum  lixe 
fire? 

47  Remember  "  how  shorts  my  time  is : 
wherefore  ha«*t'  thou  made  aU  men  m  vamf 


Frailty  of  Man. 


PSALMS  xc-xcin. 


Safety  of  the  Righteous. 


saken  His  people  and  forgotten  His  promise, 
and  the  plea  for  aid  is  urged  in  view  of  the 
reproaches  of  His  and  His  people's  enemies 
(cf.  Isa.  o7.  17-35.  .  bear  in  my  bosom— as  feel- 
ing the  affliction  of  the  people  (Ps.  09.  9.  . 
foot stets  — ways  (Ps.  56.  C).  Blessed,  Ac- 
denotes  returning  confidence  (Ps.  34.  1-3.). 
Amen,  and  Amen— closes  the  third  book  of 
Psalms. 

PSALM  XC. 

"Ver.  1-17.  Contrasting  man's  frailty  with 
God's  eternity,  the  writer  mourns  over  it 
as  the  punishment  of  sin,  and  prays  for  a 
return  of  the  divine  favour.  A  Prayer 
[mainly  such]  of  Moses  the  man  of  God— 
(Dent.  33. 1;  Josh.  14. 6,),  as  such  he  wrote  this 
(cf.  titles  of  Ps.  18.  and  Ps.  3C.). 

1.  dwelling  place  ■=- home  (cf.  Ez.  11.  16,), 
as  a  refuge  (Dent.  33.  27.).  2.  brought  foith 
[and]  formed— both  express  the  idea  oi  pro- 
duction hy  birth.  3.  to  destruction— Ki.,  even 
-to  dust  (Gen.  3.  19,).  which  is  partly  quoted 
in  the  last  clause.  4.  Even  were  our  days 
now  1000  years,  as  Adam's,  our  life  would  be 
but  a  moment  in  God's  si^ht  i2  Pet.  3.  8.).  a 
watch— or,  third  part  of  a  night.^cf.  Ex.  14. 
24.  .  5.  6.  Life  is  like  grass,  which,  though 
changing  under  the  influence  of  tlie  night's 
dew,  and  flourishing  in  the  morning,  is  soon 
cut  down  and  withereth  Ps.  103.  15;  1  Pet.  1. 
24.).  7,  8.  For— A  reason,  this  is  the  infliction 
of  God's  wrath,  troubled— <fl,  confounded 
bii  terror  (Ps.  2.  5.).  Death  is  by  sin  (Rom. 
5.  12.).  Though  secret  the  light  of  God's 
countenance,  as  a  candle,  will  bring  sin  to 
view  (Pro.  20.  27;  1  Cor.  4.  6.).  9.  are  passed 
—lit.,  turn,  as  to  depart  (Jei".  6.  4.).  spend— 
lit.,  consume,  as  a  tale— lil,  a  thought,  or,  a 
sigh  [Kz.  2.  10.).  10.  Moses'  life  was  an  ex- 
ception (Deut.  34.  7.).  it  is  . .  .  cut  off— or, 
driven,  as  is  said  of  the  quails  in  using  the 
same  word  (Num.  11.  31.).  In  view  of  this 
certain  and  speedy  end,  life  is  full  of  sorrow. 
11.  The  whole  verse  may  be  read  as  a  ques- 
tion implying  the  negative,  "  No  one  knows 
what  thy  anger  can  do,  and  w  hat  thv  wTath 
is,  estimated  by  a  true  piety."  12.  This  he 
praj'S  we  may  know  or  understand,  so  as 
properly  to  number  or  appreciate  the  short- 
ness ot  our  days,  that  we  may  be  wise.  13. 
(Cf.  Ps.  13. 2.).  let  it  repent— a  strong  figure, 
as  Ex.  32.  12,  imploring  a  change  in  His  deal- 
ings. 14.  early  —  promptly.  15.  As  have 
been  our  sorrows,  so  let  our  joys  be  great  and 
long.  16.  ihy  work  — or,  providential  acts, 
thy  glory— (Ps.  8. 5;  45.  3,),  the  honour  accruing 
from  thy  work  of  mercy  to  us.  17.  let  tue 
beauty— or,  sitin  of  His  gracious  acts,  in  their 
harmony,  be  illustrated  in  us,  and  favour 
our  enterprises. 

PSALM  XCI. 

Ver.  1-16.  David  is  the  most  probable 
author;  and  the  pestilence,  mentioned  2  Sam. 
24,  the  most  probable  of  any  special  occa^ 
sion,  to  which  the  Psalm  may  refer.  The 
changes  of  person  allowable  in  poetry  are 
here  frequently  made. 

1.  To  dwell  in  the  secret  place  (Ps.  27.  5;  31. 
20,),  denotes  nearness  to  God.  Such  as  do  so 
abide  or  lodge  secure  from  assaults,  and 
can  weU  use  the  terms  of  trust  in  v.  2.  3. 
snare . . .  [and]  n  isome  pestilence— Zit.,  plagues 
oj  mischiejs  .Ps.  5.  9;  52.  7,),  are  expressive 
figures  for  various  evils.  4.  For  the  tirst 
figure  cf.  Deut.  32. 11;  Mark,  23.  37.  buckler 
—lit.,  surrounding —i.e.,  a  kind  of  shield, 
covering  all  over.  5.  terror— or,  what  causes 
40!) 


it  (Pro.  20.  2.).  by  night— then  aggravated, 
arrow— i.e..  of  enemies.  7,  8,  The  security  is 
more  valuable,  as  being  special,  ai.d,  there- 
fore, evidently  of  God;  and  while  ten  thou- 
sands of  the  wicked  fall,  the  righteous  are  in 
such  safety,  that  they  only  see  the  calamity. 
9-12.  This  exempiion  from  evil  is  the  result 
of  trust  in  God,  who  employs  angels  as  mi- 
nistering spirits  (Heb.  1.  14.).  13.  Even  the 
fiercest,  strongest,  and  most  insidious  ani- 
mals may  be  trampled  on  with  impunity. 
14-16.  GodHiUiSelf  speaks  (cf.  Ps.  46.  10;  75. 
2,3.).  All  the  terms  to  express  salety  and 
peace  indicate  the  most  uudoubting  coi^fi- 
dence  (ct.  Ps.  18.  2;  20.  1;  22.  5.'.  set  his  love 
—that  of  the  most  ardent  kind,  show  him 
—lit.,  make  him  see  (Ps.  60.  23;  Luke,  2.  30.). 
PSALM  XCII. 

Ver.  1-15.  A  Psalm-song— [cf.  Ps.  30.  title.). 
The  theme  is,  that  God  should  be  praised  for 
His  righteous  judgments  on  the  wicked  and 
His  care  and  defence  of  His  people.  !6uch  a 
topic,  at  all  times  proper,  is  specially  so  for 
the  reflections  of  the  Sabbath-day. 

1.  siiig  . . .  name— celebrate  thy  perfections. 
2.  in  iJie  morning  .  .  .  every  night— diligently 
and  constantly  jPs.  42.  8.).  loving-kiuaness— 
lit.,  meny.  faithfulness  —  in  fujfilhng  pro- 
mises (Ps.  89.  14.).  3.  In  such  a  work  all 
proper  aid  must  be  used,  with  a  .  . .  sound— 
or,  ou  Higgaion  cf.  Ps.  9.  16,),  perhaps  an 
instrument  of  that  name,  from  its  sound  re- 
sembling the  muttered  sound  of  meditation, 
as  expressed  also  by  the  word.  This  is  joined 
with  the  harp.  4.  thy  work— i.e.,  ot  provi- 
dence (Ps.  90.  16,  17.).  5.  great  .  .  .  works — 
correspond  to  deep  or  vast  thoughts  (Ps.  40.  5; 
Rom.  11.  23.).  6.  A  brutish  man  knoweth  not 
—i.e.,  God's  works,  so  the  Psalmist  describes 
himself  (Ps.  73.  22)  when  amazed  by  the  pros- 
perity of  the  wicked,  now  understood  and 
explained.  8.  This  he  does  in  part,  by  con- 
trasting their  ruin  with  God's  exaltation  and 
eternity,  most  high— as  occupying  the  highest 
place  in  heaven  ( Ps.  7.  7;  18. 16.).  9.  lO.  A  far- 
ther contrast  with  the  wicked,  in  the  lot  of  the 
righteous,  safety  and  triumph,  horn  . . .  exalt 
—is  to  increase  power  (Ps.  75.  5.).  sncinted 
.  .  .  fiesli  [or,  new]  oil— (Ps.  23.  5)  a  figure  for 
refreshment  ;cf.  Luke,  7.  46.).  Such  use  of  oil 
is  still  common  in  the  East.  11.  see  . .  .  [and] 
hear  mv  desire— or  lit.,  look  on  my  enemies 
and  hear  of  the  wicked  (cf.  Ps.  27.  11;  64.  7)— 
i.e.,  I  shall  be  gratified  by  their  faU.  12-14. 
The  vigorous  growth,  longevity,  utility,  fra- 
grance, and  beauty  of  these  noble  trees,  set 
forth  the  life,  character,  and  destiny  of  the 
pious;  15.  and  they  thus  declare  God's 
glory  as  their  strong  and  righteous  ruler. 

PSALM  xcm. 

Ver.  1-5.  This  and  the  six  following  Psalms 
were  applied  by  the  Jews  to  the  times  of  the 
Messiah.  The  theme  is  God's  supremacy  in 
creation  and  providence. 

1.  L4od  is  described  as  a  king  entering  on 
his  reiL'n,  and,  for  robes  of  royalty,  investing 
HimstJlf  with  the  glorious  attributes  of  Hi.s 
nature.  The  result  of  His  thus  reigning  is 
the  durabihty  of  the  world.  2-4.  His  unde- 
rived  power  exceeds  the  most  sublime  exlii- 
bitions  of  the  most  powerful  objects  in  na- 
ture Ps.  89.  9.1  5.  While  His  power  inspires 
dread.  His  revealed  will  should  secure  our 
confidence  (cf.  Ps.  19.  7;  25.  10, ,  and  thus  fear 
and  love  combined,  producing  all  holy  emo- 
ti'ns,  should  distinguish  the  worship  we 
ofier  in  His  house,  both  earthly  and  heavenly. 


frailty  of  <i 


PSALMS  XC-XCIL 


Safety  of  tTie  righteouf. 


48  What  man  is  he  tlmt  liveth,  and  shaU 
not  see  death*  shall  he  deliver  his  soul 
from  the  hand  of  the  grave  ?    Selah. 

49  Lord,  where  are  thy  former  loving- 
kindnesses,  whichi\iou  swarestunto  David 
in  thy  truth?  .     „^^ 

50  Remember,  Lord,  the  reproach  of  thy 
eervants ;  how  I  do  bear  in  my  bosom  the, 
reproach  of  all  the  mighty  people ; 

61  Wherewith  thine  enemies  have  re- 
proached, O  Lobd;  wherewith  they  have 
reproached  the  footsteps  of  thine  anointed. 

52  Blessed  he  the  LoKD  for  evermore. 
Amen,  and  Amen. 

PSALM  XC. 


\Moitt,  setting  forth  Ood's  providenee,  S  eom- 
vlains  of  human  frailty  t  Vi  he  prays  for  the 
knowledge  and  scnaible  experience  of  <3oa't  good 


tdenee. 

\  A  Prayer  of  Moses  the  man  of  God. 
T  ORD,  thou  hast  been  car  dwelling  place 
■*-'  2  in  aU  generations. 
,2  Before  the  "  mountains  were  brought 
forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst  fonned  the  earth 
and  the  world,  even  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting,  thou  aH  God. 

3  Thou  tumest  man  to  destruction;  and 
Bayest,  *  Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

4  For  "  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight  are 
Imt  as  yesterday  3  when  it  is  past,  and  as  a 
watch  m  the  night. 

5  Thou  earnest  them  away  as  with  a 
flood:  they  are  as  a  sleep:  in  the  morning 
they  <»  are  like  grass  which  igroweth  up. 

6  In  •  the  morning  it  flourisheth,  and 
groweth  up;  in  the  evening  it  is  cut  down, 
and  withereth. 

7  For  we  are  consumed  by  thine  anger, 
and  by  thy  wrath  are  we  troubled. 

8Thou/  hast  set  our  ihiquities  before  thee, 
our  »  secret  sins  in  the  light  of  thy  counte- 
nance. 

9  For  all  our  days  are  6  passed  away  in 
thy  wrath;  we  spend  our  years  ^  as  a  tale 
that  is  told. 

10  ^  The  days  of  our  years  are  threescore 
years  and  ten ;  and  if  by  reason  of  strength 
they  be  fourscore  years,  yet  is  their  strength 
labour  and  sorrow;  for  it  is  soon  cut  off, 
and  we  fly  away. 

11  Who  knoweth  the  power  of  thine 
anger?  even  according  to  thy  fear,  so  is 
thy  wrath. 

12  So  'i  teach  u«  to  number  our  days,  that 
we  may  8  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 

13  Return,  O  Lord,  how  long?  and  let  it 
repent » thee  concerning  thy  servants. 

14  O  satisfy  us  early  with  thy  mercy ;  that 
we  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  all  our  days. 

15  Make  us  glad  according  to  the  days 
voherein  thou  hast  afflicted  us,  and  the 
years  wherein  we  have  seen  evil. 

16  Let  >  thy  work  appear  unto  thy  ser- 
vants, and  thy  glory  unto  their  children. 

17  And  let  the  beauty  of  the  Lord  out 
God  be  upon  us:  and  "establish  thou  the 
work  of  our  hands  upon  us;  yea,  the  work 
of  our  hands  establish  thou  it. 

PSALM  XCL 
jl  Btate  of  the  godly ;  3  their  lafety,  9  ftaMtafton, 

11  servantt,  14  andfriendt;  with  the  effects  of 

Hum.  alX. 
TJE  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of 
■■■•^  the  Most  High  shall  i  abide  under  the 
ghadow  of  the  Almighty. 

2  I  will  say  of  the  Lord,  He  is  my  refuge 
and  my  fortress:  my  tiod;  in  him  will  I 
trast. 

ilO 


PSAIiM  92. 

1  in  the 

slghta. 

2  Or,  up«n 
the  solemn 
•ound  with 
the  h»rp. 

8  Higgaion, 

P..  9.  16. 
a  I,.  28.  29. 

Ro,  11.  33. 
b  P».  73.  22. 

P>.  94.  8. 
e  Job  21.  7. 

Jer.  12.  1. 

M>1.  3. 15. 
d  Pb.  62.  8. 

Bong  7.  7. 

eb.eo.81. 


3  Surely  he  shall  deliver  thee  from  the 
snare  of  the  fowler,  and  from  the  noisome 
pestilence. 

4  He  "  shall  cover  thee  with  his  feathers, 
and  under  his  wings  shalt  thou  trust:  his 
truth  shall  be  thy  shield  and  buckler. 

5  Thou  *  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  the  terror 
by  night;  nor  for  the  arrow  that  tiieth  by 
day; 

6  Nor  for  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness;  nor  for  the  destmction  that 
wasteth  at  noon-day. 

7  A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side,  and 
ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand;  but  it  shall 
not  come  nigh  thee. 

8  Only  *with  thine  eyes  shalt  thou  behold 
and  see  the  reward  of  the  wicked. 

9  Because  thou  hast  made  the  Lord  which 
is  my  refuge,  even  the  Most  High,  thy 
habitation; 

10  There  <*  shall  no  e\Tl  befall  thee, 
neither  shaU  any  plague  come  nigh  thy 
dwelling. 

11  For  'he  shall  give  his  angels  charge 
over  thee,  to  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways. 

12  They  shall  bear  thee  up  in  their  hands, 
lest /thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone. 

13  Thou  shalt  tread  upon  the  lion  and 
2 adder;  the  young  lion  and  the  dragon 
shalt  thou  trample  under  feet. 

14  Because  he  hath  set  his  love  upon  me, 
therefore  will  I  deliver  him:  1  will  set  him 
on  high,  because  he  hath  knoivn  my  name. 

15  lie  "  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  an« 
swer  him:  f^  1  ^vill  be  with  him  in  trouble; 
I  -Bill  deliver  him,  and  « honour  him. 

16  With  3  long  life  will  I  satisfy  him,  and 
show  him  my  salvation. 

PSALM  xcn. 

1  Th^  prophet  exhorts  to  praise  God,  A  for  hit 
tvoris,  B  his  judgments  on  the  wicked,  10  and 
goodness  to  the  godly. 

A  Psalm  or  Song  for  the  sabbath  day. 
TT  is  a  good  thing  to  give  thanks  unto 
the  Lord,  and  to  sing  praises  unto  thy 
name,  O  Most  High: 

2  To  show  forth  thy  loving-kindness  in  the 
mornujg,  and  thy  faithfulness  i  every  night. 

3  Upon  an  instrument  of  ten  strings,  and 
upon  the  psaltery ;  2  upon  the  harp  with  3  a 
solemn  sound. 

4  For  thou.  Lord,  hast  made  me  glad 
through  thy  work:  I  will  triumph  in  the 
works  of  thy  hands. 

5  0  Lord,  how  great  are  thy  works!  and 
thy  "  thoughts  are  very  deep. 

6  A  6  brutish  man  knowetn  not;  neither 
doth  a  fool  understand  this. 

7  When  "  the  wicked  spring  as  the  grass, 
and  when  all  the  workers  of  iniquity  do 
flomjsh;  it  is  that  they  shall  be  destroyed 
for  ever: 

8  But  thou,  Lord,  art  most  high  for 
evermore. 

9  For,  lo,  thine  enemies,  0  Lord,  for,  lo, 
thine  enemies  shall  perish ;  all  the  workers 
of  iniquity  shall  be  scatteied. 

10  But  my  horn  shalt  thou  exalt  like  the 
horn  of  an  unicorn:  I  shall  be  anointed 
with  fresh  oil. 

11  Mine  eye  also  shaU  see  my  desire  on 
mine  enemies,  and  mine  ears  shall  hear  mi; 
desire  of  the  wicked  that  rise  up  against 
me. 

12  The  <*  righteous  shall  flourish  like  the 

£alm  tree;  ne  shall  grow  like  a  cedar  in 
lebanon. 

13  Those  th&t  be  *  planted  in  the  boose  of 


Tlie  Providence  of  God. 


PSALMS  XCIV— XCVni.       Exhortation  to  Praise  God. 


PSALM  XCIV. 

Ver.  1-23.  The  writer,  appealing  to  God  in 
view  of  the  oppres.sion  of  enemies,  rebukes 
them  for  their  wickedness  and  folly,  and 
encourages  himself,  in  the  confidence  that 
God  will  punish  evil-doers,  and  favour  His 
people. 

1, 2.  God's  revenge  is  His  judicial  infliction 
of  righteous  punishment,  show  thyself— (cf. 
Marg.).  Lift  up  thyself— or.  Arise,  both  figures 
representing  God  as  heretofore  indiflerent 


PSALM  XCVI. 
Ver.  1-13.    The  substance  of  this  Psalm, 
nd  portions  of  the  97th,  98th,  and  lOOth.  are 
found  in  1  Chr.  10,  which  was  used  by  David's 
directions  in  the  dedication  of  the  tabernacle 
on  mount  Zion.     The  dispensation  of  the 
Messiah  was  ty  pified  by  that  event.  Involving, 
as  it  did,  a  more  permanent  seat  of  worship, 
and  the  introduction  of  additional  and  morp 
spiritual  services.     Hence  the  language  of 
,  ,    ^,         ~  „  .    -r  :  these  Psalms  may  be  regarded  as  having  a 

(ct.  Ps.  3.  7;  22.  16,  20.!.  3,4.  In  an  earnest ;  higher  import  than  that  pertinent  to  the 
expostulation  he  expresses  his  desire  that  j  occasion  on  which  it  was  thus  publicly  used 
the  insolent  triumph  of  the  wicked  may  be  1-3.  AH  nations  are  invited  to  unite  in  ihis 
ended.  5,  6.  people  [and]  heritage  — are  sy-  most  joyful  praise,  new  song— Zi(.,/res/i,  for 
nonymous,  the  people  being  often  called  new  mercies  (Ps.  33.  3;  40.  3.).  show  forth— 
God's  heritage.  As  justice  to  the  weak  is  a  ;  iii.,  declare  joyful  tidings.  The  salvation 
sign  of  the  best  government,  their  oppression  illustrates  His  glory  in  its  wonders  of  love 
is  a  sign  of  the  worst  (Deut.  10. 18;  Isa.  10.  2.).  j  and  mercy.  4,  5.  For  He  is  not  a  local  God. 
7.  Their  cruelty  is  only  exceeded  by  their ;  but  of  universal  agency,  while  idols  are 
■wicked  and  absurd  presumption  (Ps.  10.  11;  nothing.  6.  Honour  and  maiestv— are  His 
59.  7.).  8.  ye  brutish- (cf.  Ps.  73.  22;  92.  6.).  attendants,  declared  in  His  mi'jhty  works, 
9-11.  The  evidence  of  God's  providential !  while  power  and  grace  are  specially  seen 
government  is  found  in  His  creative  power  in  His  spiritual  relations  to  His  people 
and  omniscience,  which  also  assure  us  that  7-9.  Give— or.  Ascribe  (Ps.  29.  l)  due  honour 
He  can  punish  the  wicked  in  regard  to  all  to  Him,  by  acts  of  appointed  and  solemn 
their  vain  purposes.  12,  13.  On  the  other  worship  in  His  house,  offeruig— of  thanks, 
hand,  He  favours,  though  He  chastens,  the  beauty  of  holiness- (Ps.  29.  2.).  fear  .  .  .  him— 
pious,  and  will  teach  and  preserve  them  (Ps.  2. 11.).  10.  Let  all  know  that  the  govem- 
till  the  prosperous  wicked  are  overthrown.  ;  ment  of  the  world  is  ordered  in  justice,  and 
14, 15.  This  results  from  His  abiding  love  they  shall  enjoy  firm  and  lasting  peace  (of. 
(Deut.  32.  1.5,),  which  is  farther  evinced  by  Ps.  72.  3,  7;  Isa.  9.  6,  7.).  11-13.  For  which 
His  restoring  order  in  His  government,  wliose  reason  the  universe  is  invoked  to  unite  in 
right  administration  will  be  approved  by  joy,  and  even  inanimate  nature  (Eom.  8. 14- 
the  good.  16.  These  questions  imply  that,2:.^i  is  poetically  represented  as  capable  of 
none  other  than  God  will  help  iPs.  60.  9,),  Joining  in  the  anthem  of  praise. 
17-19.,  a  fact  fully  confirmed  by  his  past  ex-  PSALM  XOVII. 

perience.  dwelt  in  silence— as  in  the  grave  I  Ver.  1-12.  The  writer  celebrates  the  Lord's 
(Ps.  31.  17.).  my  thoughts— or,  anxious  cares.  '•  dominion  over  nations  and  nature,  describes 
20.  throne  —  power,  rulers,  iniquity  [and]  its  eftect  on  foes  and  friends,  and  exhorts 
nuschiei— both  denote  evils  done  to  others, ,  and  encourages  the  latter, 
as  21.  explams.  22,  23.  Yet  he  is  sate  in  i  1,  2.  This  dominion  is  a  cause  of  joy,  be- 
God's  care,  defence- (Ps.  59.  9.).  rock  cf . . . :  cause,  however  our  minds  are  oppressed  with 
refuge— (Ps.  9.  9;  18.  2.).  bring  .  .  .  iniquity—  ;  terror  before  the  throne  of  the  JKing  of  kings 
(cf.  Ps.  5.  10;  7.  16.).  in  their  .  . ,  wickedness—  j  (Ex.  19. 16;  Deut.  6.  22,),  we  know  it  is  based 
while  they  are  engaged  in  evil  doing.  |  on  righteous  principles  and  judgments  which 

PSALM  XCV.  I  are  according  to  truth.    3-5.  The  attending 

Ver.  1-11.  David  iHeb.  4.  7)  exhorts  men  illustrations  of  God's  awful  justice  on  ene- 
to  praise  God  for  His  greatness,  and  warns  ]  mies  (Ps.  83. 14)  are  seen  in  the  disclosures 
them,  in  God's  words,  against  neglecting  His  of  His  almighty  power  on  the  elements  of 
service.  •  mature  (cf.  Ps.  46.  2;  77.  17;  Hab.  3.  6,  &c.). 

1.  The  terms  used  to  express  the  highest  6.  heavens— or,  their  inhabitants  (Ps.  50.  6.), 
kind  of  joy.  Rock— A  firm  basis,  giving  cer- ,  as  opposed  to  nations  in  the  latter  clause  (cf. 
tainty  of  salvation  (Ps.  62.  7.).  2.  come  .  .  .  |Isa.  40.  6;  66.  18.).  7.  Idolaters  are  utterly 
presence— Ki.,  approach,  or,  meet  Him  (Ps.  17.  put  to  shame,  for  if  angels  must  worship 
13.).  3.  above  .  .  .  gods  —  esteemed  such  by  Him,  how  much  more  those  who  worshipped 
men,  though  reallynothing  (Jer.  5. 7;10. 10-15.).  them.  ^U  ye  gods— lit.,  all  ye  angels  Ps.  8.  5; 
4,  5.  The  terms  used  describe  the  world  in  1.  8.  1;  Heb.  1.  6;  2.  7.;.  Paul  quotes,  not  as 
its  whole  extent,  subject  to  God.  6.  come—  a  prophecy,  but  as  language  used  in  re-ard 
or.  enter,  with  sokmn  forms,  as  well  as  to  the  Lord  Jehovah,  who  in  the  O.  T.  theo- 
hearts.  7.  This  relation  illustrates  our  en-  phania,  is  the  second  person  of  the  Godhead, 
tire  dependence  (cf.  Ps.  23.  3;  74.  l.j.  The  8,  9.  The  exaltation  of  Zion's  king  is  joy  to 
last  clause  is  imited  by  Paul  (Heb.  3.  7)  to  the  righteous  and  sorrow  to  the  wicked, 
the  following  (cf.  Ps.  81.  8,),  8-11.  warning  daugliters  ol  Judah— (cf.  Ps.  48.  11.).  above  all 
against  neglect;  and  this  is  sustained  by  gods  — (Ps.  96.  3.).  10-13.  Let  gratitude  for 
citing  the  uielancholy  fate  of  their  rebellious  the  blessings  of  providence  and  grace  incite 
ancestors,  whose  provoking  insolence  is  de-  saints  (Ps.  4.  3)  to  holy  living.  Spiritual 
scribed  by  quoting  the  language  of  God's  blessings  are  in  store,  represented  by  light 
complaint  i]Num.  14.  ll)  of  their  conduct  at  (Ps.  27.  1)  and  gladness,  sown— to  spring 
Mm6a/i  and  Massa/i,  names  given  Ex.  17.7)  forth  abundantly  for  such,  who  alone  can 
to  commemorate  their  strife  and  contention  and  well  may  rejoice  in  the  holy  government 
with  Him  (Ps.  78.  18,  41./.  err  in  tbeir  heart  of  their  sovereign  Lord  icf.  Ps.  30.4;  32.  li.). 
—their  wanderings  in  the  desert  were  but ;  PSALM  XCVIIi. 

types  of  their  innate  ignorance  and  perverse- '  "Ver.  1-9.  In  view  of  the  wonders  of  grace 
ness.  that  they  should  not— lit.,  if  they,  &c.,  and  righteousness  displayed  in  God's  salva- 
part  of  the  form  of  swearing  (cf.Num.  14. 30;  tion,  the  whole  creation  is  invited  to  unite 
Ps.  89. 36.J.  ■  in  praise. 

410 


ttdjeiiy  of  God's  Mngdom. 


PSALMS  xcni-xcvi. 


Exhortation  to  praise  God. 


»  greea. 

EKk.47.12. 
/  Deu.  32.  4. 
8  Bom.  9. 14. 


PSALM  93. 
« li.  62.  7. 

Rev.  19.  6. 
6  Pa.  104. 1. 
ePro.  8.  22, 

1  from  then. 

2  to  length 
of  da;>. 


Ihe  Lord  shall  flourish  in  the  courts  of 

our  God. 

14  They  shall  stiU  bring  forth  fruit  in  old 
age- they  shall  be  fat  and  *  flourishing; 

15  To  show  that  the  Lobd  is  upright:  fhe 
i$  my  rock,  and  o  there  is  no  unrighteous- 
uess  in  him. 

PSALM  xcm. 

Majesty,  stability ,  pmver,  andholinas  of  Christ's 

kingdom. 
T'HE  »  Lord  reigneth;*  he  is  clothed  with 
■*-  majesty:  the  Lord  is  clothed  with 
Btrength,  wherewith  he  hath  girded  him- 
self:  the  world  also  is  established,  that  it 
cannot  be  moved. 

2  Thy  « throne  is  established  i  of  old:  thou 
art  from  everlasting. 

3  The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O  Lord,  the 
floods  have  lifted  up  their  voice;  the  floods 
lift  up  their  waves. 

4  The  Lord  on  high  is  mightier  than  the 
noise  of  many  waters,  yea,  than  the  mighty 
waves  of  the  sea. 

5  Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure:  holiness 
becometh  thine  house,  O  Lord,  2  for  ever. 

PSALM  XCIV. 
1  The  prophet,  eaUing  for  hatiee,  complains  of  the 
tvrannt/  and  impiety  of  the  wicked.    16  Cfod  is 
vu  defender  and  avenger  of  the  afflicted. 

r\  LORD  1  God,  to  whom  vengeance  be- 
^^  longeth:  0  God,  to  whom  vengeance 
belongeth,  2  show  thyself. 

2  Lift  up  thyself,  thou  <•  Judge  of  the 
earth:  render  a  reward  to  the  proud. 

3  Lord,  »  how  long  shall  the  wicked,  how 
long  shall  the  wicked  triumph? 

4  How  long  shall  they  «  utter  and  speak 
hard  things  f  and  aU  the  workers  of  iniquity 
toast  themselves? 

5  They  break  in  pieces  thy  people,  0  Lord, 
and  afflict  thine  heritage: 

6  They  slay  the  widow  and  the  stranger, 
and  murder  the  fatherless. 

7  Yet  thev  say,  The  Lord  shall  not  see, 
neither  shall  the  God  of  Jacob  regard  it. 

8  Understand,  ye  brutish  among  the  peo- 
ple: and  we  fools,  when  will  ye  be  wise? 

9  He  <*  that  planted  the  ear,  shall  he  not 
hear?  he  that  formed  the  eye,  shall  he  not 
Bee? 

10  He  that  chastiseth  the  heathen,  shall 
not  he  correct?  he  that  •  teacheth  man 
knowledge,  shall  not  he  know? 

11  The /Lord  knoweth  the  thoughts  of 
man,  that  they  are  vanity. 

12  Blessed  '  is  the  man  whom  thou  chas- 
tenest,  O  Lord,  and  teachest  him  out  of 
thv  law; 

'  l3  That  thou  mayest  give  him  rest  from 
the  days  of  adversity,  until  the  pit  be  digged 
ft)r  the  wicked. 

14  For  '^  the  Lord  will  not  cast  ofFhis  peo- 
pie,  neither  will  he  forsake  his  inheritance: 

15  But  judgment  shall  return  unto  righte- 
ousness ;  and  all  the  upright  in  hearts  shall 
follow  it. 

16  Who  will  rise  up  for  me  against  the 
evil-doers?  or  who  will  stand  up  for  me 
against  the  workers  of  iniquity? 

17  Unless  the  Lord  had  been  my  help, 
my  soul  had  *  almost  dwelt  in  silence. 

18  When  I  said.  My  foot  slippeth;  thy 
mercy,  O  Lord,  held  me  up. 

19  In  the  multitude  of  my  thoughts  within 
toe  thy  comfoi  w  .telight  my  souL  ..„..„._ 

'20  Shall  i  the  liiione  of  iniquity  have  fel-  a  Zim 
lowship  with  thee,  which  ^  frameth  mis-  •  John  s.  22. 
chief  by  a  law?  J[/aer.i8.u. 


psAiM  94. 

1  Oodof 

reren^i. 
Dou.32.85. 
Nah.  1.  2. 

2  Bhine 
forth. 

a  Gen.  18.25. 
6  Job  20.  5. 
e  Jude  15. 
d  Ex.  4  11. 
Pro.  2012. 
*  Job  35.  11. 

I>.  28.  2S. 
/ICor.  1. 

21. 

1  Cor.  3. 

20. 
0  Job  5. 17. 

Pro.  3, 11. 

1  Cor.  11. 
82. 
Heb.  12.  6. 

A  Bom.  11.2. 

3  shaUb* 
after  it. 

4  Or, 
quickly. 

i  AmoB  6. 

2  Cor.  6.14. 
>P«.68.  2. 

la.  10.  1. 
k  Mat.  27.  1. 
J  Ex.  23.  7. 

Pro.  17. 15. 
m  Pro.  2.  22. 


PSALM  95, 

1  prevent 
hia  face, 

2  In  whose. 
8  Or,  the 

heights  of 
the  hiUs 
are  hia. 

4  Whose  the 
sea  is. 

o  1  Cor.  6. 
20. 

b  John  1.  S. 
Is.  54.  6. 

e  Heb.  3.  7. 

d  Num.  14. 


Heb.  3. 10. 
/Heb.  4.  8. 
6  if  they 

enter. 


0 


PSALM  96. 

0  Jer.  10. 11. 
b  Ib.  42.  e. 

c  Ps.  29. 1, 

1  of  his 
name. 

2  Or.  in  tht 
glorious 


21  They* gather  themselves  together 
against  the  soul  of  the  righteous,  and  *  coi> 
demn  the  innoceht  blood. 

22  But  the  Lord  is  my  defence;  and  my 
God  is  the  rock  of  my  refuge. 

23  And  "*  he  shall  bring  upon  them  their 
own  iniquity,  and  shall  cut  them  off  in  their 
own  wickedness  ;yea,  the  Lord  our  God 
shall  cut  them  off: 

PSALM  XCV. 
\  Exhortation  to  praise  Qod,  3  for  his  greatness, 
6  and  for  his  goodness:  8  and  not  to  tempt  him. 
COME,  let  us  sing  unto  the  Lord;  let 
us  make  a  joyful  noise  to  the  Rock  ol 
our  salvation. 

2  Let  us  1  come  before  his  presence  with 
thanks^giving,  and  make  a  joyful  noise 
unto  him  with  psahns. 

3  For  the  Lord  is  a  great  God,  and  a 
great  King  above  all  gods. 

4  2  In  his  hand  are  the  deep  places  of  the 
earth -3  the  strength  of  the  hills  is  his  also. 

5  *  The  sea  is  his,  and  he  made  it;  and 
his  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 

6  0  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down; 
let  "  us  kneel  before  the  Lord  our  *  Maker. 

7  For  he  is  our  God;  and  we  are  the  peo- 

Ele  of  his  pasture,  and  the  sheep  of  hia 
and.   '  To-day  if  ye  will  hear  his  voice, 

8  Harden  not  your  heart,  <*as  in  the  &  pro- 
vocation, and  as  in  the  day  of  temptation  in 
the  wilderness : 

9  When  your  fathers  tempted  me,  proved 
me,  and  saw  my  work. 

10  Forty  *  years  long  was  I  grieved  with 
this  generation,  and  said.  It  is  a  people 
that  do  err  in  their  heart,  and  they  have 
not  known  my  ways: 

11  Unto  whom/ 1  sware  in  my  wrath,  6  that 
they  should  not  enter  into  my  rest, 

PSALM  XOVL 

I  Eehortation  to  praise  Ood,  4  for  his  greatness, 
10  for  his  kin^/dom,  U  CMd  for  his  gentraljud^ 
ments. 

O  SING  unto  the  Lord  a  new  song; sing 
^^  unto  the  Lord,  all  the  earth. 

2  Sing  unto  the  Lord,  bless  his  name; 
show  forth  his  salvation  from  day  to  day. 

3  Declare  his  glory  among  the  heathen, 
his  wonders  among  all  people. 

4  For  the  Lord  is  great,  and  greatly  to 
be  praised:  he  is  to  be  feared  above  all  gods. 

5  For  "  all  the  gods  of  the  nations  are 
idols:  *  but  the  Lord  made  the  heavens. 

6  Honour  and  majesty  are  before  him: 
strength  and  beauty  are  in  his  sanctuary, 

7  Give  *  imto  the  Lord,  O  ye  kindreds  of 
the  people,  give  unto  the  Lord  glory  and 
strength. 

8  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  i  due  unto 
his  name:  bring  an  olfeiing,  and  come  into 
his  courts. 

9  0  worship  the  Lord  2  in  the  beauty  of 
holiness:  fear  before  him,  all  the  earth. 

10  Say  among  the  heathen  that  d  the 
Lord  reigneth:  the  world  also  shall  be  es- 
tablished that  it  shall  not  be  moved:  he 
shall  •  judge  the  people  righteously. 

II  Let  the  heavens  rejoice,  and'let  the 
earth  be  glad;  let  the  sea  roar,  and  the 
fulness  thereof. 

12  Let  the  field  beioyful,  and  all  that  ia 
therein;  theu  shall  all  the  trees  of  the  wood 
rejoice 

13  Before  the  Lord;  for  he  cometh,  for 
he  cometh  to  judge  the  earth: /he  shall 
judge  the  world  with  righteousness,  and 
the  people  with  his  truth. 


Exhortation  to  Praise  God. PSALMS  XCIX— dl. Complaint  in  Ajfliciion. 

1.  gotten  .  .  .  victorj— lit.,  made  salvation,  clerers  and  haiifihty  persons,  so  mischievous 
enabled  Him  to  save  His  people,  right  hand,  in  society,  I  will  disown;  but— Mine  eyes  .  . . 
and  .  .  .  arm— denote  power,  holy  arm— or  upon— or,  I  will  select  reliable  and  honest 
arm  of  holiness,  the  power  of  His  united  men  for  my  servants.  7.  not  dwell— Kt.,  noi 
moral  perfections  (Ps.  22.  3;  .'52.  11.).  2.  The  sit,  or  tarry,  or  be  establi^hed.  8.  will  early 
salvation  is  the  result  of  His  rifihteousness  —or,  diligently,  city  of  the  Lord— or,  holy  * 
(Ps.  7.  17;  31.  1,),  and  both  are  publicly  dis-  place  i,Ps.  48.  2,),  where  wiciied  men  shall  not 
played.  3.  Tlie  union  of  mercy  and  truth  be  tolerated. 
(Ps.  57.  3;  85.  10)  secure  the  blessings  of  the ,  PSALM  CII. 

promise  (Gen.  12. 3;  18. 18)  to  all  the  world  (Isa. !  Ver.  1-28.  A  praver  of  the  afflicted,  &c.— 
62.10.).  4-6.  make  a  loud  iioise— or,  burst  forth  Tlie  general  terms  seem  to  denote  the  pro- 
(Isa.  14.  7;  44.  23.),  before ...  King— hail  Him  priety  of  regarding  the  Psalm  as  suitably 
as  your  sovereii;n;  and  while  with  every  aid  expressive  of  the  anxieties  of  any  one  of 
to  demonstrate  zeal  and  joy,  intelligent  Da\iirs  descendants,  piously  concerned  tor 
creatures  are  invited  to  praise,  as  in  Ps.  96.  the  welfare  of  the  Church  £t  was  probably 
li-ij,  inanimate  nature  is  also  smnmoned  David's  compoisition,  and,  though  specially 
to  honour  Him  v/ho  triumphs  and  rules  in  suggested  by  some  peculiar  trials,  descriptive 
righteousness  and  equity.  i  of  future  times.  Overwhclmedr—[cf.  Ps.  61.  2. '. 

PSALM  XCIX.  i  Complaint— [Ps.  55.  2.).    Pouriim  o\d  the  soiil 

Ver.  1-9.  God's  government  is  specially  —  Ps.  62.  8.).  The  tone  of  complaint  pre- 
exercised  in  and  for  His  church,  which  should '  dominates,  though  in  view  of  God's  promises 
prai.se  Him  for  His  gracious  dealings.  and  abiding  faithfulness,  it  is   sometimes 

1.  sittetk  .  .  .  cuerubim- (cf.  1  Sam.  4.  4;  Ps.  exchanged  for  that  of  confidence  and  hope. 
80.  1.).  tremble  ...  be  moved— inspired  with  1  1-3.  The  termsusedoccur  in  Ps.4.1;  J7. 1,6: 
fear  by  His  judgments  on  the  wicked.  2. )  is.  6;  31.  2, 10;  37. 20.  4.  (CI.  Ps.  12i.  6.).  fo  that  I 
great  in  Zion— where  He  dwells  ,Ps.  9.  11.).  forget— or,  have  forgotten,  i.e.,  in  my  distress 
3.  thy...  nr.me— perfections  of  justice,  power, ;  (Ps.  107.  18,),  and  nence  stren;.;th  fails.  5. 
&c.  great  and  terrible  —  producing  dreaa  voice  . .  .  groaning— effect  put  tor  cause,  my 
(Deut.  10.  17,),  and  to  be  praised  by  those  agony  emaciates  me.  6,  7.  The  figures  ex- 
over  whom  He  is  exalted  (Ps.  97.  9.).  it  is  press  extreme  loneliness.  8.  sworn  against 
holy— or.  He  is  holy  (v.  5, 9;  Isa.  6.  3.).  4, 5.  To  me— or,  lit.,  by  me,  wishing  others  as  miser- 
His  wise  and  righteous  government  all  na- 1  able  as  1  am  (Num.  5.21.).  9.  ashes— a  figure 
tions  should  render  honour,  king's ...  judg- !  of  griet,  my  bread;  weeping  or  tears,  my 
ment— His  power  is  combined  with  justice.  '  drink  (Ps.  80.  5.).  10.  lifted  .  .  .  cast  me  down 
he  )slioly~cf.  Ps.  22.  .3.).  6-8.  The  experience  —or,  cast  me  away  as  stubble  by  a  whirl- 
of  these  servants  of  God  is  cited  for  encou-iwind  (Isa.  64.  6.).  11.  shadow  .  .  .  declineth— 
ragement.  among  .  . .  priests,  among  . . .  upon  soon  to  vanish  in  the  darkness  of  night.  12. 
tne  Lord,  [and]  He  spake  .  .  .  pillar— may  be  Contrast  with  man's  frailty  (cf.  Ps.  90.  1-7.). 
referred  to  all  three  (cf.  Ex.  18. 19;  Lev.  8.  15;  thy  remembrance— that  'oy  which  thou  art 
Deut.  5.  5;  1  Sam.  9.  13.).  The  cloudy  pillar  remembered,  thy  promise.  13,  14.  Hence  it 
was  the  medium  of  divine  intercourse"  Ex.  33.  is  here  adduced,  tor  [or,  when] ...  the  set  time 
9;  Num.  12.5.).  Obedience  was  united  with  <fec.— th#  time  promised,  the  indication  of 
worship.  God  answered  them  as  interces- ,  which  is  the  interest  felt  for  Zion  by  the 
sors  for  the  people,  who,  though  forgiven,  \  people  of  God.  15-17.  God's  favour  to  the 
were  yet  chastened  (Ex.  32. 10,  34.).  ]  Church  wiU  aff"ect  her  persecutors  with  fear. 

PSALM  C.  1  When  the  Lorci  shall  build— or  better,  Because 

Ver.  1-5.  As  closing  this  series,  (cf.  on  Ps.  the  Lord  hath  built,  &c.,  as  a  reason  for  the 
94.,).  this  Psalm  is  a  general  call  on  all  the  effect  on  others;  for  in  thus  acting  and  hear 
earth  to  render  exalted  praise  to  God,  the  ing  the  humble.  He  is  most  glorious.  18. 
creator,  preserver,  and  benefactor  of  men.       people  . . .  created— (cf.  Ps.  22.  31 ),  an  organised 

1,  2.  With  thankful  praise,  unite  service  body,  as  a  CTiurch.  19-22.  A  sunimary  of 
as  the  subjects  of  a  king  (Ps.  2. 11, 12.).  3.  what  shaU  be  written.  For— or.  That,  as  in- 
To  the  obligations  of  a  creature  and  sub'ect  troducing  the  statement  of  God's  condescen- 
is  added  that  of  a  beneficiary  (Ps.  95.  7.).  4.  sion.  to  loose  . . .  appointed— or,  deliver  them 
Join  joyfully  in  His  public  worship.  The  (Ps.  79. 11.).  To  declare,  &c.— or,  That  Gctl's 
terms  are,  of  course,  figurative  (cf.  Ps.  84.  name  may  be  celebrated  in  the  assemblies 
2;  92.  13;  Isa.  66.  23.).  Enter— or.  Come  with  of  His  Church,  gathered  from  all  nations 
solemnity  ;Ps.  95.  6.).  5.  The  reason:  God's  (Zech.  8.  20-23,),  and  devoted  to  His  service, 
eternal  mercy  and  truth  (Ps.  25.  8;  89.  7.).         23-28.  The  writer,  speaking  for  the  Church, 

PSt'LLM  CI.  finds  encouragement  in  the  midst  of  all  his 

Ver.  1-8.  In  this  Psalm  the  profession  of  distresses.  God's  eternal  existence  is  a  pledge 
the  principles  of  his  domestic  and  political  of  faithfulness  to  His  iiromises.  in  the  way 
government  testifies,  as  well  as  actions  in  —of  providence,  weakened— Zi^.,  afflicted, 
accordance  with  it,  David's  appreciation  of  andmadefearfulof  ap)emature  end.afigure 
God's  mercy  to  him,  and  His  judgment  on  of  the  apprehensions  of  the  Church,  lest  God 
his  enemies:  and  thus  he  sings  or  celebrates  might  not  perform  His  promise,  drawn  from 
God's  dealings.  those  of  a  persori  in  view  ot  the  dangers  of 

2.  He  avows  his  sincere  purpose,  by  God's  early  death  (cf.  Ps.  89.  47.).  Paul  (Heb.  1.  10) 
aid,  to  act  uprightly  (Gen.  17.  1;  Ps.  18.  30.).  quotes  r.  26-28  as  addressed  to  Christ  in  His 
3.  set . ..  eves— as  an  example  to  be  approved  divine  nature.  The  scope  of  the  Psalm,  as 
and  followed,  no  wicked  thing— lit.,  word,  already  seen,  so  far  from  opposing,  favours 
plan  or  purpose  of  Belial  (Ps.  41.  8.).  work  this  view,  e.speciaUy  by  the  sentiments  of  o. 
of  . .  .  aside— apostates,  not  cleave  to  me— I  12-15  ;cf.  Isa.  60.  1.).  The  association  of  the 
win  not  be  implicated  in  it  (cf.  Ps.  1.  1-3.)  4.  Messiah  with  a  day  of  future  glory  to  the 
A  froward  [or,  perverse]  heart— (Ps.  18.  26.).  Church  was  very  intimate  in  tlie  mind«  of 
Such  a  temper  I  will  not  indulge,  nor  even  O.  T.  writers,  and  with  correct  views  of  Hi.s 
know  evil  or  wickedness.     5.  6.  The  slan-  nature  it  is  very  consistent  that  He  should 

4U 


EcrhortaUms  to  praise  Odd 


PSALMS  XCVTI-Cn.      fot  fits  greatness  and  majestp. 


P8ALM  97. 

1  many,  or, 
great  isles. 

It.  eo.  9. 

2  Or,  eetab. 


o  Dan.  7. 10. 
Hab.  a  6. 
6  Ex.  20.  4. 
e  Heb.  1. 6. 


PSALM  XCVII. 
a  Majesty  of  Ood's  kingdom.    8  The  church  n- 

pices  at  Qod't  judgments  upon  idolaters. 
fyilE  Lord  reigneth:  let  the  earth  re- 
-*■  joice;  let  the  i  multitude  of  isles  be  glad 
thereof. 

2  Clouds  and  darkness  are  rotmd  about 
him:  righteousness  and  judgment  are  the 
«  habitation  of  his  thione.  ,,^.  ,  „ 

8  A  "  fire  goeth  before  him,  and  bumeth  »  a^o.  5. IV. 
up  his  enemies  round  about.  Rom.  12. 9. 

4  His  lightnings  enlightened  the  world:  /  Pro.  2. 8. 
the  earth  saw,  and  trembled.  I "  Dan-  s.  28, 

5  The  hills  melted  like  wax  at  the  presence  i ,  Dan  6^22. 
of  the  LoBD.atthe  presence  of  the  Lord  ^  ^'^^'^ 
of  the  whole  earth. 

6  The  heavens  declare  his  righteousness, 
and  all  the  people  see  his  glory. 

7  Confounded  *b6  aU  they  that  serve 
^graven  images,  that  boast  themselves  of 
idols:  *  worship  him,  all  ye  gods. 

8  Zinn  heard,  and  was  glad;  and  the 
daughters  of  Judah  rejoiced  because  of  thy 
ju'l^ients,  0  LoKD. 

9  For  thou,  Lord,  art  *  high  above  all 
the  earth:  thou  art  exalted  far  above  all 


10  Ye  that  love  the  Lord,  *  hate  evil: 
he  /  preserveth  the  souls  of  his  saints :  ^  he 
delivereth  them  out  of  the  hand  of  the 
wicked. 

11  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and 
gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart. 

12  Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  ye  righteous;  and 
give  thanks  3  at  the  remembrance  of  his 
Eoliness. 

PSALM  XCVIIL 

1  Th«  psalmist  exhorts  the  Jews,  i  tht  QmiiUa, 
k  7  ana  all  the  creatures,  topraisi  Uod. 

A.  Psalm. 
f)  SING  imto  the  Lord  a  new  songi  for 
^  he  hath  done  mar\'ellous  things:  ^his 


Qgs: 

right  hand,  and  his  holy  arm,  hath  gotten 
him  the  victory. 

2  The  b  Lord  hath  made  known  his  salva^ 
tion:''his  righteousness  hath  he  1  opeuly 
showed  in  the  sight  of  the  heathen. 

3  lie  hath  d  remembered  his  mercy  and 
his  truth  toward  the  house  of  Israel:  *all 
the  ends  of  the  earth  have  seen  the  salva- 
tion of  nur  God. 

4  Make  a  jojful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  all 
the  earth:  make  a  loud  noise,  and  rejoice, 
and  sing  praise. 

5  Suig  unto  the  Lord  with  the  harp;  with 
the  harp,  and  the  voice  of  a  psalm. 

6  With  trumpets  and  sound  of  cornet 
make  a  joyful  noise  before  the  Lord,  the 
King. 

7  Let  the  sea  roar,  and  the  ftilness  there- 
of; the  world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein. 

8  Let  the  floods  clap  their  hands:  let  the 
hills  be  joyful  together 

9  Before  the  Lord:  for  he  cometh  to  judge 
the  earth:  with  righteousness  sbali  he 
judge  the  world.and  the  people  with  eqxuty. 

PSALM  XCIX. 
1   The  prophet,  setting  forth  Ood's  kingdom  t» 
Zion,  5  exhorts  all,   by  the  example  of  their 
forefathers,  to  worship  Qod  at  his  holy  hiU. 

'THE  Lord  reigneth;  let  the  people  trem- 
•*■  ble:  he  sitteth  between  the  cherubim; 
let  thfc  earth  1  be  moved. 

2  The  Lord  is  great  in  Zion;  and  he  is 
high  above  all  people. 

3  Let  them  praise  "  thy  great  and  terrible 
name:/»ritwliolj. 


PSALM  98. 
a  Is.  69.  18. 

Is  83.  5. 
6  1».  62.  10. 

Lu.  2.  30. 
la.  C2.  2. 


1  Or,  re- 
vealed. 

d  Ln.  1.  54. 
Is.  49.  6. 
Is.  5'-'.  10. 
Lu.  3.  G. 


PSALM  99. 

tugger. 
ODcii.2S.58. 
V.  15.  i. 
6  Job  30.6. 

Gen.  18.26. 

Deu.  32.  1. 
d  Pa.  132.  7. 
2  Or,  it  ii 

holy. 

Lev.  19.  2. 

Ei.  33.  9. 
/  Zeph.  3.  7. 
(/  Deu.  9.  20. 


PSALM  100, 

1  Or,  thanlu- 
giving. 

2  all  tiie 
earth. 

a  Eph.  2.  10, 
"  Or,  and 


PSALM  101. 
a  1  Sam.  18. 
14. 

6  1  Kl.  9.  4. 
1  Ki.  11.  4. 

1  thing  of 

Belial. 
C  Josh.  23.  6. 

1  Sam.  12. 


•  Pro.  6. 17. 
f  Uom.  13. 1 

2  Or,  per- 
fect in 
the  way. 

3  shall  not 

lisbed. 
tfJer.  21.12, 


4  The  *  king's  strength  also  loveth  judg- 
ment: thou  dost "  establish  equity,  thou 
executest  judgment  and  righteousness  in 
Jacob. 

5  Exalt  ye  the  Lord  our  God,  and  worship 
at  <*  his  footstool ;  /or  2  he  is  holy. 

6  Moses  and  Aaron  among  his  priests,  and 
Samuel  among  them  that  call  upon  his 
name ;  they  called  upon  the  Lord,  and  he 
answered  them. 

7  He  ^  spake  unto  them  in  the  cloudy 
pillar:  they  kept  his  testimonies,  and  the 
ordinance  thatae  gave  them. 

8  Thou  answeredst  them.  O  Lord  our 
God:/ thou  wast  a  God  that  forgavest 
them,  though  "  thou  tookest  vengeance  of 
their  inventions. 

9  Exalt  the  Lord  our  God,  and  worship 
at  his  holy  hiU;  for  the  Lord  our  God  is 
holy. 

PSALM  C. 

1  Exhortation  to  praise  God  cheerfully,  Z  for  kit 

greatness,  4  and  for  his  power. 

A  Psalm  of  1  praise. 

M^AKE  a  joyful  noise  unto  the  Lord,  Sal] 

2  Serve  the  Lord  with  gladness ;  come  be. 
fore  his  presence  with  singing. 

3  Know  ye  that  the  Lord  he  t^  God:  it"  it 
he  that  hath  made  us.  3  and  not  we  our- 
selves: *  ive  are  his  people,  and  the  sheep 
of  his  pasture. 

4  Enter  into  his  gates  with  thanksgiving, 
and  into  his  courts  with  praise:  be  thank- 
ful unto  him,  and  bless  his  name. 

5  For  the  Lord  is  good ;  his  mercy  is  ever- 
lasting; and  his  truth  endurtth  *  to  all 
generations. 

PSALM  CL 

David  makes  a  vow  and  profession  of  godliness. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 

I  WILL  sing  of  mercy  and  judgment:  un. 
to  thee,  O  Lord,  will  I  sing. 
2 1  wiU  "  behave  mysell' wisely  in  a  perfect 
way.  O  when  wilt  thou  come  imto  me?  I 
will  b  walk  within  my  house  with  a  perfect 
heart. 

3  I  wUl  set  no  i  wicked  thing  before  mine 
eyes:  I  hate  the  work  of  them  "  that  turn 
aside;  it  shall  not  cleave  to  me. 

4  A  froward  heart  shall  depart  from  me: 
I  will  not  **  know  a  wicked  person. 

5  Whoso  pri\ily  slandereth  his  neighbour, 
him  will  1  cut  otf:  *  him  that  hath  an  high 
look  and  a  proud  heart  mil  not  I  sutler. 

6  Mine /eyes  shall  be  upon  the  laithtul  o"f 
the  land,  that  they  may  dwell  with  me:  he 
that  walketh  2  in  a  perfect  way,  he  shall 
serve  me. 

7  He  that  worketh  deceit  shall  not  dwell 
within  my  house:  he  that  teUeth  Ues  3  shall 
not  taiTv  in  my  sight. 

8  I  wilt  ^  early  destroy  all  the  wicked  of 
the  land ;  that  I  may  cut  off  all  h  wicked 
doers  from  the  city  of  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CIL 

1  The  prophet  in  his  prayer  makes  a  grievout 
complaint:  Vi  he  takes  comfort  in  the  eternity 
and  mercy  of  God.  18  The  mercies  of  God  to  be 
recorded. 

A  Prayer  of  the  afflicted,  when  he  is  over- 
whelnied,  and  pourelh  out  liis  complaint  bo- 
fore  the  Lord.. 

TIE  All  my  prayer,  O  Lord,  and  let  my 

-•-'-  crv  come  unto  thee. 
2  Hide  not  thy  lace  from  me  in  the  day 

when  I  am  in  trouble;  incline  thine  ear 


Mercy  and  Greatness  of  God. 

be  addresserl  as  the  Lord  and  Head  of  His 
Cliurch,  who  would  bring  about  that  glorious 
future  on  which  they  ever  dwelt  with  fond 
and  delightful  anticiDations. 
rSALM  CHI. 

Ver.  1-22.  A  I'salm  of  joyous  praise,  in 
which  the  writer  rises  from  a  thankfid  ac- 
knowledgment of  personal  blessings  to  a 
lively  celebration  of  God's  gracious  attri- 
butes, as  not  only  intrinsically  worthy  of 
praise,  but  as  specially  suited  to  man's 
frailty,  and  concluiles  by  invoking  all  crea- 
tures to  unite  in  his  song. 

1.  Bless,  &c.  —  when  God  is  the  object, 
praise,  my  soul  —  myself  Ps.  3.  3;  2o.  l,), 
with  allusion  to  the  act,  as  one  of  intelligence. 
all  .  .  .  witlin  me— (Deut.  6.  5.).  his  lioly  name 
— 'Ps.  .5. 11,),  His  complete  moral  perfections. 

2.  forget  not,  all— not  any,  none  of  His  benefits. 

3.  diseases,  as  penal  inflictions  (Deut.  39.  2; 
2  Chr.  21. 19.).  4.  redeem eth— cost  is  implied, 
destruction— ?ii.,  mi  of  corruidion  (Ps.  16. 10.). 
crownsth— or,  adorneth  (Ps.  65.  11.).  tender 
mercies— compassions  (of.  Ps.  25.  6;  40.  ll.i. 
6.  By  God's  provision,  the  saint  retains  a 
youthful  vigour  like  the  eaglet  (Ps.  92.  14;  of. 
Isa.  40.  31.),  6.  Lit.,  righteousnesses  and  judg- 
we}(ts,  denoting  various  acts  of  God's  govern- 
ment. 7.  wavs— of  providence,  (fee,  as  usual 
(Ps.  25. 4;  67.  2.).  acU-lit,  vmiders  (Ps.  9. 11; 
78.  17.).  8-10.  God's  benevolence  implies  no 
merit.  He  .shows  it  to  sinners,  who  also  are 
chastened  for  a  time  (Ex.  34.  6.).  keep  langer 
—in  Lev.  19.  18,  bear  a  grudge  (Jer.  3.  5, 12.). 
11.  ffi tat— efficient.  12.  removed  .  .  .  from  us 
—so  as  no  longer  to  affect  our  relations  to 
film.  13.  pitieth— Ki.,  has  comvassion  on. 
14.  he  [who  formed,  Ps.  94.  9,1  knowetb  rur 
frame— Zii^..  our  jorm.  we  are  dust— made  of 
and  tending  to  it  (Gen.  2. 7.).  15, 16.  So  short 
andjrail  is  life  that  a  breath  may  destroy  it. 
it  is  gone— iit,  it  is  not.  know  it  no  more— no 
more  recognise  him  (Ps.  90.  6;  Isa.  40.  6-8.). 
17,  18.  For  similar  contrast  of.  Ps.  90.  2-6; 
102.  27,  28.  such  .  .  .  covenant  —  limits  the 
general  terms  preceding,  righteousness— as 
usual  'Ps.  7.  17;  ^.i^.  l.i.  19.  God's  firm  and 
universal  dominion  is  a  pledge  that  He  will 
keep- His  promise  (Ps.  11.  4;  47.8.).  20-22. 
do  his  commandments,  .  .  .  word— or  lit.,  so  as 
to  hearken,  &c.,  i.e.,  their  acts  of  obedience 
are  prompt,  so  that  they  are  ever  ready  to 
hear,  and  know,  and  follow  implicitly  liis 
declared  will  cf.  Deut.  26.  17:  Luke,  l.  19.). 
ye  his  hosts— myriads,  or  armies,  as  corre- 
sponding to  angels  of  great  poicer;  denoting 
niultitude  also,  all  his  works— creatures  of 
every  sort,  every  where. 

PSALM  ('IV. 

Ver.  1-35.  The  Psalmist  celebrates  God's 
glory  in  His  works  of  creation  and  providence, 
teaching  the  dependence  of  all  living  crea- 
tures; and  contrasts  the  happiness  of  those 
who  praise  him  with  the  awful  end  of  the 
wicked. 

1.  God's  essential  glory,  and  also  that  dis- 
played by  His  mighty  v,  orks,  afford  ground 
for  praise.  2.  light— is  a  figurative  repre- 
sentation of  the  glory  of  the  invisible  God 
(Mat.  17.  2;  1.  Tim.  6.  16.).  Its  use  in  this 
connection  may  refer  to  the  first  work  of 
creation  ((ien.  l.  3.).  stretchest  out  the  hea 
vens— the  visible  heavens  or  sky  which  cover 
the  earth  as  a  curtain  ,isa.  40.  12.).  3.  in  the 
waters— or,  it  may  be  with;  using  this  fluid 
for  the  beams,  or  frames,  of  His  residence 
accords  with  the  figure  of  clouds  for  chariots, 
412 


PSALMS  CIII-CV,         GoeVs  Power  and  Providmee. 


and  M  inds  as  means  of  conveyance,    walkpt-li 

-  or,  moveth  (cf.  Ps.  18.  10,  11;  Amos.  9.  6  ). 
4.  Th-s  is  quoted  by  Paul  ;Heb.  l.  7  to  de- 
note the  subordinate  position  of  angels,  i.e., 
they  are  only  messengers  as  other  and  mate- 
rial agencies,  spirits— h'i.,  ivinds,  fl'miug  fire 

—  Ps.  105.  32,).  being  here  so  called.  5.  The 
earth  is  firmly  fixed  by  His  jower.  6-'. 
These  verses  rather  describe  the  w  onders  of 
the  flood  than  the  creation  ((Jen.  7.  19,  20; 
2  Pet  3.  5,  6.\  God's  method  of  arresting  the 
flood  and  making  its  waters  subside  is  imeti- 
cally  called  a  rehuke  (Ps.  76.  6:  Isa.  50.  2,), 
and  the  process  of  their  subsiding  by  undu- 
lations among  the  hills  and  valleys  is  vividly 
described.  10  13.  Once  destructive,  these 
waters  are  sul  jected  to  the  service  of  God's 
creatures.  In  rain  and  dew  from  His  cham- 
bers (ci.  V.  3,1,  and  fountains  and  streams, 
they  give  drink  to  thirsting  animals,  and  fer- 
talise  the  soil.  Trees  thus  nourished  supply 
homes  to  singing  birds,  and  the  earth  teems 
with  the  productions  of  God's  wise  agencies, 
14.  15.  so  that  men  and  beasts  are  abun- 
dantly provided  with  food,  tor  the  service— 
lit.,jor  the  cidture,  &c.,  by  which  he  secures 
the  results,  oil . . .  s\\va&— lit.,  makes  his  Jace 
to  shine  more  than  oil,  i.e.,  so  cheers  and 
invigorates  him,  that  outwardly  he  appears 
better  than  if  anointed,  strengtheueth  .  .  , 
heart— gives  vigour  to  man  (cf.  Jud.  19.  5.). 
16-19.  Goii's  care  of  even  wild  animals  and 
uncultivnted  parts  of  the  earth.  20-23.  He 
provides  and  adapts  to  man's  wants  the  ap- 
pointed times  and  seasons.  24-26.  Prom  a 
view  of  the  earth  thus  full  of  God's  blessings, 
the  writer  passes  to  the  sea,  which,  in  its 
immensity,  and  as  a  scene  and  means  of 
man's  activity  in  commerce,  and  the  home 
of  countless  multitudes  of  creatures,  also 
displays  divine  power  and  beneficence.  The 
mention  of  leviathan- (Job,  40.  20)  heightens 
the  estimate  of  the  sea's  greatness,  and  ol 
His  power  who  gives  such  a  place  for  sport 
to  one  of  His  creatures.  27-30.  Tlie  entire 
dependence  of  this  immense  family  on  (»od 
is  set  forth.  With  Him,  to  kill  or  make  alive 
is  equally  easy;  To  hide  His  jure  is  to  with- 
draw favour  (Ps.  13.  l.).  By  His  spirit,  or 
breath,  or  mere  Avord,  He  gives  life.  It  is 
His  constant  providence  which  repairs  the 
wastes  of  time  and  disease.  31-34.  While 
(Jod  could  equally  glorify  His  power  in  de- 
structitm,  that  He  does  it  in  preservation  is 
of  His  rich  goodness  and  mercy,  so  that  we 
may  well  spend  our  lives  in  t;i'ateful  praise, 
honouring  to  Him,  and  delightiul  to  pious 
hearts  iPs.  147.  1.'.  35.  Those  who  remse 
such  a  protector  and  w  ithhold  sucii  a  service 
mar  the  beauty  of  His  works,  and  nmst 
perish  from  His  presence.  The  Psalm  closes 
with  an  invocation  of  praise,  the  translaiion 
oi  a  Htb.  phrase,  which  is  used  as  an 
English  word,  "  Hallelujah.."  and  may  have 
served  the  purpose  oi  a  chorus  as  often  as 
in  our  psalmody,  or  to  give  fuller  exj  ression 
to  the  writer's  emotions.  It  is  pecidiar  to 
Psalms  coin  posed  after  the  captivity,  as 
SelaJb  is  to  those  of  an  earlier  date. 

PSALM  CV. 
Ver.  1-45.  After  an  exhortation  to  praise  God, 
addressed  especially  to  the  chosen  people,  the 
j  writer  presents  the  special  reasons  for  praise, 
in  a  summary  of  their  liistcry  from  the  calling 
I  of  Abraham  to  their  settlement  in  Canaan, 
I  and  reminds  them  that  their  obedience  was 
Ithe  end  of  all  God's  gracious  deaiiugs. 


Future  glory  of  ZUm. 


PSALMS  cm,  CIV. 


Qnt"  me:  in  the  day  when  1  call  answer  me  i  psalm 
Bpet'ilily. 

3  For  "  my  day?  are  consumed  i  like 
smoke,  and  6  my  bones  are  burned  as  an 
hearth. 

4  My  heart  is  smiten,  and  withered  like 
grass;  so  that  1  forget  to  eat  my  bread. 

5  By  reason  of  the  voice  of  my  groaning 
my  bon  es  cleave  to  my  2  skin.  

6 1  am  like  « a  pelican  of  the  wilderness;  I !/ Jam 


102. 
a  Jam.  4. 14. 

1  Or.  into 
srjoke. 

6  Lrnn.  1. 13. 

2  Or,  Hosh. 
C  Is.  M.  11. 

Zeph.  2.14. 

d  Acts  23.12. 

i  e  Pa.  30.  7. 

•  T    *.i., 


ilTi. 


m  P.O.  15.  4. 

1  Cor.  10. 

11. 
n  Is.  43.  21. 
0  Deu.  26.15 

3  tl,e  chil- 
dren of 
death. 

P  Hos.  1.  11, 
Ho3.  3.  6. 

4  afflicted. 
4  Hab.  1.  12 
r  Heb.  1. 10. 
»  Is.  <iQ.  22. 

Kom.  8.  20 
2  I'et.  3.  7. 

(  Mai.  3.  0. 
Hcb.  13.  8. 
Jam.  1. 17. 


am  like  an  owl  of  the  desert,  ,. ,   a«  o 

7  I  watch,  and  am  as  a  sparrow  alone  ^?^^•  *'•  -;, 
upon  the  house-top.  I  *-  "^{  g  ^ 

8  Mine  enemies  reproach  me  all  the  day;  jj.  13  e'o.i. 
and  they  that  are  mad  against  me  ^a,T&  i  Neh.  2.  a 
Bwom  a^'ainst  me. 

9  For  I  have  eaten  ashes  like  bread,  and 
mingled  my  drink  with  weeping, 

10  Because  of  thine  indii^nation  and  thj 
wrath:  for  "thou  hast  lifted  me  up,  and 
cast  me  down. 

11  My  days  are  like  a  shadow  that  decliu- 
eth;  and /I  am  withered  like  grass. 

12  But  thou,  0  LoED,  shalt  <^  endure  for 
ever,  and  thy  remembrance  unto  all  gener- 
ations. 

13  Thou  shalt  arise,  and  have  mercy  upon 
Zion:  for  the  time  to  favour  her,  yea,  the 
Bet  ^  time,  is  come, 

14  For  thy  «senants  take  pleasure  in  her 
stones,  and  favour  the  dust  thereof. 

15  So  the  heathen  shall  i  fear  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  and  all  the  kings  of  the  earth 
thy  glory. 

16  When  the  Lord  shall  build  up  Zion, 
he  *  shall  appear  in  his  glory. 

17  lie  i  wUl  regard  the  jirayer  of  the  desti- 
tute, and  not  despise  their  prayer. 

18  Tliis  shall  be  *"  written  for  the  gener- 
ation to  come:  and  "  the  people  which  shall 
be  created  shall  praise  the  Lord. 

19  For  he  hath  "  looked  down  from  the 
height  of  his  sanctuary ;  from  heaven  did 
the  Lord  behold  the  earth; 

20  To  hear  the  groaning  of  the  prisoner; 
to  loose  a  those  that  are  appomted  to 
death ; 

21  To  declare  the  name  of  the  Lord  in 
Zion,  and  his  praise  in  Jerusalem; 

22  When  Pthe  people  are  gathered  to- 

f ether,  and  the  kingdoms,  to  serve  the 
,0RD. 

23  He  *  weakened  ray  strength  in  the  way ; 
he  shortened  my  days. 

24  1  said,  O  my  God,  take  me  not  away 
in  the  midst  of  my  days:  'thy  years  are 
throu'-'hout  all  generations. 

25  Of  •■  old  hast  thou  laid  the  foundation 
of  the  earth ;  and  the  heavens  are  the  work 
of  thj'  hands. 

26  They  *  shall  perish,  but  thou  shalt  6  en- 
dure; yea,  aU  of  them  shall  wax  old  lilce  a 
garment:  as  a  vesture  shalt  thou  change 
them,  and  they  shall  be  chan<,'ed: 

27  But  *  thou  art  the  same,  and  thy  years 
shall  have  no  end. 

28  The  children  of  thy  servants  shall  con- 
tinue, and  their  seed  shall  be  established 
before  thee. 

PSALM  cm. 

Emhortation  to  bless  God  for  his  mercy. 
A  Fsalm  of  David. 

TJLESS  the  Lord,  O  my  soul;  and  all  that 
"'-'  is  within  me,  blxss  his  holy  name. 

2  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  forget 
not  all  his  benefits: 

3  Who  *  forgiveth  all  thine  iniquities;  who 
liealeth  *aU  thy  diseases; 


PSALM  103 
a  Is.  33.  24. 

Mat.  9.  2. 

Mark  2.  5. 

Lu.  7.  47. 
6  Ex.  16.  26. 

Jer.  17.14, 
e  Ex.  34.  6. 

Nu.  14.  18. 

Deu.  6. 10. 

Neh.  9.  17. 

Jer.  32. 18. 

1  great  of 

d  Is.  67. 16. 

Jer.  3.  5. 

Mio.  7.  18 
•  EiraD.  13. 

2  according 


/Is.  43.  25. 

Eph.  1.  7. 

g  Mai.  3.  17. 

3  it  is  not. 
ft  Ex.  20.  6. 
i  Deu.  7.  9. 
j  Ps.  47.  2. 

4  mi-l.ty  in 
strength. 

*  Mat.  5.  10. 
I  Gen.  32.  2. 
TO  Dan.  7.  9. 


PSALM  101. 
a  Amos  9.  6. 


and  (jrmtnPM  of  God. 

4  JVho  redeemeth  thy  life  fiom  deslrac 
tion;  who  erowucth  thee  with  loving-kind- 
ness and  tender  mercies ; 

5  Who  satisfieth  thy  mouth  with  good 
things;  so  that  thy  youth  is  renewed  like 
the  ( agle's. 

6  The  Lord  executeth  righteousness  and 
judgment  for  aU  that  are  oppressed. 

7  He  made  knowi  his  wavs  unto  Moses, 
his  acts  unto  the  children  of  Israel. 

8  The  *  Lord  is  merciful  and  gi-acioua, 
slow  to  anser,  and  i  plenteous  in  mercy. 

9  He  <*  will  not  always  chide;  neither  will 
he  keep  his  anger  lor  ever. 

10  He  *  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our 
sins,  nor  rewarded  us  according  to  our  in- 
iquities. 

11  FfOr  2  as  the  heaven  is  high  above  th« 
earth,  so  great  is  his  mercy  toward  them 
that  fear  him. 

12  As  far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west,  so 
far  hath  he  /removed  om-  transgiessiona 
from  us. 

13  Like  *'  as  a  father  pitieth  his  children, 
so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  him. 

14  For  he  knoweth  our  frame ;  he  remem- 
bereth  that  we  are  dust. 

15  As  for  man.  his  days  are  as  grass;  as  a 
flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flouriihtth: 

16  For  the  wind  passeth  over  it,  and  3  it 
is  gone;  and  the  place  thereof  shall  know 
it  no  more. 

17  But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  ever- 
lasting to  everlasting  upon  them  that  fear 
him,  )i!id  his  righteousness  ^  unto  chUdi-en'i 
children; 

18  To  » such  as  keep  his  covenant,  and  to 
those  that  remember  his  commandments 
to  do  the^i. 

19  The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in 
the  heavens ;  and  i  his  kingdom  ruieth  over 
all. 

L'O  Bless  the  Lord,  ye  his  angels,  *  that 
excel  in  strength,  that  *  do  his  command- 
meuts,  heaikening  unto  the  voice  of  his 
word. 

21  Bless  ye  the  Lord,  aUj/e  'his  hosts; 
ye  "*  ministers  of  his,  that  do  his  pleasure. 

22  Bless  the  Lord,  all  his  works  in  all 
places  of  his  dominion:  bless  the  Lord,  O 
my  soul. 

PSALM  CIV. 
1  A   meditation  upon   the  majesty,  power,  and 
wonderful  providence  of  God.    31  God's  glorf 
is  eternal.    33  Fraiie  ascribed  to  God. 

"DLESS  the  Lord,  0  my  soul.  0  Lob© 
■^  my  God,  thou  art  very  gieat;  thou  art 
clothed  with  honour  and  majesty: 

2  Who  coverest  thyself  vtith  light  as  ivith 
a  garment;  who  stretchest out  the  heavens 
like  a  curtain ; 

3  Who  "  liiyeth  the  beams  of  his  chambers 
in  the  waters;  *who  maketh  the  clouds  his 
chariot;  who  walketh  upon  the  wings  of 
the  wind; 

4  AVho  'maketh  his  angels  spirits;  his 
muiisters  a  flaming  fire ; 

5 1  Who  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earti, 
that  it  should  not  he  removed  for  ever. 

6  Thou  coveredst  it  with  the  deep  as  with 
a  garment :  the  waters  stood  above  the 
mountains. 

7  At  thy  rebuke  they  fled;  at  the  voice  of 
thy  tluin'der  they  hasted  away. 

8  2  They  go  up  by  the  momitains;  they  go 
down  by  the  valleys  "^  imto  the  place  which 
thou  hast  foiuided  for  them. 

9  Thou  •  hast  set  a  bound  that  they  may 


€k)d!s  Providence  over  Abraham. 


PS^OiM  CV. 


GocPs  Providence  over  Joseph. 


1.  call  .  . .  name— (Ps  79.  6;  Eom.  10.  13.).  i  the  centurion's  words 


to  disease  being 


Call  on  Him,  according  to  His  historically  i  God's  servant  (Mat.  8.  8,  9.).    staff  ot  breaa 

manifested   glory.     After   the   example   of  what  supports  life  (Lev.  26.  26;  Ps.  104.15: 

Abraham,  who,  as  often  as  God  acquired  for  1  Jsa.  3.  1.).    upon  the  land— viz.,  Canaan  (Gen 


Himself  a  name  in  guiding  him,  called  in} 41.  54.) 
solemn  worship  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord 
(Gen.  12.  8;  13.  4.),  among  the  people— or, 
peoples  tPs.  18.  49.).  deeds— or,  wonders  (Ps. 
lo.i.  7.).  3,  4.  Seeking  God's  favour  is  the 
only  true  mode  of  getting  true  happiness, 
and  His  strength  is  the  only  true  source  of 
protection  (cf.  Ps.  32.  11;  40.  16.).  Glory  .  .  . 
lift  use— Eoast  in  His  perfections.  The  world 
glories  in  its  horses  and  chariots  against  the 
C  h urch  of  God  lying  in  th^  dust ;  but  our  hope 


17-21.  Joseph  was  sent  of  God  (Gen. 
45.  5.).  hurt  wiih  fetters— (Gen.  40.  3.).  was 
laid  in  iron— K^.,  his  soul,  or,  he  (Ps.  16. 10) 
came  into  iron,  or,  he  was  bound  to  his  grief 
(cf.  Ps.  3.  2;  11.  1.).  Joseph  is  referred  to,  as 
being  an  appropriate  type  of  those  "  bound 
in   affliction   and  iron    (Ps.  107.  10.).    I'he 


soul"  is  put  for  the  whole  person,  because 
the  soul  of  the  captive  suffers  stili  more  than 
the  body,   his  word  came— His  prophecy  (Gen. 
_     _         ,  -    ,  '^^-  11-20J  to  the  ofhcers  came  to  pass,  or  was 

is  in  the  name,  i.e.,  the  power  and  love  of  fulfilled  (Jud.  13.  12, 17;  l  Sam.  9.  6,  explain 
God  to  His  people,  manifested  in  past  deli-  the  lorm  of  speech.),  the  word  [or,  saying,  or, 
verances.  5.  6.  judgments  .  .  .  moutii  —  His  decree]  of  the  Lord  tried  [or,  proved]  niiu— 
judicial  decisions  for  the  good  and  against  I  by  the  afflictions  it  appointed  him  to  en- 
the  wicked,  chosen— rather  qualifies  clvildren  j  dure  before  his  elevation  (cf.  Gen.  41.  40-43.). 
than  Jacob,  as   a   plural.    7.  liather,  "He,  Hengst.  transl.,  "cleared,"  or  "purified" 

him;  in  reference  to  (Ps.  18.  20,),  "The  word 
of  the  Lord  is  tried,"  or  "puritied,"  leading 
to  the  peculiar  expression:  he  explains  the 
"  word  of  the  Lord"  (distinct  from  Joseph's 
word,  V.  19,),  as  "the  promise  of  the  posses- 
sion of  Canaan,  the  accomplishnjen;  of  which 
demanded  the  preceding  residence  in  Egypt" 
[v.  11,  42.).    Probably  the  "'word  of  tJie  Lord" 
includes  botli  the  decree  for  Joseph's  afflictions 
which  proved  and  tedcd  him  (he  not  failing 
.     .       under  tlie  test  as  Hezekiah  faUed,  2  Chr.  32. 
tually.    A  verbal  allusion  to  Deut.  7.  9  (cf.   31,),  and  the  ultimate  purpose  of  making  all 
Ex.  20.  6.).    9.  Which  covenant— or,  "Word"  this  instrumental  towards  i/ie  iinaiesia5fe/j,- 

iv.  8.1.  10, 11.  Alluding  to  God's  promise  to  iment  of  Israel  in  Canaan.  Hejsqst.  remarks, 
Facob  :Gen.  28.  13.).  Out  of  the  whole  store-  The  copiousness  of  detail  as  to  Josepli,  pro- 
house  of  the  promises  of  God,  only  one  is  i  bably  was  with  an  eye  to  Daniel,  the  second 
prominently  brought  forward,  namely,  that  j  Joseph.  He  too  had  been  a  captive,  when  his 
concerning  the  possession  of  Canaan.  Every  |  interpretation  of  a  dream  procured  for  him 
thing  revolves  round  this.  The  wonders  and  i  a  high  position,  which  enabled  him  lo  pro- 
judgments  have  all  for  their  ultimate  design  mote  the  welfare  of  his  captive  brethren.  22. 
the  fulfilment  of  this  promise.  12-15.  few  To  bind— Not  literally  Mna;  but,  ca;erci,se  over 
...  in  number— alluding  to  Jacob's  words   "         '     >   •  •     ■         ■  ..... 

(Gen.  34.  30, ,  "  I  being  few  in  number."  yea, 
very  few— lit.,  "as  a  few,"  i.e.,  like  fewness 
itself  (cf.  Isa.  1.  9.).  strangers— sojom-ners  in 
the  land  of  their  future  inheritance,  as  in  a 


Jehovah,  is  our  God."  His  title,  Jehovah, 
implies  that  He,  the  unchangeable,  self-exist- 
ing Being,  makes  things  to  be,  i.e.,  fulfils 
His  promises,  and  therefore  will  not  forsake 
His  people.  Though  specially  of  His  people. 
He  is  God  overall.  8-11.  The  covenant  was 
often  ratified,  commanded— or,  ordained  (Ps. 
68.  28.).  word— answering  to  "covenant"  in 
the  parallel  clause,  viz.,  the  word  of  promise, 
which,  according  to  v.  10,  He  set  forth  for  an 
inviolable  law.    to  a  . .  .  generations— perpe 


them  absolute  control;  as  tte  parallel  in  the 
second  clause  shows;  also  Gen.  41.  40,  44,  in 
which  not  literal  jetttring,  but  commanding 
obedience  is  spoken  of.  It  refers  to  v.  18. 
The  soul  that  was  once  bound  itself  now 
strange  country  (Heb.  11.  9.).    13.  from  one  thuis  others,  even  princes.    The  same  moral 


nation  to  another— and  so  from  danger  to  dan 
ger:  now  in  Egypt,  now  in  the  wilderness, 
and  lastly  in  Canaan.  Though  a  few  strangers, 
wandering  among  various  nations,  God  pro- 
tected them,  reproved  kings  —  Pharaoh  of 
Egypt  and  Abimelech  of  Gerar  (Gen.  12.  17; 
20.  3.).  Touch  not— Referring  to  Gen.  26.  11, 
where  Abimelech  says  of  Isaac,  "  He  that 
toucheth  this  man  or  his  wife,  shaU  surely  be 
put  to  death."  mine  anointed— as  specially 
consecrated  to  me  (Ps.  2.  2.).  The  patriarch 
was  the  prophet,  priest,  and  king  of  his 
family,  my  prophets— in  a  similar  sense  (cf. 
Gen.  20. 7.).  The  "anointed"  are  those  vessels 
of  God,  consecrated  to  His  service,  "  in  whom 


binding  is  assigned  to  the  saints  (Ps.  149.  8.), 
teach  .  .  .  senators  wisdon:— the  ground  of  his 
exaltation  by  Pharaoh  was  his  tvisdom  (Gen. 
41.  39,),  viz.,  in  state  policy,  and  ordering 
well  a  kingdom.  23-25.  Israel . . .  and  Jacob— 
i.e.,  Jacob  himself  is  meant,  as  v.  24  speaks 
of  his  people.  Still  he  came  with  his  whole 
house  (Gen.  46.  6, 7.).  sojourned— (Gen. 47. 4.). 
laud  of  Ham— or,  Egypt  (Ps.  78.  51.).  turned 
their  heart  —  God  controls  men's  free  acts 
(cf.  1  Sam.  10.  9.).  "  When  Saul  had  turned 
his  back  to  go  from  (God's  prophet)  Samuel, 
God  turned  (Marg.)  him  to  another  heart'* 
(see  Ex.  1.  8.  &c.).  Whatever  evil  the  wicked 
man  plots  against  God's  people,  God  holds 


(as  Pharaoh  said  of  Joseph,  Gen.  41.  38)  the  |  bound  even  his  heart,  so  as  not  to  lay  a  single 
Spirit  of  God  is."  The  term  is  applied  in  a  i  plan  except  what  God  permits.  Thus  Isaiah 
somewhat  wider  sense  to  Cyrus,  as  the  in- 1  (43.  17)  saith  it  was  God  who  brought  forth 
stnimeat  of  God's  will  (Isa.  45.  !;)■  in  the]  the  army  of  Pharaoh  to  pursue  Israel  to 
stricter  sense  (Zech.  4.  14.1.  The  Heb.  for  j  their  own  destruction  (Ex.  4.21;  7.  3.).  Moses 
"  prophets"  means  God-spoken  men  (not  as  | . .  .  chosen  —  both  what  they  were  by  di- 
commonly  explained,  an  orator,  or  mouth-  vine  choice  (Ps.  78.  70.),  27.  signs  —  lit., 
piece  of  God's  will;);  even  as  Abraham,  ia\  words  of  signs,  or  rather,  as  words  in  Heb. 
Gen.  15.,  received  divine  communications  ;  mean  </m!c/.s,  "things  of  His  signs,"  ic.  His 
both  hy  vision  and  dremn.  So  Isaac,  at  Beer- ;  marvellous  tokens  of  power  (Ps.  145.o,il/r(?-gt.). 
sheba;  Jacob,  at  Bethel.  Mahanaim,  and  Jab-  Cf.  the  same  Hebrai.sra  (Ps.  65.  3,  Man/.]' 
bok.  [Hengst.]  16.  God  ordered  the  famine.  128-36.  The  ninth  plague  is  made  prominent 
God  called  for  famine,"  as  if  it  were  a  ser-  j  as  peculia^rly  wonderful,  they  reoelleci  hol— 
i;ar4f,  ready  to  come  at  God's  bidding.  Of,  j  Moses  and  Aaron  promptly  obeyed  God  (HelL 
sl3 


®«<f  «  power  and  providence. 


PSALM  CV. 


God's  care  of  Vie  church. 


Qot  pass  over; /that  they  turn  not  again 
to  cover  the  earth. 

10  3  He  sendeth  the  springs  into  the  val- 
leys, w^ic/i  *run  among  the  hills. 

11  They  give  drink  to  every  beast  of  the 
field:  the  wild  asses  6 quench  their  thii'st. 

12  By  them  shall  the  fowls  of  the  heaven 
nave  their  habitation,  which  6  sing  among 
the  branches. 

13  He  watereth  the  hills  from  his  cham- 
bers: the  earth  is  satisfied  with  the  fruit  of 
thy  works. 

14  He  "  causeth  the  grass  to  grow  for  the 
cattle,  and  herb  for  the  service  of  man:  that 
he  may  bring  forth''  tbod  out  of  the  earth; 

15  And  « wine  that  maketh  glad  the  heart 
of  man,  a7id  ?  oil  to  make  his  face  to  shine, 
and  bread  trhich  streiigtheneth  man'sheart. 

16  The  8  trees  of  the  Lokd  are  fiill  of  sap; 
the  cedars  of  Lebanon,  J  which  he  hath 
planted; 

17  Where  the  birds  make  their  nests:  as 
TOr  the  stork,  the  fir  trees  are  her  house. 

18  The  high  hUls  are  a  refuge  for  the  wild 
goats,  and  the  rocks  for  *  the  conies. 

19  He  'appointed  the  moon  for  seasons: 
the  sun  ♦"  knoweth  his  going  down. 

20  Thou  "makest  darkness,  and  it  is 
night:  wherein  Sail  the  beasts  of  the  forest 
do  creep  forth. 

21  The  "  young  lions  roar  after  their  prey, 
and  seek  theh  meat  from  God. 

22  The  sun  ariseth,  they  gather  themselves 
to.wther,  and  lay  them  down  in  their  dens. 

2b  Mangoeth  forth  unto  ^  his  work  and 
to  his  labour  imtil  the  evening. 
_  2t  O  «  Loan,  how  manifold  are  thy  works! 
in  wisdom  hast  thou  made  them  all:  the 
earth  is  full  of  thy  riches.; 

25  So  is  this  great  and  wide  sea,  wherein 
are  things  creeping  innumerable,  both 
small  and  great  beasts. 

26  There  go  the  ships ;  there  is  that  ♦"  levia- 
than, whom  thou  hast  lo  made  to  play 
therem. 

27  These  wait  'all  upon  thee,  that  thou 
mayest  give  them  their  meat  in  due  season. 

28  That  thou  givest  them  they  gather: 
thou  openest  thine  hand,  they  are  filled 
with  good. 

29  Thou  hidest  thy  face,  they  are  troubled 
thou  *  takest  awav  their  breath,  they  die, 
and  return  to  their  dust. 

oO  Thou  "  sendest  forth  thy  spirit,  they 
are  created;  and  thou  renewest  the  face  of, 
the  earth.  ,     ^ 

31  The  glory  of  the  Lord  "  shall  endure 
for  ever :  the  Loed  shall  rejoice  in  his 
works. 

32  He  looketh  on  the  earth,  and  it "  trem- 
bleth;  he  toucheth  the  hills,  and  they 
smoke. 

38  1  will  sing  unto  the  Lord  as  long  as  1 
live;  I  will  sing  praise  to  my  God  while  I 
have  my  being. 

34  My  meditation  of  him  shall  be  sweet:  I 
will  be  glad  in  the  Lord. 

35  Let  ^  the  sinners  be  consumed  out  of 
the  earth,  and  let  the  wicked  be  no  more. 
Bless  thcu  the  Lord,  0  my  soul.  12  Praise 
ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CV. 
1  Exhortation  to  praise  Qod,  to  »eek  him,  and 
remember  his  workn,    8  Ood's  providence  and 
tare  of  his  people  described, 

Q  "GIVE  thanks  unto  th&  Lord;  call 

upon  his  name:  make  known  his  deeds 
emojjg  the  {.leoplc. 


PSALM  104. 
/  Gen.  9.  11. 

3  Who 
sendeth. 

4  walk. 

5  break. 

6  give  a 
voice. 

if  Gen.  1.  29, 

80. 

Gen.  3. 18. 

Gen.  9.  8. 

P».  147  .-B. 
A  Pa.  136.25. 

P».  147.  9. 

Job  28.  6. 
i  Judg.9.13. 

P«.  23.  5. 
Pro.  31.6,7. 

7  to  make 
his  &oa 
shine  with 
oil,  or, 
more  than 
oU. 

8  That  ia, 
large 
trees. 

/  Nu.  24.  6. 
k  Pro.  SO.IM. 
I  Gen.  1.  14. 
•"Job  38. 12. 
n  Is.  45.  7. 

9  aU  the 
beasts 
thereof  do 
trample  on 
the  forest. 

•  Job  38.  39. 
Joel  1.  20. 

p  Gen.  3. 19. 

9  Pro.  3.  19. 
r  Job  41. 1. 

10  formed. 

•  Rom.  11.36. 
t  Eccl.  12.  7. 
"  Is.  32.  15. 

Ezek.37.9. 

11  shall  be. 
»  Hab.  3.  10. 
«*  Pro.  2.  22. 

12  Hallelu- 
jah. 


PSALM  105. 

0  la.  12.  4. 

6  Ps.  27.  8. 
«  Ps.  77.  11. 
d  Is.  26.  9. 
»  Lu.  1.  72. 
/Gen.  17.2. 
Heb.  6.  17. 
*  Gen.  16.18. 

1  the  cord. 
h  Gen.  31. 

30. 
i  Heb.  11.  9, 
}  Gen.  35.  6. 
k  Geo.  12.17. 
J  Gen.  41. 64. 
m  Lev.  26. 

26. 
•»  Gen.  45.  6. 
0  Gen.  37. 28. 
P  Gen.  40.16. 

2  his  soul 
came  into 

3  possession. 
9  Gen.  46.  6. 

£i.  1.  7. 
«  Num.  16. 6. 

4  words  of 
his  signs. 
Jer.  32.  20. 

t  Ps.  99.  7. 

5  He  gave 
their  rain 
haU. 

"Gen.  49. 3. 


2  Sing  nnto  him,  sing  psalms  unto  him: 
talk  ye  of  all  his  wondrous  works. 

3  Glory  ye  in  his  holy  name:  let  the  heart 
of  them  rejoice  that  seek  the  Lord. 

4  Seek  the  Lord,  and  his  strength; »  seek 
his  face  evermore. 

6  Remember  "his  marvellous  works  that 
he  hath  done;  his  wonders,  and  the  judg- 
ments of  his  mouth  : 

6  O  ye  seed  of  Aoraham  hia  servant,  ye 
children  of  Jacob  his  chosen. 

7  He  is  the  Lord  out  God:  <*  his  judgments 
are  in  all  the  eaith. 

8  He  hath  *  remembered  his  covenant  for 
ever,  the  word  which  he  commanded  to  a 
thousand  genera^juns: 

9  Yfinchf  covenant  he  made  with  Abitt- 
ham,  and  his  oath  unto  Isaac; 

10  And  confirmed  the  same  unto  Jacob 
for  a  law,  and  to  Israel  for  an  everlasting 
covenant; 

11  Saj  ing, "  Unto  thee  will  I  give  the  land 
of  Canaan,  l  the  lot  of  your  inheritance: 

12  When  ^they  were  but  a  few  men  in 
number;  yea,  very  few,  'and  strangers  in 
it. 

13  When  they  went  from  one  nation  to 
another,  from  one  kingdom  to  anothei 
people, 

14  He  /suflFered  no  man  to  do  them 
wrong;  yea,  *he  reproved  kings  for  their 
sakes ; 

15  Saying,  Touch  not  mine  anointed,  and 
do  my  prophets  n  3  harm. 

16  Moreover '  he  called  for  a  famine  upon 
the  land :  he  brake  the  whole  •"  staff  of 
bread. 

17  He  "  sent  a  man  before  them,  even 
Joseph,  wAo  "was  sold  for  a  servant; 

18  Whose  P  feet  they  hurt  with  fetterw 
2  he  was  laid  in  iron: 

19  Until  the  time  that  his  word  came:  the 
word  of  the  Lord  tried  him. 

20  The  king  sent  and  loosed  him ;  even  the 
ruler  of  the  people,  and  let  him  go  tree. 

21  He  made  him  lord  of  his  house,  and 
ruler  of  all  his  3  substance; 

22  To  bind  his  princes  at  his  pleasure, 
and  teach  his  senators  wisdom. 

23  Israel  'also  came  into  Egypt;  and 
Jacob  sojourned  in  the  land  of  liam. 

24  And  *■  he  increased  his  people  greatly, 
and  made  them  stronger  than  then:  ene- 
mies. 

25  Hfi  turned  their  heart  to  hate  hia 
people,  to  deal  subtilly  with  his  servants. 

26  He  sent  Moses  his  servant,  and  Aaron 
whom  *he  had  chosen. 

27  They  showed  *  his  signs  among  them, 
and  wonders  in  the  land  of  Ham. 

28  He  sent  darkness,  and  made  it  dark; 
and  « they  rebelled  not  against  his  word. 

29  He  turned  their  waters  into  blood,  and 
slew  their  fish. 

30  Then-  land  brought  forth  frogs  in  abun- 
dance in  the  chambere  of  their  kings. 

31  He  spake,  and  there  came  divers  Borts 
of  flies,  and  lice  in  all  their  coasts. 

32  6  He  gave  them  hail  for  rain,  and 
flaming  fire  in  their  land. 

33  He  smote  their  vines  also  and  their 
fig  trees,  and  brake  the  trees  of  their  coasts. 

34  He  spake,  and  the  locusts  came,  and 
caterpillars,  and  thtit  without  number, 

35  And  did  eat  up  all  the  herbs  in  their 
laud,  and  devoured  the  frait  of  their  ground. 

36  He  smote  also  all  the  first-born  in  their 
land,  "  the  chief  of  all  their  strength. 


God's  Providence  over  Israel. 


PSALM  CVI. 


History  oflsraeFs  Kchdliom. ' 


11.  27.),  (cf.  Ex.  7-11.  and  Ps.  78.  44-51,  with  praise  however  we  sin  and  suffer,  l  Chr.  16. 
which  this  summary  substantially  agrees...  34-36,  is  tlie  source  from  whicli  the  lieginuing 
Or  rather,  the  '•darkness"  here  is  figurative  and  end  of  this  Psalm  are  derived.  2.  His 
(Jer.  la.  16,',  the  literal  plague  of  darkness  acts  exceed  our  comprehension,  as  His  praise 
{Ex.  10.  22.  2:;)  being  only  alhidcd  to  as  tlie  our  powers  of  expression  (Rom.  11.  ;«.). 
symbol  of  Uod's  wrath  which  overhung  Egypt  Their  unutterable  greatness  is  not  to  keep 
as  a  dark  cloud  during  all  the  plagues,  us  back,  but  to  urge  us  the  more,  to  try  to 
Hence  it  is  placed  first,  out  of  the  historical  praise  Him  as  best  we  can  (Ps.  40.  6:  71.  15.). 
order.  Thus,  "They  rebeUed  not  (i.e.,  no; 3.  The  blessing  is  limited  to  those  whose 
longer  against  His  word,"  refers  to  the  Egvp-  \  principles  and  acts  are  right.  How  "  blessed" 
tians.  "WheneverGodsentaplagueon  them,  Israel  would  be  now,  if  he  had  "observed 
tlieywirertady  to  let  Israel  go,  th.ovLiih.xei-as,-'Go(M^  statutes"  fps.  105.  45.).    ""  ' 


ing  when  the  plague  ceased. 
His  command  to  let  Israel  go 


This  sense  of 

'Hiswoid"  is  having  not  fulfilled  the  condition  suggests 
[Hkngst.]  the  transition  to  the  Church's  cry  for  mercy. 


Of  the  ten  plagues,  ODly  eight  are  mentioned, .  as  being  God's  "  chosen"  people,  accompanied 
the  filth,  the  murrain  of  beasts,  aud  the  ;  with  ihe  confession  of  sin  so  condemning  asto 
sixth,  the  boils,  being  omitted.  29,  SO.  He  leave  no  hope  but  God's  compassion.  So  in 
deprivetl  them  of  their  favourite  Jhli,  and  Dan.  9.  4,  the  confession  of  not  having  ful- 


gave  them  instead  out  of  the  water,  loath 
some  frous,  and  (y.  31)  upon  their  land  tor 


filled  the  condition,  follows  the  statement  of 
it,  "  God  keeping  the  covenant,  to  them  that 


menting  flies  Xhe  doij-fly,  according  to  M auk.)  i  love  Him."  4. 5.  In  view  of  tJie  desert  of  sins 
and  lice  cinats,  Hemgst.).  32.  hail  for  rain  to  be  confessed,  the  writer  invokes  God's 
—instead  of  fertilising  showers,  hail  destruc-  covenant  mercy  to  himself  and  the  Church, 
tive  to  trees.  This  forms  the  transition  to  in  whose  welfare  he  rejoices.  The  speaker, 
the  vegetable  kingdom.  The  locusts  in  v.  \me,  I,  is  not  the  Psalmist  himself,  but  the 
34,  similarly  are  destructive  to  plants,  gave  [people,  the  present  generation  (cf.  v.  6.). 
them— referring  to  Lev.  26.  4,  "I  give  you  ^  visit— (cf.  Ps.  8. 4.  .  see  thegcod— participate  in 
rain  in  due  season."  His  "gift"  to  Israel's  j  it  Is.  37.  13.).  thy  chosen— m.,  Israel,  God's 
foes  is  one  of  a  very  different  kind  from  that ,  elect  (Isa.  43.  20;  45.4.).  As  God  seems  to 
bestowed  on  His  people.    33.  tlieir  coasts— |  have  forgotten  them,  they  pray   that   He 


all  their  land  iPs.  78.  54.).  34.  caterpillars— 
lit.,  the  tickers  up,  devouring  insects;  proba- 
bly, the  hairy  winged  loc^ist.  36.  the  cliief- 
lit.,  the  firstlings,  <fcc.  The  ascending  climax 
passes  from  tlie  food  of  man  to  man  himself. 
The  language  here  is  quoted  from  Ps.  78. 51. 
37.  wiih  suver  and  gold — presented  them  by 
the  Egyptians,  as  an  acknowledgii.ent  due 
for  their  labours  in  their  bondage  cf.  Ex. 
12.  36.J.  one  feeble  person— or,  stumbler,  unfit 
for  tlie  line  of  march.  Cf.  *'  harnessed,"  i.e., 
accoutred  and  marshalled  as  an  army  on 
march  Ex.  13.  18;  Isa.  5.  27.).  38.  ""  " 
33;  Deut.  11.25.).  39.  covering  — in  sense  of 
protection  (cf.  Ex.  13.  21;  Kum.  10.  34.).  In 
the  burning  sands  of  the  desert  the  cloud 
protected  the  congregation  from  the  heat  of 
the  sun;  an  emblem  of  God's  protecting  fa- 
vour over  His  people,  as  interpreted  by 
Isaiah  (Isa.  4. 5, 6;  cf.  IS  urn.  9. 16.).  42-45.  The 
reasons  for  these  dealings:  (1)  God's  faithful- 
ness to  His  covenant.  His  holy  promise" 
of  Canaan  is  the  fountain  whence  flowed  so 
many  acts  of  marvellous  kindness  to  His 
people  cf.  V.  8.  ll.)._  Ex.  2.  24,  is  the  funda 


would  "remember"  them  with  the  favour 
which  belongs  to  His  own  people,  and  which 
once  they  had  enjoyed,  tiiine  mlieiitance— 
(Leut.  9.  29;  32.  9.).  6.  Cf.  1  Ki.  8.  47;  Dan. 
9.  6,  wliere  the  same  three  verbs  occur  in 
the  same  order  and  connection,  the  original 
of  the  two  later  passages  being  the  first  one, 
the  prayer  of  Solomon  in  dedicating  the 
temple,  sinned  . ,  .  fathers  —like  them,  and 
so  partaking  of  their  guilt.  The  terms  de- 
note a  rising  gradation  of  sinning  (cf .  Ps.  1. 1.). 
wiih  our  fathers- we  and  they  together  form- 
Cf.  Ex.  12.  ing  one  mass  of  corruption.     7-12.  Special 

i-  confession.    Their  rebellion  at  the  sea  [Ex. 

14.  ll)  was  because  they  had  not  remembered 
nor  understood  God's  miracles  on  their  be- 
half. That  God  saved  them  in  their  unbelief 
was  of  His  mere  mercy,  and  for  His  own  glory, 
the  sea  .  .  .  tiie  Red  sea — the  very  words  in 
which  Moses'  song  celebrated  the  scene  of 
Israel's  deliverance  (Ex.  15.  4.).  Israel  began 
to  rebel  against  God  at  the  very  moment  and 
scene  of  his  deli\erance  by  God  !  8.  for  his 
name's  sake— (Ez.  20.  14.).  9.  rebuked— (Ps. 
104.  7.).     as  through  the  wilderness- ilsa.  63. 


mental  passage.     [Hengst.]     (2;  that  they  11-14.).    12.  believed. .  .his  words— this  is  said 
might  be  obedient.    The  observance  of  God's  |  not  to  praise  the  Israelites,  but  God,  who 


commands  by  Abraham  was  the  object  of  the 
covenant  with  him  (Gen.  If.  19;);  as  it  was 
also  the  object  of  the  covenant  with  Israel, 
that  they  might  observe  God's  statutes, 
remeirbered  .  .  .  and  Abraham  — or,  "remem- 
bered His  holy  word  {i.e.,  covenant  confirmed) 
it-i</i  Abraham."  inherited  the  labour —i.e., 
the  fruits  of  their  labour;  their  corn  and 

t  vineyards  (Josh.  21.  43-45.) 

*  PSALM  CVL 

Ver.  1-48.  Tliis  Psalm  gives  a  detailed  con- 
fession of  the  sins  of  Israel  in  all  periods  of 
their  history,  with  special  reference  to  the 
terms  of  the  covenant  as  intimated  (Fs.  105. 
46.).  It  is  introduced  by  praise  to  God  for 
the  wonders  of  His  mercy,  and  concluded  by 
a  supplication  for  His  favour  to  His  afflicted 
people,  and  a  doxolosy. 

1.  P  ;,ise,  (Sic— (Ps.  i04. 2ij,  begins  and  ends 
the  Psalm,  intimating  the  obligations  of 


constrained  even  so  mibelieving  a  people 
momentarily  to  "believe,"  whilst  in  imme 
diate  view  of  His  wonders,  a  faith  which  they 
immediately  after  lost  .v.  13;  Ex.  14.  .SI;  15.  l.f. 
13-15.  The  faith  induced  by  God's  display  of 
power  in  their  behalf  was  short-lived,  and 
their  new  rebellion  and  temptation  was 
visited  by  God  with  fresh  punishment,  in- 
flicted by  leaving  them  to  the  result  of  their 
own  gratified  appetites,  and  sending  on  them 
spiritual  poverty  (Num.  11. 18.).  Tiiey  soon  for- 
gsLt—lit.,  Thevhai<ted,  theyforgat  (cf.Ex.  32. 8.). 
*^  They  have  turned  aside  quickhj  (or  hastily) 
out  of  the  way."  The  haste  of  our  desires 
is  such  that  we  can  scarcely  allow  God  one 
day.  Unless  He  immediately  ansv  er  our 
call,  instantly  then  arise  impaiience,  and 
at  length  despair,  his  works— (Deut.  11.  3, 4; 
Dan.  9.  14.).  his  counsel— they  waited  not 
for  the  development  of  Ood's  counsel,  or 


Bist6fp  ^TsraeVs  febdUdns, 


FSALM  CVL 


and  GocTs  great  merep. 


37  He  brought  them  forth  also  with  silver 
and  gold;  and  there  was  not  one  feeble 
person  amoug  their  tribes. 

38  EgTOt  was  glad  when  they  departed; 
for  the  fear  of  them  fell  upon  them. 

39  He  "  spread  a  cloud  for  a  covering,  and 
fire  to  give  lii;ht  in  the  night. 

40  The^ptoile  asked,  and  he  brought 
quails,  and  satisfied  them  with  the  bread 
of  heaven. 

41  He  '^  opened  the  rock,  and  the  waters 
gushed  cut;  they  ran  in  the  dry  places  like 
a  river. 

4:i  For  he  remembered  f  Ms  holy  promise, 
and  Abraham  his  servant. 

43  And  he  brought  forth  his  people  with 
joy,  and  his  chosen  with  6  gladnt'ss; 

44  And  *  gave  them  the  lauds  of  the  hea- 
then: and  they  inherited  the  labour  of  the 
people ; 

45  That "  they  might  observe  his  statutes, 
and  keep  his  laws,    i  Traise  ye  the  Loed. 

PSALM  CVI. 

1  The  psalmist  exhorts  to  praise  Ood:  4  heprayt 
to  share  in  his  people's  joy:  6  history  of  the 
people  s  rebellion,  and  God's  mercy. 

pRAlSE  1  ye  the  Lord.    O  give  thanks 

•*•    unto  the  Lohd;  for  he  is  "good:  for  his 

mercy  tndureth  for  ever. 

2  Wlio  >'  can  utter  the  mighty  acta  of  the 
LoKD?  ivho  can  show  forth  all  his  praise? 

3  Blessed  are  they  that '  keep  judgment, 
and  he  that  <*  doeth  righteousness  at  *  all 
times. 

4  Remember  me,  O  Lord,  with  the  favour 
Oiat  thim  bear  est  unto  thy  people:  0  visit 
me  with  thy  salvation ; 

6  That  1  may  see  the  good  of  thy  chosen, 
that  I  may  rejoice  in  the  gladness  of  thy 
nation,  that  I  may  glory  with  thine  inhen. 
tance. 

6  We  /  have  sinned  with  our  fathers,  we 
have  committed  iniquity,  we  have  done 
wickedly. 

7  Our  fathers  understood  not  thy  wonders 
In  Egypt;  they  remembered  not  the  multi- 
tude or  thy  mercies- but  provoked  him  at 
the  sea,  even  at  the  Ked  sea. 

8  Nevertheless  he  saved  them  *  for 
name's   sake,  that   he   might  make  his 
mighty  power  to  be  known. 

9  He  ''  rebuked  the  Red  sea  also,  and  it 
was  dried  up:  so  <  he  led  them  through  the 
depths,  as  through  the  wilderness. 

10  And  he  saved  them  from  the  hand  of 
him  that  hated  them,  and  redeemed  them 
from  the  hand  of  the  enemy. 

11  And  the  waters  covered  their  enemies; 
there  was  not  one  of  them  left. 

12  Then  believed  they  his  words ;  they  sang 
his  praise. 

13  2  They  soon  forgat  hia  works;  they 
waited  not  for  his  counsel : 

14  But  3  lusted  exceedingly  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  tempted  God  in  the  desert. 

15  And  he  gave  them  their  request;  but 
Bent  >  leanness  into  their  soul. 

16  They  *  envied  Moses  also  in  the  camp, 
and  Aaron  the  saint  of  the  Lord. 

17  The  earth  opened  and  swallowed  up 
Dathan,  and  covered  the  company  of  Abi- 
ram. 

18  And  a  fire  was  kindled  in  their  com- 
pany;  the  flame  burnt  up  the  wicked. 

19  They  '  made  a  calf  in  Horeb,  and  wor- 
shipped the  molten  image. 

20  Thus  •"  they  changed  their  glory  into 
the  similitude  of  an  ox  that  eateth  grass. 

415 


PSALM  lOfr, 
"  Ex.  Vi.  SI. 

Neh.  9.  12. 
to  Ex.  16. 12. 
«Ei.  17.6. 

Nu.  20. 11. 

1  Cor. 10.4. 
V  Gen.  15.14. 

6  singijig. 

*  Dcu.  6.  10. 

Joah.  13.  7. 
a  Deu.  4. 1. 

Deu.  5. 21. 

7  Hallelu- 
jah. 


PSALM  1C6. 

1  Hallelu- 

a  U.  63.  7. 

Mat.  19.17. 
b  Ps.  10.  6. 
e  Mat.  22.37. 
d  Ps.  15.  2. 

0  Acts  24. 16. 
Gal.  0.  9. 

f  Lay.  28. 40. 

1  Kl.  8.  47. 

Dnn.  9.  6. 
ff  Eiek.30.14. 
ft  Nah.  1.  4. 
i  Is.  63.  11. 

2  they  made 
haste,  ihej 

1  Cor.io.a. 

3  lusted  a 
lust. 

/  Is.  10. 16. 
*  Nu.  16. 1. 

1  Ex.  32.  4. 
m  Jot.  2. 11. 

Rom  .1.23. 
n  Ex.  32. 10. 

Deu.  9. 19. 
OEBelt.I3.6. 

Eiek.22.30. 

4  a  lasd  of 
desire. 
Deu.  8.  7. 
Jer.  3.  19. 
Eiok.20.6. 

P  Heb.  3.  li 
6  To  make 

them  fall 

Ley.  26.33. 
q  Bos.  9.  10. 

Rev.  2.  14. 
r  Deu.  1.  37. 

Deu.  3.  88. 
I  Jam.  3.  2. 
«Judg.  1.21. 
tt  Deu.  7.  2. 

Judg.  2.  2. 
f  Judg.  3.  5. 

Is.  2.  6. 

1  Cor.  6.  6. 
V)  Judg.2.ia. 
K  Is.  57.  6. 

£K)k.l6.20. 
y  Num.  35. 

33. 
«Judg.2.14. 

Neh.  9.  27. 
6  Or,  impo- 
verished, 

kened. 
a  Judg.  10. 
10. 

6  Lev.  28. 
41. 

e  Lam.  3.  82. 
d  Etra  9.  9. 

Jer.  43.12. 
•  Lu.  1.  74. 
f  2  Cor.  6. 

15. 

7  Halleln- 


21  They  forgat  God  their  Saviour,  which 
hiul  done  uTeat  things  in  Ei^ypt; 

22  Wondrous  works  in  the  land  of  Ham, 
and  terrible  things  by_  the  Red  sea. 

23  Therefore  "  he  said  that  he  would  de- 
stroy them,  had  not  Moses  his  chosen 
stood  "  before  him  in  the  breach,  to  turn 
away  his  wrath,  lest  he  should  destroy 
them. 

24  Yea,  they  despised  *  the  pleasant  land; 
they  P  believed  not  his  word; 

25  But  murmured  in  their  tents,  and 
hearkened  not  unto  the  voice  of  the  Lord. 

26  Therefore  he  ILtted  up  his  hand  against 
them,  to  overthrow  them  in  the  wilder- 
ness: 

27  5  To  overthrow  their  seed  also  among 
the  nations,  and  to  scatter  them  in  the 
lands. 

28  They  '  joined  themselves  also  unto 
Baal-peor,  and  ate  the  sacrifices  of  the 
dead. 

29  Thus  they  provoked  him.  to  anger  with 
their  inventions;  and  the  plague  brake  in 
upon  them. 

30  Then  stood  up  Phinehas,  and  executed 
judgment:  and  so  the  plague  was  stayed. 

31  And  that  was  counted  nnto  him  for 
righteoufluess  unto  all  generations  for  ever- 
more. 

32  They  angered  him  also  ai  the  waters  of 
strife,  *■  so  that  it  went  ill  with  Moses  for 
their  sakes : 

33  Because  they  provoked  his  spirit,  so 
that  he  *  spake  unad\4sedly  with  his  lips. 

34  They  «  did  not  destroy  the  nations; 
concerning  "  whom  the  Lord  commanded 
them: 

35  But '  were  mingled  among  the  heathen, 
and  learned  their  works. 

36  And  ^  they  served  their  idols:  which 
were  a  snare  unto  them. 

37  Yea,  *  they  sacrificed  their  sons  and 
their  daughters  unto  devils, 

38  And  shed  innocent  blood,  even  the 
blood  of  their  sons  and  of  their  daughters, 
whom  they  sacrificed  unto  the  idols  of 
Canaan:  and  "  the  land  was  polluted  \>ith 
blood. 

39  Thus  were  they  defiled  with  their  own 
works,  and  went  awhoring  with  their  own 
inventions. 

40  Therefore  was  the  wrath  of  the  Lord 
kindled  against  his  people,  insomuch  that 
he  abhorred  his  own  inheritance. 

41  And  *  he  gave  them  into  the  hand  of 
the  heathen;  and  they  that  hated  them 
ruled  over  them. 

42  Their  enemies  also  oppressed  them,  an4 
they  were  brought  into  subjection  undei 
their  hand. 

43  Many  times  did  he  deliver  them;  bat 
they  provoked  him  with  their  counsel,  and 
were  ^  brought  low  for  their  iniquity. 

44  Nevertheless  he  regarded  their  afflic- 
tion, when  "  he  heard  tneir  cry: 

45  And  *  he  remembered  for  them  hia 
covenant,  and  repented  *  according  to  the 
multitude  of  his  mercies. 

46  He  <*  made  them  also  to  be  pitied  of  all 
those  that  carried  them  captives. 

47  Save  us,  O  Lord  our  God,  and  gather 
8  •  from  among  the   heathen,  to  give 

thanks  /  unto  thy  holy  name,  and  to  tri- 
umph in  thy  praise. 

48  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting:  and  let  all  the 
people  say,  Amen.    7  Praise  ye  the  LOKO. 


History  of PSALM  CVII, IsracVsnebe!hmis^ 

plan  for  their  deliverance,  at  His  own  time, |  then  added,  despised— (Num.  14.  31.).  Sevefl 
and  in  His  own  way.  14.  Li^.,  h(.sf(;d  a  fo..c|triins'4ressions  are  enumerated,  one  in  Egypt, 
(quotedfromNum.il.  4.  ATarfir.).  Previously, I. six  in  the  wilderness;  to  whicli  are  opposed 
there  had  been  impatience  as  to  nece^sarks\i\\e  seven  miracles  of  God  for  His  people 
of  life;  here  it  is  ^ttsiiJiff  (Ps.  78.  18.).    15.  but  I  cf.  Num.  14.  22;  Deut.  S2.  C).     b  li'Ved  not 


sent  leanness— rather,  "and  sent,"  i.e.,  and 
than,  even  in  doing  so,  the  punishment  was 
inflicted  at  the  very  time  their  request  was 
grantf  d.  So  Fs.  78. 30, "  While  their  meat  was 
yet  in  their  mouths,  the  wrath  of  God  came 
upon  them."  soul—the  animal  soul,  whicl 
craves  for  food  TNum.  11.  0-  Ps.  107. 18.).  Tins 
soul  got  its  wish,  and  with  it  and  in  it  its 
own  punishment.  The  place  was  therefore 
called  Kihroth-Hattaavah,  "the  graves  of 
lust,"  because  there  they  buried  the  people 
who  had  lusted.  Aniujal  desires  when  grc 
titled  mostly  give  only  a  hungry  craving  for 
li  ore  (Jer.  2.  13.).  16-18.  All  the  congrega- 
tion took  part  with  Dathan,  Korah,  &c.,  and 
their  accomplices  (Num.  16.41.).  Aaron  tj^e 
8  .int— tti.,  the  holy  one,  as  consecrated  priest, 
not  a  moral  attribute,  but  one  designating 
his  oflice  as  holy  to  the  Lord.  The  rebellion 
was  followed  by  a  double  punishment:  1) 
Iv.  17)  of  the  non-Levitical  rebels,  the  Reuben- 
ites,  Dathan  and  Abix-am,  &c.  (Deut.  11.  6; 
Num.  26.  10,;,  these  were  swallowed  up  by 
the  earth,  covered —  "  closed  upon  them" 
(Num.  16.  33.).  i2)  Of  the  Levitical  rebels, 
with  Korah  at  their  head  (y.  18:  Num.  16.  35; 
26.  10,),  these  had  sinned  by  fire,  and  were 
punished  by  fire,  as  Aaron's  (bein,'  high 
priest)  sons  had  been  Lev,  10.  2;  Num.  16. 
1-35.).  19-23.  from  indirect  setting  God  at 
nought,  they  pass  to  direct,  niade— though 
proliibited  in  Ex.  20.  4,  6,  to  make,  a  likeness, 
even  of  the  true  God.  calf— called  so  in  con- 
tempt. They  would  have  made  an  ox  or  bull, 
but  their  idol  turned  out  but  a  calf:  an  imi- 
tation of  the  divine  symbols,  the  cherubim ;  or 
of  the  sacred  bull  of  Egyptian  idolatry.  This 
idolatry  was  more  sinful  in  view  of  their 
recent  experience  of  (iod's  power  in  Egypt 
and  His  wonders  at  Sinai  (Ex.  32.  1-6.).  On 
V.  20  cf.  Jer.  2. 10-13;  Rom.  1. 23.  "  Their  glory" 
is  Jehovah,  who.  bemg  peculiarly  their  God, 
was  their  distinguishing  glory  above  other 
nations  (Deut.  4.  7;  10.  21.).  "  Thy  praise," 
i.e.,  (jlory.  God  signified  His  presence  with 
Israel  by  the  Shechinah,  cloud  of  glory  (iKi. 
8.  11;  Rom.  9.  4.).  Though  intending  tc  wor- 
ship Jehovah  under  the  symbol  of  the  calf, 


his  word — by  which  He  proniiseii  He  would 
i^ive  them  the  land;  but  rather  the  word  of 
the  faithless  spies  (cf.  Ps,  7b.  l'2.).  lifted 
up  Ins  hand  — or,  swore,  the  usual  form  of 
swearing  (cf.  Num.  14.  30,  Mar(h\.  27.  To 
overthrow— iif  "  To  makethem  fall;" aUuding 
to  the  words  (Num.  14.  29.).  aii.ong. .  .nations 
lands —  the  "wilderness"  was  not  more  de- 
structive to  the  fathers  (v.  26.),  than  residence 
among  the  heathen  ("nations")  shall  be  to 
the  children.  Lev.  26.  33,  38,  Is  here  before 
the  Psalmist's  mind,  the  determination 
against  the  "seed,"  when  rebebious,  being 
not  expressed  in  Num.  14.  31-:^3,  but  implim 
in  the  determination  against  the  fathers. 
23-50.  sacrifices  of  the  dead  —  i.e.,  of  litelesg 
idols,  contrasted  with  "  the  living  God"  (Jer. 
10.  3-10;  cf.  Ps.  116.  4-7;  1  Cor.  12.  2.).  On  the 
words,  "joined  themselves  to  Uaal  Peor," 
see  Num.  25.  2,  3,  6.  Baal-Peor,  i.e.,  the  pos' 
sessor  of  Peor,  the  mountain  on  which  Che- 
mosh,  the  idol  of  Moab,  was  worshipped,  and 
at  tlie  foot  of  which  Israel  at  the  time  lay 
encamped  (Num.  23,  28.).  The  name  never 
occurs  except  in  connection  with  that  locality 
and  that  circumstance,  provoked  —  excited 
grief  and  indignation  (Ps,  6. 7;  78.  .n8.).  stood— 
as  Aaron  "  stood  between  the  living  and  the 
dead,  and  the  plague  was  stayed"  (Num.  16. 
48.).  executed  judgment  —  lit.,  judged,  inr 
eluding  sentence  and  act.  31.  counted  .  , . 
riglueousneis  — "a  just  and  rewardable  ac- 
tion." for— or,  unto,  to  the  procuring  of  right- 
eousness, as  in  Rom.  4. 2;  10.  4.  Here  it  was 
a  particular  act,  not  faith,  nor  its  object 
Christ;  and  vMat  was  procured  was  not  justi- 
fj'ing  righteousness  or  what  was  to  be  re. 
warded  with  eternal  life;  for  no  one  act  of 
man's  can  be  taken  for  complete  obedience. 
But  it  was  that  which  God  approved  and 
rewarded  with  a  perpetual  priesthood  to 
him  and  his  descendants  (Num.  25.  13;  l  Gbr. 
6.  4,  &c.).  32,  33.  (Cf.  Num.  20.  3-12;  Deut.  1. 
37;  3.  26.).  went  ill  witii  [lit.,  was  had  for] 
Moses— his  conduct,  though  under  great  pro- 
vocation, was  punislied  by  exclusion  from 
Canaan.  34-39.  They  not  only  fiiiled  to  ex- 
pel the  heathen,  as  God  "commanded"  (Ex. 


yet  as  this  was  incompatible  with  His  nature) 23.  32,  33,),  lit.,  said,  {they  should.},  but  con 
(Deut.  4.  15-17,),  they  in  reality  gave  up  Him,  i  formed  to  their  idolatries,  and  thus  became 
and    so   were  «iven   up  by  Him.     Instead  I  spiritual  adulterers  (Ps.  73.27.).   unto  devils- 


of  the  Lord  of  heaven,  they  had  as  their 
glory  the  image  of  an  ox  that  does  nothing 
bat  eat  grass.  23.  he  said.— viz.,  to  Moses 
( Deut.  9. 13. ) .  With  God,  saying  is  as  certain 
as  doing;  but  His  purpose,  whilst  full  of 
wrath  against  sin,  takes  into  account  the 
mediation  of  Him  of  whom  Moses  was  the 
type  (Ex.  32.  11-14;  Deut.  9. 18, 19.).  Moses  his 
c.iosen— i.e.,  to  be  His  servant  (cf.  Ps.  105.  20.  . 
iu  the  breach— as  a  warrior  covers  with  his 
body  the  broken  part  of  a  wall  or  fortress 
besieged,  a  perilous  place  lEz.  13.  5;  2'2.  .JO.). 
to  turn  away  [or,  prevent]  his  wratii— (Num. 
25.  11;  Ps.  78.  38.).  24-27.  The  sin  of  refusing 
to  invade  Canaan  "the  pleasant  land"  (Jer.  3. 
19;  Ez.  20.  6;  Dan.  8.  9)  "the  land  of  beauty," 
was  punished  by  the  destruction  of  that 
generation  Num.  14.  28,1,  and  the  threat  of 


Sept..  demons  (cf.  1  Cor.  10.  20,),  or  evil  spirits, 
polluted  witli  hlooi— lit.,  blood,  or  murder  iPs. 
5.  6;  26.  9.).  40-43.  Those  nations  first  se- 
duced and  then  oppressed  them  (cf.  Jud.  1. 
34;  2. 14;  3. 30.).  Their  apostasies  ungratefully 
repnid  God's  many  mercies  till  He  finally 
abandoned  them  to  punishment  (Lev.  26.  39.). 
44-46.  If.  as  is  probable,  this  Psalm  was 
written  at  the  time  of  the  captivity,  the 
writer  now  intimates  the  tokens  of  God's 
returning  favour,  repented— (cf.  Ps.  90.  13.). 
made  .  .  .  pitied—  (1  Ki.  8.  50;  Dan.  1.  9,). 
These  tokens  encourage  the  prayer  and  tlie 
promise  oi  praise  iPs.  30.  4,),  which  is  well 
closed  by  a  doxology. 

PSALM  cvn. 

Ver.  1-43.    Although  the  general  theme  of 
this  Psalm  may  have  been  suggested  by  God'g 


aisDersion>Deut.4. 25:28.  32)  afterwards  made  I  special  favour  to  the  Israelites  in  their  res- 
tu  their  posterity,  and  fulfilled  in  the  great  toration  from  captivity,  it  must  be  regarded 
calamities  now  bewailed,  may  have  also  been  las  an  instructive  celebration  of  God's  praisa 
415 


FfGXildence  of  God 


PSALMS  cvii,  cvm. 


Cn  many  varieties  of  life. 


FSALM  CVII. 
The  psalmist  exhorts   (kid's  redeemed  to  praise 
his  goodnesf.  and  to  nbserve  hi.t  manifold  pTovi- 
denet,  in  many  varieties  of  life. 

Q  GIVE  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  for  <»  he 
^^  is  good ;  lor  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever, 

2  Let  the  redeemed  of  the  Lose  say  so, 
whom  he  hath  redeemed  from  the  hand  of 
the  enemy; 

3  And  ''  gathered  them  out  of  the  lands, 
from  the  east,  and  from  the  west,  fi'om  the 
north,  and  i  from  the  south. 

4  They  wandered  in  the  wilderness  in  a 
solitary  way;  they  found  no  city  to  dwellin. 

5  Hungry  and  thirsty,  their  soul  lainted 
in  them. 

6  Then  "they  cried  unto  the  Lobd  in  their 
touble,  and  he  delivered  them  out  of  their 
distresses, 

7  And  he  led  them  forth  by  the  <*  right 
way,  that  they  might  go  to  a  city  of  habi 
tation. 

8  Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lobd /or 
his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful  works 
to  the  children  of  men! 

9  For  *  he  satisfieth  the  longing  soul,  and 
filleth  the  hungry  soul  with  goodness. 

10  Such  as  eit  in  darkness,  and  in  the 
Bhadow  of  death,  being  fboimd.  in  affliction 
andiron; 

11  Because  they  f  rebelled  against  thp 
words  of  God,  and  contemned  "  the  coiansel 
ofthe  Most  High: 

12  Therefore  he  brought  down  their  heart 
with  labour:  they  fell  down,  and  there  was 
none  ♦  to  help. 

13  Then  they  cried  tmto  the  Lobd  in 
their  trouble,  a/nd  he  saved  them  out  of 
theii'  distresses. 

14  He  >  brought  them  out  of  darkness  and 
the  shadow  of  death,  and  brake  their  bands 
in  sunder. 

15  Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lobd 
for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderl'ul 
works  to  the  children  ot  men! 

16  For  he  hath  *  broken  the  gates  of  brass, 
and  cut  the  bars  of  iiun  in  sunder. 

17  Fools, '  because  of  their  transgression 
and  because  of  their  iniquities,  are  athicted: 

18  Their  soul  abhorreth  all  manner  of 
ieat;  and  they  draw  near  unto  the  gates 
f  death. 

-9  Then  they  cry  unto  the  Lobd  in  their 
trouble,  and  he  saveth  them  out  of  their 


20  He  *"  sent  his  word,  and  healed  them, 
and  delivered  them  from  their  destructions. 

21  Oh  that  men  would  praise  the  Lobd 
for  his  goodness,  and /or  his  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men! 

22  And  "let  them  sacrifice  the  sacrifices  of 
thanksgiving,  and  declare  his  works  with 
8  rejoicmg. 

23  They  that  go  down  to  the  sea  in  ships, 
that  do  Dusiness  in  gi'eat  waters; 

24  These  see  the  works  of  the  LoBD,  and 
his  wonders  in  the  deep. 

25  For  he  commandeth,  and  3  raiseth  the 
stormy  wind,  which  lifteth  up  the  waves 
thereof. 

26  They  mount  up  to  the  heaven,  they  go 
down  again  to  the  depths:  "  their  soul  is 
melted  because  of  trouble. 

27  They  reel  to  and  fro,  and  stagger  like  a 
drunken  man,  and  *  are  at  thefr  wit's  end. 

28  Then  they  cry  imto  the  LosD  in  their 
trouble,  and  he  bringeth  them  out  of  their 
distresses. 

116 


PSALM  107. 
ojl»t.l9.17. 
6  P».  li«.  47. 

Is.  43.  5. 

1».  49.  12. 

Jer.  29. 14. 

Jer.  31.8. 

Ea!k.33.27, 
1  from  tiie 

•es. 
e  Pb.  60. 15. 

Hob.  5  15. 
d  £tr«  8  21. 

1».  03.  12. 
*  P..  34.  10. 

Lu.  1.  63. 
/  Job  38.  8. 
a  Lam.  3. 42. 
A  Pa.  73  24. 

Ps.  119.24. 

Lu.  7.  3.;. 

Act*  20.27. 
i  la.  63.  6. 
}  Pa.  08.  6. 

Pa.  146.  7. 

Acta  12.7. 

Acta  10.26. 
tc  la.  45.  2 

1  Lam.  3.  89. 
mzKi.'JU.i. 

Pa.  147. 

15, 18. 

Uat.  8.  8. 
n  Ler.  7.  12. 
Pa..W.  14. 
Pa.  116.17. 
Heb.  13.16. 

2  einging. 

3  maketb  to 
ttui4 
JoD    1.4. 

o  Pa.  22. 14. 
la.  13.  7. 
Ntth.  3. 10. 

4  »U  their 
wiadom  ia 
BwsUowed 
up 

P  P».  89.  9. 
Ia.  50.  -J. 
Mat.  8.  26. 


f  Geo.  13.10 
Gen.  14.  3 
Gsn.  19.25 

6  saltoees. 
Em.  47.11. 

»  Is.  41. 18. 

t  Acta  17.28. 

"  Gen.  12. 8. 
Gen.17.16. 

''2Ki.10.3a. 

v>  Job  12.  21. 

6  Or,  Toid 
place. 

<c  1  Sa.  2.  8. 
2  Sa.  7.  8, 

7  Or,  aft«r. 
V  Job  22. 19. 

*  Job  5. 16. 
Pro.  10. 11. 
Bom.  3. 19. 

*  Jor.  9. 12. 
Dan.12.10. 
Boa.  14.  9. 


PSALM  108. 

MicahT. 

18-20, 

Nu.  14. 18. 

Deu.  7.  9. 

Pa.  38.  6. 

Pa.  100. 6. 
1  Or,  aluBa. 
6  Pa.  57.  6. 
e  Gon.  49.10. 
d  Pa.  60.  9. 
e  Is.  30.  3. 
/  U.  63,  1-i. 


29  He  P  maketh  the  storm  a  calm,  so  that 
tliC  waves  thereof  are  still. 

30  Then  are  they  glad  because  they  be 
quiet;  so  he  bringeth  them  unto  their  de- 
sired haven. 

31  Oh  that  msn  would  praise  the  Lobd 
for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men! 

32  Let  them  exalt  him  also  in  the  congre- 
gation of  the  reople,  and  praise  him  in  the 
assembly  of  the  elders. 

33  He  *  turneth  rivers  into  a  wilderness, 
and  the  water-springs  into  dry  ground ; 

34  A  *■  fruitful  land  into  6  barrenness,  for 
the  wickedness  of  them  that  dwell  Iherein. 

35  He  •  turneth  the  wilderness  into  a 
standing  water,  and  diy  ground  into  water- 
springs. 

36  And  there  he  maketh  the  hungry  « to 
dwell,  that  they  may  prepare  a  city  for 
habitation; 

37  And  sow  the  fields,  and  plant  vineyards, 
which  may  yield  fruits  of  increase. 

38  He  "  blesseth  them  also,  so  that  they 
are  multiplied  greatly,  and  sufiereth  not 
their  cattle  to  decrease. 

39  Again,  they  are  •"  minished  a^d  brought 
low  through  oppression,  affliction,  and  sor- 
row. 

40  He  "*  poureth  contempt  upon  princes, 
and  causeth  them  to  wander  m  the  6  tv  il- 
derness,  ivhere  there  is  no  way. 

41  Yet  *  setteth  he  the  poor  on  high  '  from 
affliction,  and  maketh  him  families  like  i 
flock. 

42  The  "righteous  shall  see  it,  and  re- 
joice:  and  all  *  iniquity  shall  stop  her 
mouth. 

43  Whoso  "  is  wise,  and  will  observe  these 
things,  even  they  shall  understand  the 
loving-kindness  or  the  Lobd. 

PSALM  CVllI. 

I  David  encourages  himself  to  praise  Ood;  6h6 
prays  for  God's  assistance  according  to  his  prtf 
mise:  li  his  confidence  in  Ood't  help. 

A  Song  or  Psalm  ot  David. 
),  my  heart  is  fixed;  I  wiU 
give  praise,  even  with  my  glory, 
.    '    .  .  .  .  ;  I  «W 

awake  early. 

3  1  wiU  praise  thee,  0  LoBD,  among  the 
people:  and  I  will  sing  praises  unto  thee 
among  the  nations. 

4  For  thy  "  mercy  is  great  above  the  hea. 
vens,  and  thy  truth  reacheth  unto  the 
1  clo.uds. 

5  Be  *  thou  exalted,  O  God,  above  the 
heavens;  and  thy  glory  above  all  the  earth; 

6  That  thy  beloved  may  be  dehvered:  save 
with  thy  right  hand,  and  answer  me. 

7  God  hath  spoken  in  his  holiness;  I  will 
rejoice,  1  wLU  divide  Shechem,  and  mete 
out  the  valley  of  Succoth. 

8  Gilead  is  mine;  Manasseh  is  mine;  Eph- 
raim  also  is  the  strength  of  mine  head; 
Judah  *  is  my  lawgiver; 

9  Moab  is  my  washpot;  over  Edom  will  I 
cast  out  my  shoe  ;  over  Philistia  will  I 
triumph. 

10  Who  d  will  bring  me  into  the  strong 
city?  who  will  lead  me  into  Edom? 

II  Wilt  not  tftou,  0  God,  who  hast  cast 
IS  off?  and  wilt  not  thou,  0  God,  go  forth 

with  our  hosts? 

12  Give  us  help  from  trouble:  for  •  vain  i$ 
the  help  of  man. 

13  Through  God  we  shall  do  valiantly:  for 
he/  it  is  that  shall  tread  down  our  enemieft 


r)  GOD,  my  heart  is  fixed;  I  wiU  sing  and 
^^  give  praise,  even  with  my  glory. 
2  A.wake,  psaltery  and  hai-p ;  I  myself  will 


Provr>1enC6  of  God. 


for  U;3  inerciful  providence  to  ail  men  in 
theii"  various  emergencies.  Of  these  several 
are  siven;  captivity  and  bondage,  wanderings 
by  land  and  sea.  and  famine;  some  as  evi- 
dences of  God's  displeasure,  and  all  the  de- 
liverances as  evidences  of  His  goodness  and 
mercy  to  them  who  humbly  seelc  Him. 

1,2.  'I Lis  call  for  thankful  praise  is  the 
burden  or  chorus  (cf.  v.  8,  15,  (fee),  redeemed 
of  the  Loid— (cf.  Isa.  .S5.  9,  10.).  say— i.e.,  that 
His  niercy,  &c.  h  md  of— or,  power  of  enemy. 
3.  ga^  hered  —  all',  ding  to  the  dispersion  oi 
caiJtives  throughout  the  Babylonian  empire. 
from  tlis  south— //it.,  tlie  sea,  or.  Red  sea  iPs. 
114.  3,),  which  was  on  the  south.  4-7.  A 
graphic  picture  is  given  of  the  sufferings  ot 
those  who  from  distant  lands  returned  to 
Jeriisalem  :  or,  as  city  ot  habitation  may 
mean  the  land  of  Palestine,  fainted— was 
overwhelmed  Ps.  61.  3;  77.  3.).  8,  9.  To  the 
chorus  is  added,  a';  a  reason  for  praise,  an 
examjile  of  the  extreme  distress  from  which 
they  had  been  delivered— extreme  hunger. 
the  severest  privation  of  a  journey  in  the 
desert.  10-16.  Their  sutterinus  v.  ere  for  their 
rebeilion  against  (Ps.  10.5.  I'S)  the  words,  or 
purposes,  or  promises,  or  God  for  their  benefit. 
Wlien  humbled  they  cry  to  (lod,  who  delivers 
them  Irom  bondage,  described  as  a  dark 
dunueon  with  doors  and  uars  of  metal,  in 
wiiich  they  are  bound  in  iron  — ■i.e.,  chains 
and  fettei's.  siiaduw  of  death— darkness  with 
danger  .Ps.  23. 4.).  broken— Mi.,  ddvered  (Isa. 
45.2.).  17-22.  Whether  the  same  or  not,  this 
exigency  illustrates  that  dispensation  of  God, 
according  to  which  sin  brings  its  own  pun- 
ishment, are  pfflicted— K?.,  afflict  thtwselves, 
i.e.,  bring  on  disease,  denoted  by  loatliing  of 


PSALMS  CVlll,  CIX. Imprecations  on  the  Wickea. 

)oice.  and  the  cavils  of  tiie  wicked  will  l>e 
stopped  (Job.  5.  16;  Isa.  52.  15,),  and  all  who 
take  right  views  will  appreciate  God's  un- 
iailing  mercy  and  unbounded  love. 
PSALM  GVIII. 

Ver.  1-13.  Tliis  Psalm  is  composed,  v.  1-5 
of  Ps.  67.  7-11,  and  v.  6-12  of  Ps.  60.  .5-12.  Tlie 
varieties  are  verbal  and  trivial,  except  that 
in  V.  9,  "over  Philistia  will  I  triumph,"  dif- 
fers from  Ps.  60.  8,  the  interpretation  of 
which  it  confirms.  Its  altogether  triumphant 
tone  may  intimate  that  it  was  i)reparefl  liy 
David,  omitting  the  plaintive  portions  of  the 
other  Psalms,  as  commemoi'ative  of  God's 
favour  in  the  victories  of  His  people. 
PSALM  CIX. 

Ver.  1-31.  The  writer  complains  of  his 
virulent  enemies,  on  whom  he  imprecates 
God's  righteous  punishment,  and  to  a  prayer 
for  a  divine  interv>osition  in  his  behalf  ap- 
pends the  expression  of  his  confidence  and  a 
proniise  of  his  praises.  This  Psalm  is  re- 
markable for  the  nimiber  and  severity  of  its 
imprecations.  Its  evident  typical  charac!er 
(c(.  V.  8)  justifies  the  explanation  of  thtse 
already  given,  that  as  the  language  of  David 
respecting  his  own  enemies,  or  those  of 
Christ,  it  has  respect  not  to  the  penitent, 
but  to  the  impenitent  and  implacable  foes 
of  good  men.  and  of  God  and  His  cause, 
whose  inevitable  fate  is  thus  indicated  by 
inspired  authority. 

1.  Goa  ot  niy  praise— its  object,  thus  recog- 
nising God  as  a  certain  helper.  Be  not  sihat 
(cf.  Ps.  17.  13;  28.  1.).  2.  lor  the  nriouth  .  .  . 
opened  [or.  They  have  opened  a  wicked  mouth] 
against  jne—Lit.,  with  we,  i.e..  Their  inter- 
course is  lying,  or.  They  slander  n;e  tomytace 


food,  and  drawing  near  unto  [lit.,  even  to]  the'  (Mat.  ^6.  59.).    3.  (Cf.  Ps.  36.  7; 


gates  [or,  domains,  (Ps.  9.  16J  ot  death,  sent 
his  word— i.e.,  put  forth  His  power,  tlieir  de- 
structions—i.e.,  tliat  which  threatened  them. 
To  the  chorus  is  added  the  mode  of  giving 
thanks,  by  a  sacrifice  and  joyful  singing  (Ps. 
.50.  14.).  23-32.  Here  are  set  forth  the  perils 
of  sea-faring,  futility  of  man's  and  efficiency 
of  God's  help,  go  .  .  .  sea— alluding  to  the 
elevation  of  the  land  at  the  coast.  These  see 
.  .  .  deep— illustrated  both  by  the  storm  He 
raises  and  the  calm  He  makes  with  a  word 
(Ps.  33.  9..).  waves  thereoi  — tti..  His  waxes 
(God's)  (Ps.  42,  7.).  are  .  .  .  end— iif.,  all  their 
wisdom  swalloios  up  itself,  destroys  itself  by 
vain  and  contradictory  devices,  such  as  de- 
spair induces.  He  makeih  .  .  .  cflm— or,  to 
stand  to  stillness,  or  in  quiet.  Instead  of 
acts  of  temple  worship,  those  of  the  syna- 
gogue are  here  described,  where  the  people 
with  the  asscmblij,  or  session  of  elders, 
convened  for  reading,  singing,  prayer,  and 
teaching,  il'he  coincidence  as  to  persons 
and  routine  of  service  with  those  of  Presby- 
terian Churches  is  not  forced.).  33-41.  God's 
providence  is  illustriously  displayed  in  His 
influence  on  two  great  elements  of  human 
prosperity,  the  earth's  productiveness,  and 
tile  powers  of  government.  He  punishes  the 
wicked  by  destroying  the  sources  of  fertility, 
or,  m  mercy,  gives  fruitlulness  to  deserts, 
wliicn  become  the  homes  of  a  busy  and  suc- 
cessful a.t.ricultural  population.  By  a  per- 
mitted misrule  and  tyranny,  this  scene  of 
prosperity  is  changed  to  one  of  adversity. 
He  rules  rulers,  setting  up  one  and  putting 
down  another,  wander  .  .  .  wilderness  —re- 
duced to  misery  (Job,  12.  24.).  42.  43.  In  this 
providential  government,  good  men  will  re- 
416 


4,5. 


They  return  evil  for  good  {cf.  Ps.  27.  12;  Pro. 
17.  13.).  I  give  myself  unto  prayer— or,  lit.,  I 
{am)  prayer,  or,  as  for  me,  prayer,  i.e.,  it  is 
my  resource  for  comfort  in  distress.  6.  over 
him— one  of  his  enemies  prominent  in  malig- 
nity (Ps.  56.  12.:.  let  Satan  stand— as  an  ac- 
cuser, whose  place  was  the  right  hand  of  the 
accused  (Zech.  3. 1,  2.).  7.  The  condemnation 
is  aggravated,  when  prayer  for  relief  is 
treated  as  a  sin.  8.  The  opposite  blessing  is 
long  life  (Ps.  91. 16;  Pro.  3.  2.).  The  last  clause 
is  quoted  as  to  Judas  by  Peter  (Acts.  1.  20.). 
cmcb—lit,  charae,  Sei^t.,  and  Peter,  oversight. 
9,  10.  Let  his  family  share  the  punishmeiit, 
his  children  be  as  wandering  beggars  to  prowl 
in  their  desolate  homes,  a  greedy  and  relent- 
less creditor  grasp  his  substance,  his  labour, 
or  the  fruit  of  it,  enure  to  strangers  and  not 
his  heirs,  and  his  unprot'ected.  fatherless 
children  fall  in  want,  so  that  his  posterity 
shall  utterly  fail.  13.  posterity— W(.,  end,  as 
Ps.  37.  38,  or  what  comes  after,  i.e.,  reward, 
or  success,  or  its  expectation,  of  which  pos- 
terity was  to  a  Jew  a  prominent  part.  14, 15. 
Added  to  the  terrible  overthrow  following 
his  own  sin,  let  there  be  the  imputation  of 
his  parents'  guilt,  that  it  may  now  come  be- 
fore God,  lor  His  meting  out  its  fuU  conse- 
quences, in  cutting  oft'  the  memory  of  them 
{i.e.,  the  parents)  from  the  earth  (Ps.  34.  IC). 
16.  Let  God  remember  guilt,  because  he  (the 
wicked)  did  not  remember  mercy,  poor  and 
needy  .  .  .  broken  in  heart— i.e.,  pious  sufferer 
(Ps.  34.  18;35. 10;40. 17.1.  17-19.  Let  his  loved 
sin,  cursing,  come  upon  him  in  punishment 
iPs.  35.  8,),  thoroughly  fill  him  as  water  and 
oil,  permeating  to  every  part  of  his  system 
(of.  Num.  6.  22-i:;,;,  and  become  a  garment 
31 


Impreeations  on  the  itiched. 

PSALM  CIX. 

16  fif  sfimcs 
compUiining  0/  his  own  niisfry,  he 
praya  for  help. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 
TIOLD  «  not  thy  peace.  0  God  of  my 
praise; 

2  For  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  and  the 
1  mouth  ofthe  deceitful '-  are  ojieiied  against 
me:  they  have  spoken  against  me  with  a 
lyini;  tonfrue. 

3  They  compassed  me  about  also  with 
words  of  hatred;  and  fought  agaiust  nie 
without  6  a  cause. 

4  For  my  love  they  are  my  adversaries: 
but  I  give  myself  unto  prayer. 

'5  And  "^  they  have  rewarded  me  evil  for 
good,  and  hatred  for  my  love. 

6  Set  thou  a  wicked  man  over  him;  and 
let  3  Satan  stand  at  his  right  hand. 

7  When  he  shall  be  judged,  let  him  *  ^e 
condemned;  and  <*  let  his  prayer  become 
sin. 

8  Let  his  days  be  few;  and*  let  another 
take  his  5  ofiice. 

9  Let/  his  children  be  fatherless,  and  his 
wife  a  widow. 

10  Let  his  children  be  continually «'  vaga- 
bonds, and  beg:  let  them  seek  their  bread 
also  out  of  their  desolate  places. 

11  Let  "  the  extortioner  catch  all  that  he 
hath;  and  let  the  stranger  spoU  his  labour. 

12  Let  there  be  none  to  extend  mercy 
mito  him ;  neither  let  there  be  any  to  fa- 
vour his  fatherless  children. 

13  Let  •  his  posterity  be  cut  off;  and  in 
the  generation  following  let  their/ name  be 
blotted  out. 

14  Let  *  the  iniquity  of  his  fathers  he  re- 
membereil  with  the  Lord  :  and  let  not  the 
sin  of  his  mother'  be  blottea  out. 

15  Let  them  be  before  the  Lord  continu- 
ftlly,  that  he  may  "*  cut  off  the  memory  of 
them  from  the  earth. 

16  Because  that  he  remembered  not  to 
ehow  mercy,  but  i)ersecutcd  the  poor  and 
needy  man,  that  he  might  even  slay  the 
broken  in  heart. 

17  As  he  loved  cursing,  so  let  it  come 
mito  him;  as  he  delighted  not  in  blessing, 
80  let  it  be  far  horn  him. 

18  As  he  clothed  himself  mth  cursing  like 
as  with  his  garment,  so  let  it  cdine  6  into 
his  bowels  like  water,  and  like  oil  into  his 
bones. 

19  Let  it  be  unto  him  as  the  garment  which 
covereth  him,  and  for  a  girdle  wherewith 
he  is  girded  continually. 

20  Let  this  be  the  reward  of  mine  adver- 
saries from  the  Lord,  and  of  them  that 
apeak  evil  against  my  soul. 

til  Bat  do  thou  for  me,  O  God  the  Lord, 
for  thy  name's  sake:  because  thy  mercy  is 
good,  deliver  thou  me. 

'II  For  I  am  poor  and  needy,  and  my 
beart  is  wounded  within  me. 

23  1  am  gone  like  the  shadow  when  it  de- 
clineth:  1  am  tossed  up  and  down  as  the 
locust. 

24  My  "  knees  are  weak  through  fasting; 
and  my  flesh  faileth  of  fatness. 

25  1  became  also  a  reproach  unto  them: 
when  they  looked  upon  me  "  they  shaked 
their  heads. 

2C  Help  me,  O  Lord  my  God:  O  save  me 
accoidiug  to  thy  mercy; 

27  Tliat  P  they  rnay  know  that  this  is  th7 
haudi  Uiat  thou.  Lord,  hast  doue  it. 
417 


PSALMS  CTX-CXIL 


The  Mssiah's  kingdom. 


PSALM  109. 

0  P9.  83.  1. 

1  moiuh  of 

2  have 
opened 


6Jol.nl5.25 
c  Hs.  38.  20. 

3  Or.  an  ad- 

Zech  3.  1 

4  gn  Olft 

gtfciUv,  or. 


5  Or,  cliar-e 
/Ex. -24. 
f/  (ien.  i.  U. 
h  Job  18.  9. 
i  Pa.  37.  28. 
/  Pro.  10.  7. 
k  Ex.  20.  5. 
I  Neh.  4.  5. 
Jer    1«.  23 

"ljnbltl.17, 

0  within 

Nu.'fi.  22. 
n  Ht.b.  12.12 
"  .Mi.t.  27.  39. 
P  Job  37.  7. 

1  h.  Ch    14. 


7   fr 


PSALM  110. 
a  Ps.  45.  6. 

Mat.  2'J.44. 

Mar. 12.30. 

Lu.  -JJ  42. 

Acta  2.  34. 

1  Ocr.  15. 

25. 

Hob.  1. 13. 

1  Pe.  3.  22. 
6  Judg.  5.  2. 
-       ts  2.  41. 

an  tho 


:  have, 


d  Nu.  23.  19. 
e  Zech,  8. 13, 

Heb.  5.  6. 

Heb.  6.  20. 

Heb.  7.  17. 
/  Ps.  lU.  8. 
g  Pi.  2.  6. 

Rov. 11.18. 
ft  Hab.  3. 13. 
2  Or,  !;reat. 


Is.  Bl. 
Jol.r 


.34. 


PS.\LM  111. 

1  Hallelu- 
jah. 

a  Job  38.  1. 

2  T'rey. 

b  Pa.  19.7. 

3  are  eitah- 
lished. 

c  Rev.  15.  8. 

d  Ueut.  4  6 
Job  28.  28 
Ecc.  12.13. 

4  Or,  good 
aucceai. 

5  that  do 


28  Let  them  curse,  but  bless  thou:  when 
they  ariwe,  .let  t'hera  be  ashamed;  but  let 
thy'  servant  reioice. 

'ii)  Let  mine  adversaries  be  clothed  with 
slianie,  and  let  them  cover  themselves  with 
thtir  own  confusion,  as  i^ith  a  mantle. 

30  I  will  greatly  praise  the  Lord  witli  ray 
niouth;  yea,  I  will  praise  iiim  amoiig  the 
multitude. 

31  For  he  shall  stand  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  poor,  to  save  him '!  from  those  that 
condemn  his  souL 

PSALM  ex. 

1  The  kingdom,  4  the  priesthood,  6  the  conquest,  7 

and  the  passion  of  Christ. 

A  P.salm  of  David. 

'THE  «  Lord  said  unto  my  Lord,  Sit  thou 

at  my  rii;ht  hand,  imt'U  I  make  thme 

enemies  thy  footstool. 

2  The  Ij3RD  shall  send  the  rod  of  thy 
strength  out  of  Zion:  rule  thou  in  the 
midst  of  thine  enemies. 

3  Thy  *  people  shall  be  willing  in  the  day 
of  thy  power, "  in  the  beauties  of  holiness 

1  from  the  womb  ofthe  monuiig:  thou  hast 
the  dew  of  thy  youth. 

4  The  Lord  hath  sworn,  and  <*  will  not  re- 
pent. '  Thou  art  a  priest  for  ever  after  the 
onler  of  ilelchizedek. 

5  The  lord /at  thy  right  hand  shall 
strike  tluough  kings ''in  the  day  of  his 
wrath. 

6  lie  shall  judge  among  the  heathen,  he 
sliJill  fill  the  places  with  the  dead  bodies; 
he  'i  shall  wound  the  heads  over  2  many 
countries. 

7  He  '  shall  drink  of  the  brook  in  the  way: 
therefore  }  shall  he  lift  up  the  head. 

PSALM  CXI. 

1   The  psalmist  by  his  exuiuple  incites  others  to 

praise  God  for  his  ylorivus  and  grocious  works, 

10  The  fear  of  Gud  the  source  of  true  wisdom. 

pRAISE  1  ye  the  Lord.  1  will  praise  the 
-"■  Lord  with  int/  whtde  heart,  in  the  as- 
sembly of  the  upright,  and  in  the  congrega- 
ti.iu. 

2  The  "  works  of  the  Lord  are  great, 
sought  out  of  all  them  that  have  pleasure 
therein. 

3  His  work  is  honourable  and  glorious; 
and  his  righteousness  endm-eth  for  ever. 

4  He  hath  made  his  wonderful  works  to 
be  remembered;  the  Lord  is  gi'acious, and 
full  of  compassion. 

5  lie  hath  given  2  meat  unto  them  that 
fear  him:  he  will  ever  be  mindful  of  his 
covenant. 

6  He  hath  showed  his  people  the  power  of 
his  works,  that  he  may  give  them  the  heri- 
tage of  tlielKathei). 

7  The  works  of  his  hands  are  verity  and 
jud£,Tnent:*all  his  commandments  are  sure. 

8  Ihey  ^  stand  fast  lor  ever  and  ever,  and 
are  '  done  in  truth  and  uprightness. 

9  lie  sent  redemption  unto  his  people: 
he  hath  conunandL-d  his  covenant  for  ever: 
holy  and  reverend  is  his  name. 

K/The  <i  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning 
of  wisdom :  ♦  a  good  understanding  have  all 
they  6  that  do  his  commandmeuls:  his 
praise  endureth  for  ever. 

i'SALM  CXIL 
1    Godliness  hath  the  promises  of  this  life,  4  and 

of  the  lite  to  emn'e. 
PRAISE  ye  the  Lord.     Blessed  is  the 
^  man  that  I'eareth  the  Lord,  that  delight- 
eth  greatly  hi  his  commandments. 

2  Hib  seed  shall  be  mighty  upon  eaith: 


The  Kinodom 


PSALMS  ex.  CXI. 


of  the  Messiah. 


and  a  girdle  for  a  perpetual  dress.  20.  Let 
this .  .  .  rtward— or,  wajjes,  pay  for  labour, 
the  fruit  of  the  euemy's  wickedness,  from 
the  Lord— as  His  judicial  act.  21,  22.  do  .  .  . 
for  me— i.e.,  kindness,  wounded— (li.,  pierced 
(Ps.  69.  16,  -.^9.).  23.  like  the  sliadow— (cf.  Ps. 
102.  11.).  tossed  up  and  down— or,  driven  (Ex. 
10.  19.).  24,  25.  Taunts  and  reproaches  ag- 
gravate his  afflicted  and  feeble  state  (Ps.  22. 
6.  7.).  26.  27.  Let  my  deliverance  glorify 
thee  (cf.  Ps.  59.  13.).  28  31.  In  confidence 
that  God's  blessing  would  come  on  him,  and 
contusion  and  shame  on  his  enemies  (Ps.  73. 
13,),  he  ceases  to  regard  their  curses,  and  an- 
ticipates a  season  oi  joyfvdand  public  thanks- 
giving; lor  God  is  near  to  protect  (Ps.  16.  8; 
34.  6)  tlie  poor  from  all  unrighteous  judges 
who  may  condemn  him. 

PSALM  ex. 
Ver.  1-7.  Tlie  explicit  application  of  this 
Psalm  to  our  Saviour,  by  Him  (Mat.  22. 42-45,), 
and  by  the  apostles  (Acts,  2.  34;  1  Cor.  15.  25; 
tieb.  1.  i:;,\  and  their  frequent  reference  to 
its  language  and  purport  (Eph.  1.  20-22;  Phil. 
2.  9-11;  Heij.  10.  12,  13,),  leave  no  doubt  of  its 
purely  prophetic  character.  Not  only  was 
there  nothing  in  the  position  or  character, 
personal  or  ofiicial.  of  David  or  any  other 
descendant,  to  justify  a  reference  to  either, 
but  the  utter  severance  from  the  royal  office 
of  all  priestly  functions  (so  clearly  ass;igned 
the  subject  of  this  Psalm)  positively  forbids 
such  a  reference.  The  Psalm  celebrates  the 
exaltation  of  Christ  to  the  throne  of  an  eter 


such  is  the  proper  rendering  of  the  word 
"wUling,"  which  is  a  plural  noun,  ai;id  not  an 
adjective  (cf.  Ex.  25. 2;  Ps.  54.6,),  also  a  similar 
form  I  Jvid.  5.  2-9.).  in  tne  day  of  thy  power— 
thy  people  freely  offer  themselves  (Kom.  12. 1) 
in  Thy  service,  enlisting  under  thy  banner, 
in  tlie  beauties  of  holiness— either  as  Ps.  29.  2, 
the  loveliness  of  a  spiritual  worship,  of  which 
the  temple  service,  in  all  its  material  splen- 
dotirs,  was  but  a  type;  or  more  probably,  the 
appearance  of  the  worshippers,  who,  in  this 
spiritual  kingdom,  are  a  nation  of  kings  and 
priests  [1  Pet.  2.  9;  Eev.  1.  5)  attending  this 
Priest  and  King,  clothed  in  those  eminent 
graces  which  the  beautiful  vestments  of  the 
Aaronic  priests  (Lev.  16.  4)  typified.  The 
last  very  obscure  clause— from  tne  womb  . .  . 
youth— may,  according  to  this  view,  be  thus 
explained:  The  word  yoidh  denotes  a  period 
of  life  distinguished  for  strenuth  and  activity 
(cf.  Eccl.  1 1 . 9, ),— the  rfe  i«  is  a  constant  emblem 
of  whatever  is  refreshing  and  strengthening 
(Pro.  19. 12-  Hos.  14.  5.).  The  Messiah,  then, 
as  leading  His  people,  is  represented  as  con- 
tinually in  the  vigour  of  youth,  refreshed 
and  strengthened  by  the  early  dew  of  God's 
grace  and  Spirit.  Thus  the  phrase  corre- 
sponds as  a  member  of  a  parallelism  with 
''the  day  of  thy  power"  in  the  first  clause. 
"In  the  beauties  of  holiness''  belongs  to  this 
latter  clause,  corresponding  to  "  Thy  people 
in  the  first,  and  the  colon  after  "mornmg" 
is  omitted.  Others  prefer:  Thy  youth,  or 
youthful  vigour,  or  body,  shall  be  constantly 


nal  and  increasing  kingdom,  and  a  perpetual  refreshed  by  successive  accessions  of  people, 
priesthood  (Zech.  6.  13,),  involving  the  sub-  as  dew  from  the  early  morning;  and  this  ac- 
jugation  of  His  enemies  and  themultiplica-|  cords  with  the  N.  T.  idea  that  the  Church  is 
tion  of  His  subjects,  and  rendered  infallibly  '  Christ's  body  (cf.  Mic.  5.  7.).  4.  The  perpe- 
certain  by  the  word  and  oath  of  Almighty:  tuity  of  the  priesthood,  here  asserted  on  God's 
"^    '  oath,  corresponds  with  that  of  the  kingly 

office  just  explained,  after  the  order— (Heb. 
7.  15,),  after  the  similitude  of  Melchisedec, 
is  fully  expounded  by  Paul,  to  denote  not 
only  perpetuity,  appointment  of  God,  and  a 
royal  priesthood,  but  also  the  absence  of 
priestly  descent  and  succession,  and  supe- 
riority to  the  Aaronic  order.  5.  at  thy  right 
hand— as  Ps.  109.  31,  upholding  and  aiding, 
which  is  not  inconsistent  witli  v.  1,  where 
the  figure  denotes  participation  of  power, 
for  here  He  is  presented  in  another  aspect, 
as  a  warrior  going  against  enemies,  and  sus- 
tained by  God,  strike  through  — smite  or 
crush,  kings— not  common  men,  but  their 
rulers,  and  so  all  under  them  iPs.  2.  2,  10.). 

6.  The  person  is  again  changed.  The  Mes- 
siah's conquests  are  described,  though  His 
work  and  God's  are  the  same.  As  after  a 
battle,  whose  field  is  strewn  with  corpses, 
the  conqueror  ascends  the  seat  of  empire, 
so  shall  He  judge  or  rule  among  many  na- 
tions, and  subdue  the  head  [or  (as  used  col- 
lectively for  many)  the  headsj  over  many 
lands,    wound— tt!!.,  smiite,  or,  crush  (cf.  v.  5.). 

7.  As  a  conqueror,  "  faint,  yet  pursuing," 
He  shall  be  refreshed  by  "  the  brook  in  the 
way,"  and  pursue  to  completion  His  divin« 
and  glorious  triumphs. 

PSALM  CXI. 
Ver.  1-10.    The  Psalmist  celebrates  God's 
gracious  dealings  with  His  people,  of  which 
a  summary  statement  is  given. 

1.  Praise  ye  the  Lord— or,  HalJelujah  (Ps. 

104.  35.1.    This  seems  to  serve  as  a  title  to 

those  of  the  later  Psalms,  which,  like  this, 

set  forth  God's  gracious  government  and  its 

Tt 


1.  The  Lord  saii— lit.,  A  saying  of  the  Lord 
(cf.  Ps.  .36.  1,1,  a  formula,  used  in  prophetic  or 
other  solemn  or  express  declarations,  my 
Lord— That  the  Jews  understood  this  term 
to  denote  the  IMessiah  their  traditions  show, 
and  Christ's  mode  of  arguing  on  such  an  as- 
sumption (Mat.  22.  44)  also  proves.  To  sit  at 
the  right  hand  was  not  only  a  mark  of  honour 
(1  Ki.  2.  19,),  but  also  imphed  participation 
of  power  (Ps.  45.  9;  Mark,  16.  19;  Eph.  1.  20.). 
Sit— as  a  king  Ps.  29.  10,),  though  the  position 
rather  than  posture  is  intimated  cf.  Acts,  7. 
65,  56.).  until  I  make,  <fec.— The  dominion  of 
Christ  over  His  enemies,  as  commissioned 
by  God,  and  intrusted  with  all  power  (Mat. 
28.  18)  for  their  subjugation,  will  assuredly 
be  established  (I  Cor.  15.  24-28.).  'Ihis  is 
neither  His  government  as  God,  nor  that 
which,  as  the  incarnate  Saviour,  He  exercises 
over  His  people,  of  whom  he  will  ever  be 
Head,  tliine  enemies  tliy  footstool  — an  ex- 
pression taken  from  the  custom  of  Eastern 
c<mquerors  (cf.  Josh.  10.  24;  Jud.  1.  7,),  to 
signify  a  complete  subjection.  2.  the  rod  of 
thy  Strength— the  rod  of  correction  (Isa.  9.  4; 
10. 15;  Jer.  48. 12,),  by  which  thy  strength  will 
be  known.  This  is  His  Word  of  truth  (Isa.  2. 
3;  11.  4,),  converting  some  and  confounding 
others  (cf.  2  Thes.  2.  8.).  out  of  Zioii— or,  the 
church,  in  which  God  dwells  by  His  Spirit,  as 
once  by  a  visible  symbol  in  the  tabernacle  on 
Zion  (cf.  Ps.  2.  6.).  rule  thou,  &c.— over  ene- 
mies now  conquered,  in  their  midst— once  set 
upon,  as  by  ferocious  beasts  (Ps.  22. 16,),  now 
humbly,  though  reluctantly,  confessed  as 
Lord  (Phil.  2.  lO.  ll.).  3.  Thy  peoT)le...wimng 
—lit.,  Ihy  people  (are)  free-will-ox* erings;  for 
417 


blessed  fruits.   This  praise  claim!»  the  whole 


Security  of  (he  righteotu. 


PSALMS  cxnr-cxvi. 


TiinUy  of  ktclt. 


the  generation  of  the   upright  shall   be 


3  Wealth  "  and  riches  shaU  be  in  his  house ; 
and  his  righteousness  endureth  for  ever, 

4  Unto  the  upright  there  ariseth  light  in 
the  darkness:  he  is  gracious,  and  full  of 
compassion,  and  righteous. 

5  A  *  good  man  showeth  favour,  and  lend- 
eth:  he  will  guide  his  afiaiis  with  i  discre- 
tion. 

6  Surely  he  shall  not  be  moved  for  ever: 
the  righteous  shall  be  in  everlasting  re- 
membrance. 

7  He  sliall  not  be  afraid  of  evil  tidings:  his 
heart  is  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lobd. 

8  His  heart  is  established,  he  shall  not  be 
afraid,  until  he  see  his  desire  upon  his  ene- 
mies. 

9  He  *  hath  dispersed,  he  hath  given  to 
the  poor;  his  righteousness  endureth  for 
ever;  his  horn  shall  be  exalted  with  honour. 

10  The  "*  wicked  shall  see  it,  and  be 
grieved ;  he  shall  gnash  with  his  teeth,  and 
melt  away:  the  desire  of  the  wicked  shall 
perish. 

PSALM  CXIIL 

1  Exhortation  to  praise  Ood  for  hit  exeelUncy,  7 

and  for  his  mercy. 

pRAISE  1  ye  the  Lord,  Praise,  O  ye  ser- 
•*^  vants  of  the  Lokd,  praise  the  name  of 
theLoRD. 

2  Blessed  "  be  the  name  of  the  Lobd  from 
this  time  forth  and  for  evermore. 

3  From  6  the  rising  of  the  sun  unto  the 
going  down  of  the  same  the  Lord's  name 
15  to  be  praised. 

4  The  Lord  is  high  above  all  nations,  and 
his  glory  above  the  heavens. 

5  Who  is  like  unto  the  Lobd  out  God, 
who  2  dwelleth  on  high, 

6  Who  '  hiunbleth  himself  to  behold  the 
things  that  are  in  heaven,  and  in  the  earth! 

7  He  <*  raiseth  up  the  poor  out  of  the  dust, 
and  lifteth  the  needy  out  of  the  dunghill ; 

8  That  he  may  •  set  him  with  princes,  even 
tdth  the  princes  of  his  people. 

9  He  /  maketh  the  barren  woman  3  to  keep 
house,  a7id  to  be  a,  joyful  mother  of  chil- 
dren.   Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXIV. 

Exhortation,bythe  example  of  inanimate  creation, 
to  fear  God  in  At*  church. 

"WHEN  Israel  went  out  of  Egypt,  the 
''  house  of  Jacob  from  a  people  of 
etrange  language; 

2  Judah  was  his  sanctuary,  and  Israel  his 
dominion. 

3  The  sea  saw  it,  and  fled:  Jordan  was 
driven  back. 

4  The  "  mountains  skipped  like  rams,  and 
the  little  hills  like  lambs. 

5  What  ailed  thee,  0  thou  sea,  that  thou 
fleddest?  thou  Jordan,  that  thou  wast 
driven  back? 

6  Ye  mountains,  that  ye  skipped  like 
rams;  and  ye  little  hills,  uke  lambs? 

7  Tremble,  thou  earth,  at  the  presence  of 
the  Lord,  at  the  presence  of  the  God  of 
Jacob; 

8  Which  6  turned  the  rock  into&  standing 
water,  the  flint  into  a  fountain  of  waters. 

PSALM  CXV. 
1  0«d  entreated  to  assert  his  honour  against  the 
reproaehes  of  the  heathen.    4  Idols  are  vanity: 
9  Exhortation  to  trust  in  Ood. 

TJOT  "  unto  ns,  0  Lobd,  not  unto  ns,  but 
■*-^   unto  thy  name  give   glory,   for  thy 
mercy,  and  for  thy  truth's  sake. 
418 


PSALM  112. 
«  Mat.  6.  33. 
ft  Luke  6.  36. 
1  judgment. 

Eph.  6.  16. 

Col.  4.  5. 
e  'J  Cor.  9.  §. 
d  Lu.  13.  28. 

PSALM  113. 
1  HaUeln- 

j»h. 
a  Dan.  2.  20. 
6  Is.  59.  19. 

Mai.  l.U. 
3  exall«th 

himself  to 

dwell, 
e  Is.  67. 16. 
d  1  8a.  2.  8. 
«  Job  36.  7. 
/I  Sa.  2.  5. 
Gal.  4.  27. 
3  to  dweU 


PSALM  114. 
o  Pb.29.  6. 

Ps.  68.  16. 

Hab.  3.  a. 
b  Ex.  17.  6. 

Nu.  20.11. 

Pi.  107. 35. 


PSALM  115. 
a  Is.  48. 11. 

Eie.  36.32. 
6  P».  42.  3, 

10. 

Pt.  79.  10. 

Joel  2.  17. 
e  1  Chr.  16. 

26. 

P«.  138.  6. 

Dan.  4.  35. 
d  Deu.  4.  28. 

Pt.  136.16, 

16. 

Jer.  10.  3. 
•  Pb.  135. 18. 

I»a.  44.  9, 

10. 

Jonah  2.  8. 

Hab.  2.  18. 
/  P».  33.  20. 

Pro.  30.  6. 
g  Mai.  2.  7. 
AEph.  1.  8. 
i  Lbt.  26.  3. 

Deu.  11.27. 

Deu.  23. 1. 

P«.  24.  4. 

Pro.  10.  6. 
1  with. 
}  Gen.  14.19. 
«  Gen.  1.1. 

Pi.  96.  5. 
I  P».  146.  2. 

Dan.  2. !». 


FSALM 116. 

1  in  mj 
dayt. 

2  found  me. 
Ezra  9.  16. 
Neh.  9.  8. 
Pi.  11.  7. 
Pa.  14.  6. 
Jer.  12.1. 
Lam.  1. 18, 
Rev.  16.  6. 

b  Jer.  6. 16. 

Mat.  11.  29. 

2  Cor.  4. 13. 
d  Rom.  3. 4. 
•  Pi.  22.  26. 
uih2.  9. 
/Pi.  72.  14. 


2  Wherefore  should  the  heathen  say. 
Where  !>  is  now  their  God? 

3  But  *  our  God  is  in  the  heavens:  he  hath 
done  whatsoever  he  hath  pleased. 

4  Their  <*  idols  are  silver  and  gold,  the 
work  of  men's  hands. 

5  They  have  mouths,  but  they  speak  not; 
eyes  have,  they,  but  they  see  not  ■ 

6  They  have  ears,  but  they  hear  not; 
noses  have  they,  but  tbey  smell  not ; 

7  They  have  hands,  but  they  handle  not; 
feet  have  they,  but  they  walk  not;  neither 
speak  they  through  their  throat. 

8  They  *  that  make  them  are  like  unto 
them;  so  is  every  one  that  trusteth  in 
them. 

9  O  Israel,  trust  thou  in  the  Lobd:/  he  ii 
their  help  and  their  shield. 

10  0  <'  house  of  Aaron,  trust  m  the  Lobd: 
he  is  their  help  and  theh  shield. 

11  Ye  that  fear  the  Lord,  trust  in  the 
Lord:  he  is  their  help  and  their  shield. 

12  The  Lord  hath  been  mindful  of  us:  he 
will ''  bless  us:  he  will  bless  the  liuuse  of 
Israel;  he  will  bless  the  house  ">{  Aaron: 

13  He  '  will  bless  them  thai  fear  the  Lord, 
both  small  ^  and  gi'eat. 

14  The  Lord  shall  increase  you  more  and 
more,  yon  and  your  children. 

15  Ye  are  J  blessed  of  the  Lobd  *  which 
made  heaven  and  earth. 

16  The  heaven,  even  the  heavens,  are  the 
Lord's;  but  the  earth  hath  he  given  to  the 
children  of  men. 

17  The  dead  praise  not  the  Lord,  neither 
any  that  go  down  into  silence. 

18  But '  we  will  bless  the  Lobd  from  thig 
time  forth  and  for  evermore.  Praise  the 
Lord. 

PSALM  CXVI. 

1  The  psalmist  profcrses  his  love  and  duty  to  Ood 
for  hts  deliverance;  i2  he  studies  to  be  thankful, 

J  LOVE  the  Lord,  because  he  hath  heard 
my  voice  and  my  supplications. 

2  Because  he  hath  inclined  his  ear  unto 
me,  therefore  wiU  1  call  upon  him  i  as  long 
as  1  live. 

3  The  sorrows  of  death  compassed  me,  and 
the  pains  of  hell  2  gat  hold  upon  me:  I 
found  trouble  and  sorrow. 

4  Then  called  I  upon  the  name  of  the 
Lord;  O  Lord,  1  beseech  thee,  deliver  my 
soul. 

5  Gracious  is  the  Lord,  and  »  righteous; 
yea,  our  God  is  merciful. 

6  The  Lord  preserveth  the  simple:  I  waa 
brought  low,  and  he  helped  me. 

7  Ketum  imto  thy  *  rest,  0  my  soul;  for 
the  Lord  hath  dealt  boimtifully  with  thee. 

8  For  thou  hast  dehvered  my  soul  from 
death,  mine  eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet 
from  falling. 

9  I  will  walk  before  the  Lord  in  the  land 
of  the  li^'ing. 

10  I  *  believed,  therefore  have  I  spoken:  I 
was  greatly  athicted. 

11 1  said  in  my  haste,  <*  All  men  are  liars. 

12  What  shaU  I  render  unto  the  Lord /'or 
all  his  benefits  toward  me? 

13  1  will  take  the  cup  of  salvation,  and 
call  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

141'  will  pay  my  vows  unto  the  Lord  now 
in  the  presence  of  all  his  people. 

15  Precious  /  in  the  sight  of  the  Lobd  ia 
the  death  of  his  saints. 

16  O  Lord,  tnily  I  am  thy  servant:  I  am 
thy  8ervant,a«rf  the  son  of  thine  handmaid ; 
thou  hast  loosed  my  bonds. 


Securit^'tfthe  Righteous^ 


PSALMS  CXn-CXVL 


Vanity  of  Idols. 


heart  (Ps.  86  12.)  and  is  rendered  publicly. ,  (Ex.  14.  21;  Josh.  3. 14-17.).  JucJah  is  put  as  a 
jpright-a  title  of  the  true  Israel  (Ps.  32.  ll.), !  parallel  to  Israel,  because  of  the  destined  al 
2.  Bis  works,  i.e.,  of  providence^  and  grace,  well  as  real  prominence  of  that  tribe  5-8 
are  sought— or,  carefully  studied,  by  aU  de-  The  questions  place  the  implied  answers  in 
siring  to  know  them.    3,4.  hor.ouiable  and  a  more  striking  form,   at  the  presence  of— Zii! 

glorious  —  (if ..  honour  and  majesty,  which  from  before,  as  if  atlrighted  by  the  wonderful 
lustrate  His  glorious  perfections,  righteous-  display  of  God's  power.  W  ell  may  such  a  God 
ness— (Ps.  7.  17;  31.  ij,  which  He  has  made ,  be  trusted,  and  great  should  be  His  praise, 
memorable  by  wonders  of  love  and  mercy,  PSALM  CXV 

in  supplying  the  wants  of  His  people  accord-  Ver.  1-18.  The  P.salmist  prays  that  God 
ing  to  covenant  engagements.  6-8.  His  power  |  would  vindicate  His  glory,  which  is  con- 
was  shown  especially  in  giving  them  the  pro- 1  trasted  with  the  vanity  of  idols,  while  the 
mised  land,  and  His  faithlulness  and  justice  folly  of  their  worshippers  is  contrasted  with 
thus  displayed  are.  hke  His  precepts,  reli-,  the  trust  of  Gods  people,  who  are  encouraged 
able  and  of  permanent  obligation.  9.  The !  to  its  exercise  and  to  unite  in  the  praise 
deliverance  He  provided  accorded  to  His  |  which  it  will  occasion 

established  covenant.  Thus  He  manifested  I  1-3.  The  vindication  of  God's  mercy  and 
Himself  in  the  sum  of  His  perfections  (Ps. '  faithfulness  (Ps.  2.5.  10;  36  6)  is  the  <ilorv  of 
""  1.  7:  22.  3)  worthy  pf  reverence.    10.  And ,  His  7iame.  which  is  desired  to  be  illu.strated 


hence,  love  and  fear  of  such  a  God  is  the  chief , 

element  of  true  wisdom  (cf.  Pro.  1.  7;  9. 10.). 

PSALM  CXII. 


in  the  deliverance  of  His  people,  as  the  im- 
plied mode  of  its  manifestation.  In  view  of 
the  taunts  of  the  heathen,  faith  in  Hisdo- 


Ver.  1-10._   This  Psalm  may  be  regarded  as  minicn  as  enthroned  in  the  heaven  (Ps.''2.  4: 
an  exposition  of  Ps.  ill.  ro.  presenting  the  ll.  4)  is  avowed.    Where  is  now.  &c.—now  is 


happiness  of  those  who  fear  and  obey  God, 
and  contrasting  the  fate  of  the  ungodly. 


not  a  particle  of  time,  but  of  entreaty."  as 
in  our  forms  of  speech.  "Come  now,"  "See 


1.  True  fear  produces  obedience  and  this  now."  &c.  4-7.  (Cf.  Isa  40  IS-'^O-  44  9-2() ) 
happiness.  2,  3.  Temporal  bles.sings  follow  speak  .  .  .  thioa,t-lit.,  mutter,  not  even  utter 
the  service  of  God,  exceptions  occurring  only  articulate  sounds.  8.  every  one  that  trustetii 
as  they  are  seen  by  God  to  be  inconsistent  —they  who  trust,  whether  makers  or  not 
with  those  spiritual  blessings  which  are  9-13.  The  repetitions  imply  earnestness  14. 
'^^^^^\-  r.^-  Jiglit-'ifir..  for  rehef  (Ps.  27.  1;  Opposed  to  the  decrease  pending  and  during 
97. 11.).  Ihe  upnght  are  hke  God  (Lev.  6. 36;  the  captivity.  15-17.  Qliey  were  not  only 
Ps.  111.  4.).  6-9.  Generosity,  sound  judgment  God's  peculiar  people,  but  as  living  inhabit- 
in  business,  and  confidence^  in  God,  form  a  ants   of  earth,  assitined  the  work   of  His 

power,  wis- 


character  which  preserves  from  fear  of  evil  praise  as  monuments  of  divine 

and  insures  success  against  enemies.    "While  dom.  and  goodness.    18.  Hence  .v,„  ^„  .„x^ 

a  man  thus   truly  pious  is  liberal,  he  in-  the  purpose  of  our  creation,  and  evermore 


pov 

let  us  fulfil 


creases  in  substance,  not  be  Bioved— (cf.  Ps 
13.  4;  16.  5.).  heart  is  established— or,  firm  in 
right  principles,    see  his  desire— (Ps.  ."lO.  23; 


show  forth  His  praise. 

PSALJNI  CXVI. 
Ver.  1-19.    The  writer  celebrates  the  deli- 


64.7.1.  10.  Uisappointed  in  their  malevolent  j  verance  from  extreme  perils  by  which  he 
wishes  by  the  prosperity  of  the  pious,  the  i  was  favoured,  and  pledges  grateful  and  pioua 
wicked  are  punished  by  the  working  of  their  I  public  acknowledgments. 


evil  passions,  and  come  to  nought 
PSALM  CXIll 


1,  2.  A  truly  grateful  love  will  be  evinced 
by  acts  of  worship,  which  calling  on  God 


Ver.  1-9.    God's  majesty  contrasted  with  presses  {v.  13.  Ps.  65.  16;  86.  7;  cf.  Ps.  17.  6;  31. 


3,  4.  For  similar  figures  for  distress  Ps. 
4.  5.).    gat  hold  upon  me— another  sense 


His  -condescension  and  gracious  dealings  to 

wards  the  humble  furnish  matter  and  a  call 

for  praise.    The  Jews,  it  is  said,  used  this,  ("found")  of  the  same  word  follows,  as  we 

and  Ps.  114-118.  on  their  great  festivals,  and  speak  of  disease  finding  us,  and  of  our  find 

c&lled  theiw  ihe  Greater  Hallel,  or  Hym^i.        '  --  —        ...... 

1-3.  Earnestness  and  zeal  are  denoted  b; 
the  emphatic  repetitions,    servants— or.  a. 


1  ing  or  catching  disease.  5-8.  The  relief  which 
he  asked  is  the  result  not  of  his  merit,  but 

,  of  God's  known  pity  and  tenderness,  which 
the  people  of  G  od.  name  of  the  Lord— perfec-  i  is  acknowledged  in  p  ssuring  himself  his  soul, 
tions  (Ps.  6.  11;  111.  9.).  From  the  rising,  &:c.  Ps.  11. 1;  16. 10)  of  rest  and  peace.  All  cala- 
— All  the  world.  4-6.  God's  exaltation  en-  mities  are  represented  by  death,  tears,  and 
hances  His  condescension;  7,8..  which  is' falling  of  the  feet  IPs.  ^6.  \3.).  9.  walk  before 
illustrated  as  often  in  raising  the  worthy  the  Lord— act,  or  live  under  His  favour  and 
poor  and  needy  to  honour  (cf.  1  Sam.  2.  8;  Ps.  guidance  ((Jen.  17.  1;  Ps.  61.  7. .  land  of  the 
44.  25.1.    9.  On  this  special  case,  cf.  1  Sam.  2. 1  living  — (Ps.  27.  13.).     10.  11.  Confidence  in 


21.    Barrenness  was  regarded  as  a  disgrace, 
and  is  a  tyiie  of  a  deserted  Church  (Isa.  64. 1.) 


God  opposed  to  distrust  of  men,  as  not  re- 
liable Ps.  68.  8,  9.).    He  speaks  from  an  ex- 


the  barren  woman  . .  .  house— iit.  the  barren  i  perience  of  the  result  of  liis  faith,    in  my 
of  ihe  house,  so  that  the  supplied  words  may !  haste— ?/i..  terror,  or  agitation,  produced  by 


be  omitted. 


PSATiM  cxrv. 


his  afflictifin  (cf.  Ps.  31.  22.)    12- 14.  These  are 
modes  of  expressing  acts  oi  wonship  cf.  v.  4; 


Ver.  1-8.   The  writer  briefly  and  beautifully  Ps.  50.  14;  Jon.  2.  9.).     the  cup  of  salvation 

celebrates  God's  former  care  of  His  people,  the  drink-otiering  which  was   part  of  the 

to  whose  benefit  nature  was  miraculously  |  thank-offering  (Num.  16.  3-5.).    now— cf.  Ps, 


made  to  contribute 

1-4.  cf  s-trange  language 
skipped  .  . .  rams- (Ps.  29. 


116.  2)  "oh!  tliat  il  may  do  it"  in  the  pre- 
(cf.  Ps.  81.  5.).ls-ence.  &c.    15,  16.  By  the  plea  of  being  a 
describes  the  home-born  servant,  he  intimates  his  claim 


waving  of  mountain  forests,  poetically  repre-  j  on  God's  covenant  love  to  His  people.  17-19. 
senting^/iewoiiorioftheniountains.  Thepoe-I  An  ampler  declaration  of  his  purpose,  desig- 
tical  descripvion  of  the  effect  ot  God's  presence  nating  the  place  the  Lord's  house,  or  earthijr 


ou  the  sea  and  Jordan  alludes  to  the  history  i  residence  in  Jerusalem 
418 


Benefit  of  trusting  in  God. 


PSALMS  CXVII-CXTX. 


Prayers  and  praises. 


17  I  •■vill  ott'er  to  thee  tho  sacrifice  of  |  psalm  lis. 
thajikEj,'iviiig,  and  will  call  upon  the  name 
of  the  LoKD. 

18  I  will  pay  my  vows  mito  the  Lokd  now 
ill  the  presence  of  all  his  peoj)le, 

19  In  the  courts  of  the  Lord's  house,  in 
the  midst  of  thee,  O  Jerusalem.  Praise  ye 
the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXVIL 

Exhortation  to  ail  nations  to  praise  God  for  his 

mercy  and  truth. 

f)  PRAISE  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations: 
^^  praise  him,  all  ye  neople. 

2  F(jr  his  merciful  kuidness  is  great 
toward  us:  and  the  truth  of  the  Lord 
endureth  for  e>er.    Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXVIIL 
1  Exhortation  to  praise  Ood  for  his  mercy.  19  By 

the  psalmist  in  tvpe,  thecomingof  Christ's  king- 

cUnn  is  expressed. 

Q  "  GIVE  thanks  nnto  the  Lord;  for  he 
^-'  is  good:  because  his  mercy  endureth  for 
ever. 

2  Let  *  Israel  now  say,  that  his  mercy 
enclnreth  for  ever. 

3  Let  the  house  of  Aaron  now  say,  that 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

4  Let  them  now  that  fear  the  Lord  say, 
that  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

5  1  called  upon  the  Lord  i  in  distress:  the 
Lord  answered  me,  and '  set  me  in  a  large 
Jilace. 

6  The  Lord  is  2  on  my  side ;  I  will  not  fear: 
what  can  man  do  unto  mel 

7  The  <i  Lord  taketh  my  part  with  them 
that  help  me:  therefore  sliall  I  see  my  de- 
sire upon  them  that  liate  nie. 

8  It"  is  better  to  trust  in  the  Lord  than 
to  put  confidence  in  man: 

ditf  is  better  to  trast  in  the  Lord  than 
to  put  confidence  in  princes. 

10  All  nations  compassed  me  about:  but 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  wUl  I  ^  destroy 
them. 

11  They  "  compassed  me  about ;  yea,  they 
compassed  me  about:  but  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  I  will  destroy  them. 

12  They  comnassed  me  about  ''like  bees: 
they  are  quenched  •  as  the  lire  of  thorns:  for 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  I  will  *  destroy 
them. 

i:^  Thou  hast  thrust  sore  at  me,  that  I 
mi^ht  fall:  but  the  Lord  helped  me. 

14  The  }  Lord  is  my  strength  and  song, 
and  is  become  my  salvation. 

15  The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation  is 
in  the  tabernacles  of  the  righteous:  the 
right  hand  of  the  Lord  doeth  valiantly. 

16  The  *  right  hand  of  the  Loud  is  exalted ; 
the  right  hand  of  the  Lord  doeth  valiantly. 

17  1  'shall  not  die,  but  live,  mid  *"  declare 
the  works  of  the  Lord. 

18  The  Lord  hath  "chastened  me  sore: 
but  he  hath  not  given  me  over  unto 
death. 

19  <  Jpen  "  to  me  the  gates  of  righteousness : 
1  will  go  in  to  them,  and  1  will  praise  the 
Lord: 

20  This  P  gate  of  the  Lord,  « into  which 
the  righteous  shall  enter. 

21  1  will  praise  thee :  for  thou  hast  heard 
me,  and  art  become  my  salvation. 

22  The  ''stone  ivhich  "the  builders  refused 
is  become  the  head  stone  of  the  corner. 

2S  » This  is  the  Lord's  douig;  it  'is  mar- 
velli'iir*  in  our  eyes. 

'.'4  l  his  is  *  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath 
made;  we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it. 


c  Pb.  18.  19. 

2  for  me. 
P».  27.  1. 
Is.  61.  12. 
Ro.  8.  31. 
Heb.  13.  6. 

d  Pa.  54.  4. 
e  P».  62.  8. 

I..  2.  22. 

18.30.  1. 

Jer.  17.5,7. 
/  Pa.  146.  3. 

3  cut  them 
off. 

g  Pb.  88.  17. 
h  Deu.  1. 44. 
i  Eccl.  7.  6. 
N»h.  1.  10. 

4  cut  down. 
;■  Ex.  IS.  2. 

Is.  12.  2. 
k  £i.  16.  6. 
I  P«.  6.  5. 

Hab.  1.  12. 
m  p..  73.  28. 
«  2  Cor.  6.9. 
0  li.  26.  2. 
p  P..  24.  7. 


Rev.  22.14. 

'•M^t.21.42. 

Mar.  12.10. 

Lu.  2ii.  17. 

Act!  4.  11. 

Eph.  2.  20. 

1  Pe.  2.  4,7. 

5  This  IB 

from  the 

LOUD. 

e  Job  5.  9. 

t  2  Cor.  6.  2. 

■u  Mat.  21.  9. 

Mat.  Z<.m. 

Mar.  11.9. 


PSALM  119. 

1  Or,  p«r- 


c  Ro?a.  7. 16, 

17. 

1  John  3.B. 

1  John  6. 

18. 
d  2  Cor.  3.5. 
«  Job  22.  26. 

1  John  2. 

28. 
2  judgments 

of  thy 

rightoouft- 

/Eccl.  11.9 
g  2  Chr.  16. 

15. 
h  Lu.  2.  19. 
i  Pb.  26.  4. 
}  Pa.  1.  2. 
i  Reveal. 

Eph.  1. 17. 
k  Gen  47.  9. 

Heb.11.13. 


25  Save  now,  I  beseech  thee,  O  Lord;  O 
Lord,  I  beseech  tliee,  send  now  pros- 
perity. 

2(j  lilessed  **  he  he  that  cometh  in  the  name 
of  the  Lord:  we  have  blessed  you  out  of 
the  house  of  the  Lord. 

27  God  is  the  Lord,  which  hath  showed 
us  *li,t;ht:  bind  the  sacrifice  with  cords, 
even  tinto  the  horns  of  the  altar. 

28  Thou  art  my  God,  and  I  will  praise 
thee:  ""  thou  art  my  God,  I  will  exalt  thee. 

29  0  give  thanks  mito  the  Lord  ;  for  he  ia 
good:  for  his  mercy  enduvtth  for  ever. 

PSALM  CXIX. 

/Sundry  prayers,  praises,  a»d  professions  of 

obedience. 

ALEPH. 

T)  LESSED  are  the  i  undetiled  in  the  way, 
-'-'  who  "  walk  in  the  law  of  the  Lord. 

2  Blessed  are  they  tlutt  keep  his  testi- 
monies, and  that  *  seek  him  with  the  whole 
heart. 

u  They  "also  do  no  iniquity:  they  walk  in 
his  ways. 

4  TJiou  hast  commanded  us  to  keep  thy 
precepts  diligently. 

5  0''  that  my  ways  were  du-ected  to  keep 
thy  statutes! 

6  Then  *  shall  I  not  be  ashamed,  when  I 
have  respect  imto  all  thy  comniaiidments. 

7  I  will  praise  thee  with  uyaightness  of 
heart,  when  1  shall  have  learned  '■'  thy  righ- 
teous judgments. 

8  1  will  keep  thy  statutes:  O  forsake  me 
not  utterly. 

BETH. 

y  Wherewithal  shall/a  young  man  cleanse 
his  way  ?  By  taking  heed  thereto  accorduig 
to  thy  word. 

10  With  my  whole  heart  have  1  "sought 
thee:  O  let  me  not  wander  from  thy  com- 
mandments. 

11  Thy  '» word  have  I  hid  in  mine  heart, 
tliat  I  might  not  sin  against  thee. 

12  Blessed  art  thou,  O  Lord:  » teach  me 
thy  statutes. 

13  With  my  lips  have  I  declared  all  the 
judgments  of  thy  mouth. 

14  I  have  rejoiced  in  the  way  of  thy  testi- 
monies, as  much  as  in  all  riches. 

15  1  will  >  meditate  in  thy  precepts,  and 
have  respect  unto  thy  ways.  * 

16  I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  statutes;  I 
will  not  forget  thy  word. 

G13IEL. 

17  Deal  bountifully  mth  thy  servant,  tAai 
:  may  live,  and  keep  thy  word. 

18  ^  Open  tliou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  be- 
hold  wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. 

19  1  ''am  a  stranger  in  the  earth:  hide  not 
thy  commandiueiils  from  me. 

20  i\ly  soul  breaketh  for  the  longing  that 
it  hath  unto  thy  judgments  at  all  tunes. 

21  Thou  hast  rebuked  the  proud  that  are 
cursed,  which  do  err  ti'om  thy  command- 
ments. 

22  Remove  from  me  reproach  and  con- 
tempt; for  I  have  kept  thy  testimonies. 

23  Princes  also  did  sit  and  speak  against 
me:  but  thy  servant  did  meditate  in  thy 
statutes. 

24  Thy  testimonies  also  are  my  deligtit, 
and  *  my  coimsellors. 

DALETH. 

25  My  soul  cleatveth  unto  the  dust:  'quicken 
thdU  iiie  according  to  tiiy  word. 

2(>  ]  have  dechired  my  ways,  and  thou 
heardest  me ; '"  teach  me  thy  statutes. 


Exhortation  to  Prahe  God. 


PSALMS  CXVII-CXIX. 


Prayers  and  Praises. 


PSALM  CXVIL  PSALM  CXIX. 

Ver.  1,  2.  This  may  be  regarded  as  a  Ver.  1-176.  This  celebrated  Psalm  has  se- 
doxology,  suitable  to  be  appended  to  any  veral  peculiarities.  It  is  divided  into  t^^•enty- 
Psalm  of  similar  character,  and  prophetical  two  parts,  or  stanzas,  denoted  by  the  twenty- 
of  the  prevalence  of  God's  grace  in  the  world,  two  letters  of  the  Hebrew  alphabet.  Each 
in  which  aspect  Paul  quotes  it,  (Eom.  15. 11)  stanza  contains  eight  verses,  and  the  first 
(cf.  Ps.  47.  2;  66.  8.).  letter  of  eacli  verse  is  tha-t  which  gives  name 

2.  is  great  toward  ns—lit.,  prevaiZed  over,  to  the  stanza.  Its  contents  are  mainly  praises 

or,  protected  us.  of  God's  word,  exliortations  to  its  perusal, 

PSALM  CXVin.  and  reverence  for  it.  prayers  for  its  proper 

Ver.  1-29  After  invoking  others  to  unite  in  influence,  and  complaints  of  the  wicked  for 
praise,  the  writer  celebrates  God's  protectin'g  despising  it.  There  are  but  two  verses  1 122, 
and  delivering  care  towards  him,  and  then  132)  which  do  not  contain  son;e  term  or  de- 
represents  himself  and  the  people  of  God  scription  of  God's  word.  These  terms  are  of 
as  entering  the  sanctuary  and  uniting  in  various  derivations,  but  here  used,  for  the 
solemn  praise,  with  prayer  for  a  continued  most  part,  synonymously,  though  the  use  of 
blessing.  Whether  composed  by  David  on  a  variety  of  terms  seems  designed,  in  order 
his  accession  to  power,  or  liy  some  later  to  express  better  the  several  aspects  in 
writer  in  memory  of  the  restoration  from  which  our  relations  to  the  revealed  word  of 
Babylon,  its  tone  is  joyful  and  trusting,  and,  God  are  presented.  The  Psalm  does  not  ap- 
in  describing  the  fortune  and  destiny  of  pear  to  have  any  relation  to  any  special  oc- 
the  Jewish  Church  and  its  visible  head,  casion  or  interest  ot  the  Jewish  Church  or 
it  is  typically  prophetical  of  the  Christian  nation,  but  was  evidently  "intended  as  a 
Church  and  ner  greater  and  invisible  manual  of  pious  thoughts,  especially  for  in- 
llead.  I  structmg  the  young,  and  its  peculiar  artificial 

1-4.  The  trine  repetitions  are  emphatic  (cf.  structure  was  probably  adopted  to  aid  the 
V.  10-12, 15  16;  Ps.  115. 12, 1.;.).  Let . . .  sav— Oh !  memory  in  retaining  the  language." 
that  Israel  may  say.  now— as  Ps.  il5.  2;  so  in  1.  undefiled— <'t(.,  complete,  perfect,  or  sin- 
V.  3, 4.  After  "noxo  say"  supply  "  give  thanks."  '<  cere  (cf.  Ps.  37. 37.).  in  for,  of]  the  way— course 
that  his  mercy— or,  for  his  mercy.  6.  distress  of  li-fe.  walk  [act]  in  the  law— according  to  it 
—lit.,  straits,  to  which  "large  place"  corre- Kef.  Luke,  1.  6.;.  law,  from  a  word  meaning 
spends,  as  Ps.  4. 1;  31.  8.  6,  7.  Men  are  help- 1  to  teach,  is  a  term  of  rather  general  purijort, 
less  to  hurt  him,  if  God  be  with  him  iPs.  .56.  denoting  the  instruction  of  God's  word.  2. 
9,),  and.  if  enemies,  will  be  vanqalshed  (Ps. '  testimonies- The  word  of  God  is  so  called, 
64. 7. !.  8,  9.  Even  the  most  powerful  men  are  I  because  in  it  He  tesHJies  for  truth  and  against 
less  to  be  trusted  than  God.  10-12.  Though  j  sin.  seek  liim— -i.e.,  a  knowledge  of  Him,  with 
as  numerous  and  irritating  as  bees,  by  Goa's  desire  for  conformity  to  His  will.  3.  his  ways 
help  his  enemies  would  be  destroyed,  as  the  }  —the  course  He  reveals  as  right.  4-6.  preceiits 
fire  cf  thorns— suddenly,  in  llie  name.  Arc—  I  —are  those  directions  which  relate  to  special 
by  the  power  (Ps.  20.  6;  124.  8.).  13-16.  Tl-.e  conduct,  from  a  word  meaning  to  inspect, 
enemy  is  triumphantly  addressed  as  if  pre-  statutes- or,  ordinances,  positive  laws  of  per- 
sent.  rpjjicmg  and  salvation— the  latter  as'manent  nature.  Both  words  originally  de- 
cause  of  the  former,  right  hand  ...  is  exalted  note  ra  ther  positive  than  moral  laws,  such 
—His  power  greatly  exerted.  17,18.  He  would  ;  as  derive  force  from  the  divine  appointment 
live,  because  confident  his  life  would  be  for  i  whether  their  nature  or  the  reasons  for  them 
God's  glory.  19-21.  Wliether  an  actual  or  |  are  apprehended  by  us  or  not.  command- 
figurative  entrance  into  God's  house  be  nients— or,  institutions.  Tlie  term  is  com- 
meant,  the  purpose  of  solemn  praise  is  inti-  prehensive,  but  rather  denotes  fundamental 
mated,  in  which  only  the  righteous  would  or  I  directions  for  conduct,  both  enjoining  and 
could  engage.  22,  23.  These  words  are  ap-  forbidding,  have  respect  unto  —  or,  regard 
plied  by  Christ  (Mat.  21.  42)  to  Himself,  as  carefully  as  to  their  whole  purport.  7.  judg- 
the  foundation  of  the  Church  ;cf.  Acts.  4.  11;  I  nients  — rules  of  conduct  formed  by  God's 
Eph.  2.  20;  1  Pet.  2.  4,  7.).  It  may  here  denote  'judicial  decisions.  Hence  the  wide  sense  of 
God's  wondrous  exaltation  to  power  and  in- 1  the  w^ord  in  the  Psalms,  so  that  it  includes 
fluenceof  him  whom  the  rulers  of  the  nation  decisions  of  approval  as  well  as  condemna- 
despised,  whether  (see  above)  David  or  Zerub-  tion.  8.  recognises  the  need  of  divine  grace. 
babel  icf.  Hag.  2. 2;  Zech.  4.  7-10  be  primarily  i  9.  The  whole  verse  may  be  read  as  a  ques- 
meant,  there  is  here  typically  repre.sented  tion;  for,  By  taking  heed— is  better,  i^or  taking 
God's  more  wonderful  doings  in  exalting  ,  heed,  i.e..  so  as  to  do  it.  Tlie  answ  er  is  im- 
Christ,  crucified  as  an  impostor,  to  be  the  '  plied,  and  inferable  from  v.  6,  30,  18,  &c.,  i.e., 
PrinceandSaviour  andHeadof  HisChnrch. 'by  God's  grace.  10-16.  We  must  carefully 
24.  This  is  the  day—or,  period  distinguishecl  by  i  treasure  up  the  word  of  God,  declare  it  to 
God's  favour  of  all  others.  25.  Save  now—  |  others,  meditate  on  it,  and  heartily  delight 
Heb.,  Hosannah  (cf.  Ps.  115.  2,  &c.  as  to  nov:)  ,  in  it,  and  then  by  His  grace  we  shall  act  ac- 
a  form  of  prayer  (Ps.  20.  9)  since,  in  our  use,  I  cording  to  it. 

of  praise.  26.  he  that  cometh  .  .  .  Lord— As  I  17-20.  Life  is  desirable  m  order  to  serve 
above  intimated,  this  may  be  applied  to  the  ,  God:  that  we  may  do  so  aright  we  should  seek 
visible  head  of  the  Jewish  Church  entering  to  have  our  eyes  opened  to  behold  His  truth, 
the  sanctuary,  as  leading  the  procession;  and  earnestly  desire  fully  to  understand  it. 
typically  it  belongs  to  Him  of  whom  the  21-24.  God  will  rebuke  those  who  despise 
phrase  became  an  epithet  (Mai.  3.  1;  Mat.  21.  |  His  word,  and  deliver  His  servants  from 
9.).  27-29.  showed  us  light- or,  favour  (Ps.  their  reproach,  giving  them  boldness  in  and 
27.  1;  97.  11.).  With  the  sacrificial  victim  by  His  truth,  even  before  the  greatest  men. 
brousht  bound  to  the  altar  is  united  the ;  25-27.  Submitting  ourselves  in  depression 
more  spiritual  offering  of  praise  ;Ps.  50.  14,  to  God,  He  wiU  revive  us  by  His  promise;?, 
23,).  expressed  in  the  terms  with  which  the  and  lead  us  to  declare  His  mercy  to  otliers. 
Psalm  opened.  1 28-32.  In  order  to  adhere  to  His  word  we 

419  ' 


Prayers^  prafset. 


PSALM  CXIX. 


and  professions  ofohedience. 


27  Make  me  to  understand  the  way  of  thy 
precepts:  so  shall  1  talk  of  thy  woLcb-ous 
works. 

28  My  soul  6  melteth  for  heaviness:  streng- 
then thou  me  accordiug  unto  thy  word. 

29  Kemove  "from  me  the  way  of  lying; 
and  "  sn-ant  me  thy  law  gi-aciously. 

30  1  have  chosen  the  way  of  truth;  thy 
judgments  have  I  laid  In  fore  tne. 

31  I  have  stack  unto  thy  testimonies:  0 
Lord,  put  me  not  to  sh.une. 

32  I  will  ran  the  way  of  thy  command- 
ments, when  thou  sh.ilt  i'  enlarge  my  heart. 

HE. 

33  Teach  me.  O  Lokd,  the  way  of  thy  sta- 
tutes, and  I  shall  keep  it  'm)1(o  the  end. 

3i  Give  •■  me  understanding;,  a;id  I  shall 
keep  thy  law;  yea,  I  shall  observe  it  with 
tn^  whole  heart. 

So  Make  me  to  go  in  the  path  of  thy  com- 
mandments; for  therein  do  I  delight. 

36  Incline  my  he.irt  unto  thy  testimonies, 
and  not  to  *  covetousness. 

37  6  Turn  away  mine  eyes  from  « beholding 
vanity;  mid  qiucken  thou  me  in  thy  way. 

38  Stablish  "thy  word  unto  thy  servant, 
Who  is  deaoted  to  thy  fear. 

3&  Turn  away  my  reproach  which  I  fear; 
for  thy  judgments  are  good. 

40  Behold,  I  have  loiigod  after  thy  pre- 
cepts: quicken  me  in  thy  righteousness. 

VAU. 

41  Let  thy  mercies  come  also  unto  me,  0 
LoED,  even  thy  salvation,  according  to  thy 
word. 

42  7  So  shall  I  have  wherewith  to  answer 
him  tliat  reproacheth  me:  for  1  trust  iuthy 
word. 

43  And  take  not  the  word  of  truth  utterly 
out  of  my  mouth;  for  1  have  hoped  in  thy 
judgments. 

44  So  shall  I  keep  thy  law  contmually  for 
ever  and  ever. 

45  And  I  will  walk  »  at  liberty:  for  I  seek 
thy  precepts. 

46  I  *  will  speak  of  thy  testimonies  also 
before  kings,  and  will  not  be  ashamed. 

47  And  I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  com- 
mandments, which  I  have  hived. 

48  Aly  hands  also  will  I  lift  up  unto  thy 
commandments,  which  1  have  loved;  and  1 
will  meditate  in  thy  statutes. 

ZAIN. 

49  Kemember  the  word  unto  thy  servant, 
upon  whii  h  thou  hast  caused  me  to  hope. 

50  This  is  my  "'comfort  in  niy  affliction: 
for  thy  word  hath  quickened  me. 

51  The  proud  have  had  me  greatly  *  in 
derision ;  yet  have  1  not "  declined  from  thy 
law. 

52  I  remembered  thy  judgments  of  old,  0 
Lord;  and  have  comforted  myself. 

53  Horror  *  hath  taken  hold  upon  me  be- 
cause of  the  wicked  that  forsake  thy  law. 

64  Thy  statutes  have  been  my  songs  in 
the  house  of  my  pilgrimage. 

55  1  "  have  remembered  thy  name,  O 
Loud,  in  the  night,  and  have  kept  thy  law. 

66  Tliis  1  had,  because  1  kept  thy  pre- 
cepts. 

CHETH. 

57  Thou  f>  art  my  portion,  O  Lord:  I  have 
said  that  I  worJd  keep  thy  words. 

58  1  entreated  thy  ^  favour  with  my  whole 
heart:  be  mercttul  unto  me  according  to 
thy  word. 

5y  L  *  thought  on  my  waye,  and  tamed  my 
feel  unto  thy  teBtimonics. 

m 


FSALM  119. 
5  droppeth. 
n  Pro.  30.  8. 
0  Heb.  8. 10. 
l'lKi.4.29. 

l9.  60.  6. 

2  Cor  .6.11. 
9  Mat.  10. 22. 
Rev.  2.  26. 
r  Pro.  2.  6. 

SEio.W.sl. 

aiarkT.Bl. 

Luke  12.16. 

1  Ti.  6.  10. 

Heb.  13.  6. 
e  Maksto 
r»»8. 

Is.  33. 16. 
t  Job  31.  1. 

Pro.  -Zi.  5. 
"2S«.  7.26. 

7  Or,  So 
■hall  1 
answer 
bini  that 
reproHch- 
oth  mo  in 

8  at  large. 
Johns.  32. 


«'  Rom.  15.4. 
«  Jor.  20.  7. 
»  Job  23.  11. 
»  Eira  9.  3. 
a  Pa.  63.  5. 
4  Ps.  16.  5. 

Jer.  10.  16. 

iMca.  3.24. 
9  two. 

Job  11.  19. 
eLani.3.  40. 

Joel  2.  13. 

Lu.  16.17. 
lU  Or,  com- 
panies. 
d  Acts  16.26. 
•  Ps.  33.  5. 
/L»eu.  3'J.16. 

Jer.  31.  18. 

Heb  12.  11. 
g  £i.  31.  6. 

Ps.  107.  1. 

M«t.  19.17. 
h  Job  13.  4. 
i  Acts  2»  27. 
;■  Heb.  12.10. 
i  Pi.  19.  10. 

Pro.  8. 10. 

I  Job  10.  8. 
Ps.  100.  3. 
Ps.  138.  8. 
Pb.  139. 14. 

•»  Ps.  34.  2. 

II  righteous. 


o  Ps.  25.  3. 
P  John  1.47. 
9  Ps.  73.  26. 
Ps.  84.  2. 
r  Pa.  69.  3. 
e  Job  a  I.  30. 
t  Ps.  o9.  4. 
u  Rot.  6. 10. 
V  p».  36.  7. 

13  fuithful- 

t*"  Ps.  35.  19. 

Ps.  38. 19. 

It  Mat.  24.34. 

14  to  gcliera- 


60  I  made  haste,  and  delayed  not  to  keep 
thy  commandments. 

61  The  1"  bands  of  the  wicked  have  robbed 
me:  but  I  have  not  forLjotttii  thy  law. 

62  At  d  midnight  I  will  rise  to  give  thanks 
nnto  thee  because  of  thy  righteous  judg- 
ments, 

63  I  am  a  companion  of  all  them  that  fear 
thee,  and  of  them  that  keep  thv  precepts. 

64  The  'earth,  0  Lord,  is  full  of  thy 
mercy:  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

TETH. 

65  Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  thy  Bervant, 

0  Lord,  according  unto  thy  word. 

66  Teach  me  good  hidgment  and  know- 
ledge:  for  I  have  believed  thy  command- 
ments. 

67  Before  /I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray; 
but  now  have  1  kept  thy  word. 

68  Thou  art  "good,  and  doest  good:  teach 
me  thy  statutes. 

69  The  proud  have '» forged  a  lie  against 
me:  but  I  will  keep  thy  precepts  with  my 
whole  heart. 

70  Their  *  heart  is  as  fat  as  grease;  but  I 
delight  in  thy  law. 

71  /( }  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  af- 
flicted; that  I  might  learn  thy  statutes. 

72  The  *  law  of  thy  mouth  is  better  unto 
me  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver. 

JOD. 

78  Thy  *  hands  have  made  me  and  fa- 
shioned me:  give  me  understanding,  that  I 
may  learn  thy  commandnienls. 

74  They  "*  that  tear  thee  will  be  glad  when 
they  see  me;  because  I  have  hoped  in  thy 
word. 

75  I  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judgments 
are  "  right,  and  "  that  thou  in  faithfulness 
hast  afflicted  me. 

76  Let,  I  pray  thee,  thy  merciful  kindness 
be  12  for  my  comfort,  according  to  thy  word 
unto  thy  servant. 

77  Let  thy  tender  mercies  come  unto  me, 
that  I  may  live:  for  thy  law  is  my  delight. 

78  Let  the  proud  "  be  ashamed ;  for  ihey 
dealt  perversely  with  me  without  a  cause: 
but  I  will  meditate  in  thy  preceiits. 

79  Let  those  that  fear  tnee  turn  unto  me, 
and  those  that  have  known  thy  testimonies. 

80  Let  my  heart  be  p  sound  in  thy  statutes, 
that  I  be  not  ashamed. 

CAPH. 

81  My  '  soul  fainteth  for  thy  salvation ;  but 

1  hope  in  thy  word. 

82  Mine  '"eyes  fail  for  thy  word,  saying, 
W  hen  wilt  thou  comfort  me? 

83  For  *  1  am  become  like  a  bottle  in  the 
smoke;  yet  do  I  not  forget  thy  Ktatutes. 

84  How  <many  are  the  days  ot  thy  ser- 
vant? "when  wilt  thou  execute  judgmenf 
on  them  that  persecute  me? 

85  The  "  proud  have  digged  pits  for  me^ 
which  are  not  after  thy  law, 

86  All  thy  commandments  are  l3  faithful: 
they  persecute  me  **  wrongfully ;  help  thou 
me. 

87  They  had  almost  consumed  m-e  upon 
earth:  but  1  forsook  not  thy  prtcej^its. 

88  (Quicken  me  alter  thy  loviiig-kinducsa; 
so  shall  I  keep  the  testimony  ot  thy 
mouth. 

LAMED. 

89  For  '  ever,  O  Lord,  thy  word  is  settled 
in  heaven. 

90  Thy  faithfulness  is  i4unto  all  genera- 
tions: thou  hast  established  the  eaith,  and 
it  16  abideth. 


Prayers,  Praises, 


PSALM  CXIX. 


and  Professions  of  Obefdevee, 


must  seek  deliverance  Ironi  temptations  to 
sin  as  weJl  as  from  despondency,  enlarge 
[or,  expand]  my  heart— with  gracious  affec- 
tions. 

33-c8.  To  encourage  us  in  prayer  for  divine 
aid  in  adhering  to  His  truth,  we  are  permitted 
to  believe  that  by  His  help  we  shall  succeed, 
the  way  of  thy  statutes— i.e.,  the  way  or  man- 
ner of  life  prescribed  by  them.  The  help  we 
hope  to  obtain  by  prayer  is  to  he  the  basis 
on  which  our  resolutUms  should  rest.  Turn 
away  ir.iiie  eyes— Zif.,  Make  my  eyes  to  pass,not 
noticing  evil.  \&mt^— lit.,  falsehood,  all  other 
objects  of  trust  than  God;  idols,  human 
power,  &c.  (Ps.  31.  6;  40.  4;  60.  11;  02.  9.  . 
qnicken  ...  in  thy  way— make  me  with  Hviup 
energy  to  pursue  the  way  marked  out  by 
thee.  Eenve  me  from- the  death  of  spiritual 
helplessness  {v.  17,  25,  40,  50;  Ps.  116.  3.  .  who 
is  devoted  to  thy  fear— or  better,  ivhich  {i.e., 
thy  word  is  for  thy  Jear,  for  producing  it. 
"Which  is  to  those  who  fear  thee."  God's 
wordof  promise  belongs  peculiarly  to  such  (cf. 
Gen.18.  l9;lKi.2.4;8.  25.).  [Hengst.]  39,40. 
Our  hope  of  freedom  from  the  rn  roach  of  in- 
consistency is  in  God's  power,  quickening  us 
to  live  according  to  His  word,  w  hich  He  leads 
us  to  love,  fcx  thy  judgments  are  good— the 
time  must  therefore  be  at  baud  when  thy 
justice  will  turn  the  "reproach"  from  thy 
Church  upon  the  world  (Isa.  25.  8;  66. 6;  Zeph. 
2.  8-10.). 

41-44.  The  sentiment  more  fully  carried 
out.  God's  mercies  and  .'salvation,  as  revealed 
in  His  AVord,  provide  hope  of  forgiveness  for 
the  past  and  security  in  a  righteous  course 
for  the  future.  42.  The  possession  of  God's 
giftof  "salvation"  !v.4l)  a\ ill  be  ihe  Psalmist's 
answer  to  the  foe's  "  reproach,"  that  his  hope 
was  a  fallacious  one.  45-48.  To  freedom  from 
reproacli,  when  imbued  with  God's  truth, 
there  is  added  "great  boldness  in  the  faith," 
accompanied  with  increasing  delight  in  the 
holy  law  itself,  whicli  becomes  an  element  of 
happiness,  48.  My  hands... liit  up  uiiio... com- 
mandments—i.e.,  I  will  praycrfuUv  (Ps.  28.  S) 
direct  my  heart  to  keep  thy  conjmandments. 
49-51..  Kesting  on  the  promises  consoles  un- 
der affliction  anci  the  tauntings  of  the  in-^olent. 
49.  upon  which— rather,  "Kemember  thy  word 
unto  thy  servant,  because,"  <fcc.  So  the  Hih. 
reuuire.s.  [Hengst.]  50.  for— rather,  "  This  is 
inycomfort...^7taC  &c.  [Maue.]  hathqnick- 
eiied— what  the  word  has  alnacly  done  is  to 
faith  a  idedge  of  what  it  shall  yet  do.  52-56. 
The  pious  take  comtort,  when  haras.-^ed  and 
distressed  by  wi ckedness  of  men  who  for.sake 
God's  law,  in  remembering  that  ihe  great 
principles  of  God's  truth  will  still  abide;  and 
also  Gods  "judgments  of  old"  \v.  52,),  i.e.. 
His  past  interpositions  in  behalf  of  His  peo- 
ple are  a  pledge  that  He  will  again  interpose 
to  deliver  them;  and  they  become  the  theme 
of  constant  and  delightful  meditation.  The 
more  we  keep  the  more  we  love  the  law  of 
God.  53.  Horror— rather, "Vehement wrath." 
[Hengst.]  54.  sci.gs— as  the  exile  sings  songs 
of  his  h(  me  (I's.  l.'i".  3,-,  so  the  child  of  God,  "a 
stran'-  er  on  earth,"  sings  the  songs  of  heaven, 
his  true  home  (Ps.  39.  12.).  In  ancient  times. 
la\\s  were  T>ut  in  verse,  to  imprint  them  the 
more  on  the  memory  of  the  people.  So  God's 
laws  are  the  believer's  songs,  house  of  my 
pilgrimage  —  present  life  (Gen.  17.  8;  47.  9: 
H.eh.  11.  13.).  66.  Eather,  "This  is  peculiarly 
mine  [lit,  to  me,},  that  I  keep  thy  precepts." 
[Hekgbt.  aud  Maub.] 
420 


57eO.  Sincere  desires  for  God's  lav  our, 
penitence,  and  activity  in  a  new  ol  edience, 
truly  evince  the  sincerity  of  those  who  pro- 
less  to  hnd  God  a  portion  (JSuni.  18.  20;  P.s. 
10.  5;  Lam.  3.  24.).  58.  favour— Jie6. ,  "fiice" 
(I's.  46.  12.).  £9.  So  the  prodigal  son,  when 
reduced  to  straits  of  misery  (Luke,  16. 17. 18.). 
bl,  62.  This  the  more,  if  opposition  of  ene- 
mies, or  love  of  ease,  is  overcome  in  thus 
honouring  God's  law.  have  robbed  n.e— 1  eiter, 
surrounded  me,  either  as  forcible  constraints 
like  fetters,  or  as  the  cords  of  their  nets. 
Hengst.  transl. ,"  sn&res."  62.  At  ir.ic  ii:ght 
— HtNGsT.  supposes  a  reference  to  tlit-  iinie 
when  the  Lord  went  forth  to  slay  tht  Egyp- 
tian first-born  (Ex.  11.  4;  12.  29;  cf.  Job.  34. 
10.).  But  it  rather  refers  to  the  Psalmist's 
own  piaises  and  prayers  in  the  night  time. 
Cf.  Paul  and  Silas  (Acts,  16.  26;  cf.  Fs.  63.  6.). 

63.  The  communion  of  the  saints.  Delight 
in  their  comi  any  is  an  evidence  of  belonging 
to  them  iPs.  16.  3;  Amos,  3.  3;  Mai.  3.  16.). 

64.  While  opposed  by  the  wicked,  and  opi  os- 
ing  thein.  the  pious  delight  in  these  who  fear 
God,  but,  alter  all,  rely  lor  favour  and  guid- 
ance not  on  merit  but  mercy. 

65-67.  The  reliance  on  promises  {v.  49)  is 
strengthened  by  experience  of  past  dealings 
according  with  promises,  and  a  prayer  for 
guidance,  encouraged  by  sanctified  affliction. 

66.  Teach  me  good  judgn  eat  and  knowledge — 
viz.,  in  thyv:ord  \&o  as  to  fathom  its  deep 
sjirituality;  ;  for  the  corresponding  exjres- 
sion  !■!;.  1-.^  64, 68,;,  is  "  Teach  me  thy  statutes." 

67.  Pveferred  by  Hengst.  to  the  chastenuig 
effect  produced  on  the  Jews'  minds  ly  the 
cajitivity  (Jer.  31.  i8,  19.).  'Ihe  truth  is  a 
general  one  (Job,  5.  6;  John,  16.  2;  IJeb.  12. 
11.).  68.  CI.  as  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Acts, 10.38.), 
69,  70.  The  crafty  n.ahce  of  the  kicked,  in 
slardering  him,  so  far  from  tuning  him 
away,  but  binds  him  closer  to  God's  "ord, 
which  they  are  too  stuiiid  in  sin  to  appreciate. 
Hengst.  refers  the  "lie"  (v.  69)  to  such  slan- 
uers  against  the  Jews  during  the  capti- 
vity, as  that  in  Ezra,  4.  of  sedition,  tat  as 
grease— spiritually  insensible  (Ps.  17.  10;  73. 
7;  Lsa.  6.  10.).  7;,  72.  So  also  affliction  of  any 
kind  acts  as  a  wholesome  disci)  line  in  lead- 
irg  the  ):ious  more  highly  to  value  the  truth 
and  pron  ises  of  God. 

73.  As  God  made,  so  He  can  best  control, 
us.  Fo  as  to  Israel,  he  owed  to  God  his  v  hole 
internal  and  external  existence  (Lent.  32.  n.). 
74.  So  when  He  has  led  us  to  rely  on  His 
truth.  He  M'ill  "  make  us  to  the  praise  oi  His 
grace"  by  others.  "  Those  who  tear  thee  will 
be  glad  at  n  y  prosperity,  as  they  consider 
nsy  cause  their  cause"  (Fs.  ."4.  2;  142.  7.;. 
75-78.  in  faithfulness  — i.e.,  without  in  the 
least  violating  thy  faithfulness;  because  my 
sins  deserved  and  needed  fatherly  chastise- 
ment. Enduring  chastisement  w  ith  a  tilial 
temper  (Heb.  12,  6-ii,),  God's  promises  of 
mercy  Rom.  8.  28)  will  be  fulfilled,  and  He 
will  give  comfort  in  sorrow  (Lam.  3. 1.2;  2  Cor. 
1.  3,  4.1.  77.  Let  thy  tender  n.ercies  come  unto 
me- As  I  am  not  able  to  come  unto  them. 
But  the  waked  will  be  confounded.  78.  but 
I . . .  mei:it;ite  in  thy  precepts— and  so  shall  not 
be  "ashamed,"  i.e.,  put  to  shane  (r.  to.). 
79,  80.  Those  who  may  have  thought  his 
fflictions  an  evidence  of  Gods  rejection  will 
then  be  led  to  return  to  Him;  as  tl:e  friends 
of  Job  di(i  on  Ir.s  restoration,  having  been 
previously  led  through  his  afliictims  to 
doubt  the  reality  of  his  religion.   Let  my , , , 


Prayers,  praise». 


PSALM  CXIX. 


and  professions  of  obedience. 


91  They  contmue  this  day  according  to 
thine  y  ordinances:  for  all  are  thy  servants. 

92  Uidess  '  thy  law  had  been  my  delights, 
I  should  then  have  perished  in  mine  afflic- 
tion. 

93  I  will  never  forget  thy  precepts:  for 
with  them  thou  hast  quickened  me. 

94 1  am  "  thine,  save  me ;  lor  1  have  sought 
thy  precepts. 

95  The  wicked  have  waitecL^for  me  to 
destroy  me:  but  I  will  cousii*  thy  testi- 
monies. ^ 

9C  I  *  have  seen  an  end  of  all  perfection: 
but  thy  commandment  is  exceeding  broad. 

MEJI. 

97  O  how  love  I  thy  law!  '  it  is  my  medi- 
tation all  the  day. 

93  Thou  through  thy  commandments  hast 
made  me  <*  wiser  than  mine  enemies;  for 

16  they  are  ever  with  me. 

99  I  nave  more  undei'standing  than  all  vny 
teachers: '  for  thy  testimonies  are  my  medi- 
tation. 

lUO  1  /  understand  more  than  the  ancients, 
because  I  keep  thy  precepts. 

101  I  have  "  refrained  my  feet  from  every 
e%il  way,  that  I  might  keep  thy  word 

102  I  nave  not  departea  from  thy  judg- 
ments: for  thou  hast  taught  me. 

10;i  How  '»  sweet  are  thy  words  unto  my 

17  taste!  yea,  sweeter  than  honey  to  my 
mouth! 

1(>4  Through  thy  precepts  I  get  under- 
BtancUng:  therefore  I  hate  every  false  way. 

NUN. 

105  Thy  word  is  a  18  lamp  unto  my  feet, 
and  a  light  unto  my  path. 

lOi;  I  «  have  sworn,  and  I  will  perfonn  it, 
that  I  will  keep  thy  righteous  juiign lei its. 

107  I  am  afHicted  very  much:  quicken  me, 

0  Lord,  according  unto  thy  word. 

108  Accei't,  i  beseech  thee,  >  the  free-will 
ofleriiigs  of  my  mouth,  O  Lord,  and  teach 
me  thy  judgments. 

109  My  *  soul  15  continually  in  my  hand: 
yet  do  I  not  Ibrjrel  thy  law. 

110  The  v\  icked  have  laid  a  snare  for  me: 
yet  I  ened  not  from  thy  precepts. 

111  Thy  '  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  an 
heritage  for  ever:  for  they  are  the  rejoicing 
of  my  heait. 

IV2  1  have  inclined  mine  heart  19  to  per- 
fonn thy  statutes  alway,  even  unto  the 
end. 

SAMECH. 

113  I  hate  vain  thoughts:  but  thy  law  do 

1  love. 

114  ThoQ  "*  art  my  hiding  place  and  my 
shield:  I  hope  in  thy  word. 

115  Dep:irt  "  trom  me.  ye  evil-doers:  for  I 
will  keep  th9  commandments  of  my  God. 

116  Upaold  me  according  unto  thy  word, 
that  I  inay  live:  and  let  me  not "  be  ashamed 
of  my  hojie. 

117  Hold  P  thou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be 
Bale:  and  I  will  have  respect  imto  thy  sta- 
tutes continually. 

118  Thou  hast  trodden  down  all  them  that 
err  from  thy  statutes:  for  their  deceit  is 
falsehooil. 

119  Thon  20  pattest  away  all  the  wicked 
of  the  earth  ^like  dross:  therefore  I  love 
thv  testimonies. 

120  My  '"  llesh  trembleth  for  fear  of  thfje; 
and  1  am  aliaid  of  thy  judgments. 

AIN. 

121  I  have  done  judgment  and  justice: 
lea.ve  me  not  to  mine  oppressurB. 

i2i 


PSALM  119. 
»  Jar.  33.25. 
2  Rom.  15.  4. 
a  Ho..  2.  7. 


M       5  13. 
M       .-1.35. 

«}-»  1.:;. 

d  Deut.  4. 

6,8. 

Is.  48.  17. 

16  it  13  ever 

with  ine. 

«  2  Tim.  3. 

15. 
/Job  32.  7. 


Pro. 


15. 


h  Ps.  19. 10. 
Pro.  8.  11. 

17  palatSL 

18  Or, 

Pro.  6."  23. 
t  Neh.  10J!9. 
j  Hos.  H.  2. 

Heb.  13.15. 
ft  Judsf.ia.S. 

Job  13. 14. 
I  Deu.  33.  4. 

19  to  do. 

m  Ps.  32.  7. 
Pa.  91.  1. 
n  Ps.  C.  8. 

Pb.  139. 19. 

Mat.  7.  23. 
0  Ps.  25.  2. 

Rom.  5.  5. 

Rom.  9. 33. 

Ro.  10.  11. 
P  John  10.28. 

20  caiiseet  to 

7  Em  22. 18. 
»•  Hab.  3.  10 
«  Heb.  7  22. 
t  fs.  19.  10. 
Pro.  8.  U. 
w  Ps.  19.  7. 

Pro.  1.  4. 

2  Pet.  1. 


X  I.u  1.  74. 
y  Ps.  4.  6. 
z  Jer.  9.  1. 

Jar  14. 17. 

Ei«k,  9.  4. 
a  Lira  9  15. 

.Noh.  9.  33. 

Jer.  12.  1. 

Dan.  9   7. 
22riE:hteoui- 

23  laitl,ful- 


24  cut  me 
oflf. 
John  2.17. 

25  tried,  or, 
refined. 
Pro.  30. 5. 

b  Amo«  7.  a. 
c  P«.  19.  9. 

John  17  17. 

Eph.  1.  13. 
20  found  B-e. 


dPs  03  1.6. 
e  Ps.  14.S,  18 
/Lu  11.33. 
glmia.b.1. 


122  Be  •  surety  for  thy  sen-ant  for  good; 
let  not  the  proud  oppress  me. 

123  Mine  eyes  fail  for  thy  salvation,  and 
for  the  word  of  thy  righteousness. 

124  Deal  with  thy  Ber\aiit  according  unto 
thy  mercy,  and  t€ach  me  thv  statutes. 

125  I  am  thy  servant;  gi\  e  rne  understand- 
ing, that  I  may  know  thy  testimonies. 

126  It  is  time  for  thee.  Lord,  to  work; /or 
they  have  made  void  thy  law. 

127  Therefore  •  I  love  thy  commandments 
above  gold,  yea,  above  line  gold. 

128  Therefore  I  esteem  all  thy  precepts 
concerning  all  things  to  be  right;  and  I 
hate  every  false  way. 

PE. 

129  Thy  testimonies  are  wonderful:  there- 
fore dnla  my  soul  keep  them. 

loO  The  entrance  of  thy  words  giveth 
light:  it"giveth  understanding  unto  the 
simple. 

131  I  opened  my  mouth,  and  panted:  for 
I  longed  for  thy  commandments. 

132  Look  "thou  upon  me, and  be  merciful 
unto  me,  21  as  thou  usest  to  do  unto  those 
that  love  thy  name. 

133  Order  my  steps  in  thy  word:  and  let 
not "  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over 
me. 

134  Deliver  '  me  from  the  oppression  ol 
man:  so  will  I  keep^thy  precepts. 

135  Make  J'  thy  face  to  shine  upon  thy 
sei-vant;  and  teach  me  thy  statutes. 

136  Rivers '  of  waters  nin  down  mine  eyes, 
because  they  keep  not  thy  law. 

TZADDI. 

137  Righteous  "  art  thou,  O  Lord,  and 
UTuight  are  thy  judgments. 

I08  Thy  testimonies  that  thou  hast  com- 
manded  are  '^  righteous  and  very  '^^  faith- 
ful. 

139  My  zeal  hath  24 consumed  me;  he. 
cause  mine  enemies  have  forgotten  thy 
words. 

140  I'hy  word  is  very  25  pure:  therefore  thy 
ser\ant  loveth  it. 

141  1  am  *  small  and  despised;  yet  do  not 
I  forget  thy  precepts. 

142  Thy  rigliteousness  is  an  everlasting 
righteousness,  and  thy  law  is  "  the  truth. 

143  Trouble  and  anguish  have  -''  taken 
hold  on  me;  yet  thy  commandments  are 
my  delights. 

144  The  righteousness  of  thy  testiinoniea 
is  everlasting:  give  me  understanding,  and 
1  shall  live, 

KOPH. 

145  I  cried  with  my  whole  heart;  hear  me, 
0  Lord:  1  will  keep  thy  statutes. 

146  1  cried  unto  thee:  save  me,  S7and  I 
sh.ill  keep  thy  testimonies. 

147  I  prevented  ttie  dawning  of  the  morn- 
ing, and  cri(  d:  I  hoped  in  thy  word. 

148  Mine  <^  eyes  prevent  the  night  watches, 
that  I  might  meditate  in  thy  word. 

149  Hear  my  voice,  according  unto  thy 
loving-kindness:  0  Lord,  quicken  me  ac- 
cording to  thy  juilgment. 

150  They  diaw  nigh  that  follow  after  mis- 
chief: they  are  far  ironi  thy  law. 

Ii31  Thou  art "  near,  O  Lord;  and  all  thy 
commandments  are  truth. 

152  Concerning  thy  testimonies,  1  have 
known  of  old  that  thou  hast  fotmded  them 
for/ ever. 

RESH. 

153  Consider  ^  mine  afliiction,  and  deliver 
me;  for  i  do  not  Ibrget  thy  law. 


Prayers,  Praises, 


PSALM  CXIX. 


and  Professions  of  Obedience.. 


be  sound— i.e.,  verfect,  sincere,  ashamed— dis- 
appoinled  in  my  hope  of  salvation. 

8i-83.  In  sorrow  the  piou.s  heart  yearns  for 
the  comforts  of  God's  promises  (Ps.  73.  2C;  84. 
2.).  82.  Mine  eyes  fail  lor  thy  word— i.e.,  with 
j-earning  desire  for  thy  word.  When  the  eyes 
fail,  yet  faith  must  not.  83.  bottle  in  the  smoke 
—as  a  skin  bottle  dried  and  shrivelled  up, 
in  smoke,  so  is  he  withered  by  sorrow.  "Wine 
bottles  01  skin  used  to  be  hung  up  in  smoke 
to  dry  them,  before  the  wine  was  put  in  them. 
[Maur.]  84-87.  Ihe  shortness  ot  my  life  in- 
quires that  the  relief  aflorded  to  me  from  mine 
eneu.ies  should  be  speedy.  85.  pits— plots  for 
my  destruction,  which— rather,  "who,"  i.e., 
the  provd:  "pits"  is  not  the  antecedent.  87. 
coiisumed  me  upon  earth  —  Hengst.  transL, 
"in  the  land,-"  understanding  "me"  of  the 
navU'it,  Israel,  of  which  but  a  small  remnant 
•was  left.  But  E.  V.  is  simpler;  either  ""I hey 
have  consumed  me  so  as  to  leave  almost  no- 
thing of  me  on  earth;"  or, "  They  have  almost 
destroyed  and  prostrated  me  on  the  earth." 
[Maur.]  87.1  fcrsocknct—Whatever  else  lam 
lorsaken  of,  1  forsake  not  thy  precepts,  and 
so  am  not  forsaken  of  thee  (Ps.  59. 5, 13;  2  Cor. 

4.  8,  t),),  and  the  injuries  and  insults  of  the 
wicked  increase  the  need  for  it.  But,  how- 
ever they  act  regardless  of  God's  law,  the 
pious,  adhering  to  its  teaching,  leceive  qtiick- 
enmg  grace,  and  are  sustained  stediast. 

61--91.  In  all  changes  God's  word  ren.ains 
firm  ,1  Pet.  1.  25.).    Like  the  heavens,  it  con- 
i  tinuaJly  attests  God's  unfailing  power  and 

#  unchanging  care  (Ps.  S9.  2.).  is  settled  in— 
i.e.,  stands  as  tirmly  as  the  heaven  in  which 
it  dweds,  and  whence  it  emanated,  90.  il  s. 
33.  9.J.  91.  The.v— The  heaven  (<•.  89)  and  the 
earth  v.  90.).  Hengst.  transl., "  They  stand 
for  thy  j^idgments"  i.e.,  ready,  as  obedient 
servants,  to  execute  them.  The  usage  of 
this  Psalm  favours  this  view.  But  seeJer. 
S3.  25.  92-94.  Hence  the  pious  are  encou- 
raged and  inclined  to  seek  a  knowledge  of  it. 
and  persevere  amidst  the  efforts  ot  those 
planning  and  waiting  to  destroy  him.  92. 
my  deliglits— jD/«r.,  not  merely  aeligld,  but 
equal  to  all  other  delights.  93.  The  bounds 
of  created  perfection  may  be  defined,  but 
those  of  God's  law  in  its  nature,  application 
and  influence,  are  infinite.  There  is  no 
human  thing  so  perfect,  but  that  something 
is  wanting  to  it;  its  limits  are  narrow,  whereas 
God's  law  is  of  infinite  breadth,  reaching  to 
all  cases,  perfectly  meeting  what  each  re- 
quires, and  to  all  times  (I's.  19. 3, 6,  7-11;  Eccl. 

5.  11.).  It  cannot  be  cramped  within  any 
dtlhiitions  of  man's  dogmatical  systems. 
]Man  never  outgrows  the  word.  It  does  not 
shock  the  ignorant  man  with  declared  anti- 
cipations of  discoveries  which  he  had  not  yet 
made;  whilst  in  it  the  man  of  science  finds 
his  newest  discoveries  by  tacit  anticipation 
provided  for. 

97.  This  characteristic  love  for  God's  law 
(cf.  Ps.  1.  2)  insures  increase,  98-100.,  ot  know- 
ledge, both  of  the  matter  of  all  uselul,  n.oral 
truth,  and  an  experience  of  its  application. 
98.  wiser  than  mine  enemies— with  all  their 
carnal  cvmning  (Deut.  4.  6,  S.).  tliey  are  ever 
Willi  me— The  Beb.  is,  rather,  sing.,  "it  is 
ever  with  me;"  the  commandments  iorming 
ONE  complete  whole,  thy  law.  100.  more  than 
tlie  ancients— antiquity  is  no  help  against  stu- 
pidity, where  it  does  not  accord  with  God's 
word  [Luthek]  (Job,  32.  7-9.).  The  Bible  is 
the  key  of  all  knowledge,  the  history  of  the 
421 


world,  past,  present,  and  to  cou  e  (Ps.  111.  lO.). 
He  who  does  the  will  of  God  sIihU  know  of 
the  doctrine  (John,  7.  17.).  undtrttanding— is 
practical  skill  (Ps.  2. 10;:.2. 8.).  101-104.  Avoid- 
ance of  sinful  courses  is  both  the  ett'cct  and 
means  of  increasing  in  divme  knowledge  (cf. 
Ps.  19.  10.). 

105.  Not  only  does  the  word  of  God  in- 
form us  of  JHis  wdl,  but,  as  a  light  on  a  path 
in  darkness,  shows  us  how  to  follow  the  right 
and  avoid  the  wrong  way.  The  lamp  of  the 
word  is  not  the  sun.  He  Mouid  blmd  our 
eyes  in  our  present  fallen  state;  but  we  may 
bless  God  for  the  light  shining  as  in  a  dark 
place,  to  guide  us  until  the  bun  of  Eighi  eous- 
ness  shall  come,  and  we  shall  be  made  cap- 
able of  seeing  Him  [2.  Pet.  J.  19;  Pev.  22.  4.). 
The  lamp  is  fed  vith  the  oil  of  the  Spirit. 
The  allusion  is  to  the  lamps  and  torches  car- 
ried at  night  before  an  Eastern  caravan. 
106-108.  feuch  was  the  national  covenant 
at  ttinai  and  in  the  fields  of  Moab.  1C8.  free- 
will ofieriiigs — the  spontaneous  expressions 
of  his  gratitude,  as  contrasted  with  the  ap- 
pointed "otterings"  of  the  temple  (Hos.  14.  2; 
Heb.  13.  15.  .  He  detern  ines  to  pursue  this 
way,  relying  on  God's  quickening  power  (v.  50] 
in  affliction,  and  a  gracious  acceptance  ox 
his  "spiritual  sacrifices  of  prayer  and  praise" 
Ps.  50.  5, 14  23.).  109,  110.  Jn  the  midst  of 
deadly  perils  (the  phrase  is  drawn  from  the 
fact  that  what  we  carry  in  cur  hands  may 
easily  slip  from  them,  Jud.  12.3;  1  a  in.  28. 21; 
Job,  lo.  14;  cf.  1  fcam.  19.  6,),  and  exposed  to 
crafty  enemies,  his  safety  and  guidance  is  in 
the  truth  and  promises  of  God.  Ill,  112. 
These  he  joyfiUly  takes  as  his  perpetual  heri- 
tage, to  perform  the  duties  and  receive  the 
comforts  they  teach,  evermore. 

113.  vain  thoughts— better,  unstable  persons, 
lit.,  divided  men,  those  of  a  divided,  doubting 
mind  (Jam.  1.  8,  "a  double  minded  man," 
[Hekgst.J),  sceptics,  or,  sceptical  notions  as 
opposed  to  the  certainty  of  God's  word.  114. 
hiding  place— (cf.  Ps.  27.  5.).  shield- iPs.  3.  3; 
7.  10.).  hope  in  thy  word— confidently  rest  on 
its  teachings  and  promises.  115-117.  Hence 
he  fears  not  wicked  men,  nor  dreads  disap- 
pointment, sustained  by  God  in  making  His 
law  the  rule  of  life.  Depart  from  me— Ye  can  do 
nothing  with  me;^07-,  &c.  (Ps.  6.  8.).  118-120. 
But  the  disobedient  and  rebellious  will  be 
visited  by  God's  wrath,  which  impresses  the 
pious  with  wholesome  fear  and  awe.  their 
oeceii  is  lalsehood-i.e.,  all  their  cunning  deceit, 
wherewith  they  seek  to  entrap  the  godly,  is 
in  vain.  120.  The  '"judgments"  are  those  on 
the  wicked  iv.  119.).  Joyful  hope  goes  hand 
in  hand  with  fear  Hab.  3.  IC-I8.1. 

121-126.  On  the  grounds  of  his  integrity, 
desire  for  (iod's  word,  and  covenant  relation 
to  Him,  the  servant  of  God  may  plead  for  His 
protecting  care  against  the  wicked,  gracious 
guidance  to  the  knowledge  of  truth,  and  His 
effective  vindication  of  the  righteous  and 
their  cause,  which  is  also  His  own.  Be 
surety— ytand  for  me  against  my  oppiessors 
(Gen.  43.  9;  Isa.  38.  14.;.  127,  128.  'il.erefore 
[i.e..  In  view  of  these  benefits,  or,  Becau.se  of 
the  glory  of  thy  law,  so  much  i^raised  in  the 
previous  parts  of  tlie  Psalm]  1  iove,  &c.  [and] 
Tnerefore  irepeated)— All  its  precepts,  on  au  ^ 
subjects,  are  estimable  for  their  purity,  and  • 
lead  one  imbued  with  their  spirit  to  hate  all 
evil  (Ps.  19. 10.).  The  word  of  God  admits  of 
no  eclecticism;  its  least  tittle  is  perfect  iPs 
12.  6;  Mat.  5. 17-19.). 


Praters  and  praises. 

154  Plead  "  my  cause,  and  deliver  me 
quicken  me  according  to  thy  word. 

155  Salvation  *  is  far  from  the  wicked:  for 
they  seek  not  thy  statutes. 

156  23  Great  are  thy  tender  mercies,  0 
Lord:  quicken  me  according  to  thy  judg- 
ments. 

157  Many  are  my  persecutors  and  mine 
enemies;  yet  do  I  not  decline  from  thy  tes- 
timonies. 

158  I  beheld  the  transgressors,  and  was 
grieved;  because  they  kept  not  tny  word. 

159  Consider  how  1  love  thy  precepts  : 
quicken  me,  O  Loao,  according  to  thy 
lovui^kinduess. 

160  29  Thy  word  is  true  from  the  begin- 
ning:  and  every  one  of  thy  righteous  judg- 
ments enduretli  for  ever. 

8CHIN. 

161  Princes }  have  persecuted  me  without 
a  cause:  but  my  heart  standeth  in  awe  of 
thy  word. 

162  I  rejoice  at  thy  word,  as  one  that  find- 
eth  great  spoil. 

163  I  hate  and  abhor  lying:  but  thy  law  do 

1  love. 

164  Seven  times  a  day  do  I  praise  thee 
because  of  thy  righteous  judgments. 

165  Great  *  peace  have  they  waich  love 
thy  law:  and  *)  nothing  shall  offend 
them. 

ItW  LoKD,  I  have  hoped  for  thy  salvation, 
and  done  thy  commandments. 

167  iViysoul  hath  kept  thy  testimonies; 
and  I  love  them  exceedi  ugly. 

168  I  have  kept  thy  precepts  and  thy  tes- 
timonies: 'for  all  my  ways  are  before 
thee. 

TAD. 

169  Let  my  cry  come  near  before  thee.  0 
LoKD:  give  me  understanding  according  to 
thy  word. 

170  Let  ray  supplication  come  before  thee: 
deliver  me  according  to  thy  word. 

171  My  Ups  shall  utter  praise,  when  thou 
hast  taught  me  thy  statutes. 

172  My  tongue  suall  speak  of  thy  word: 
for  all  thy  commandments  are  rignteous- 
ness. 

173  Let  thine  hand  help  me:  for  "*  I  have 
chosen  thy  precepts. 

174  1  have  longed  for  thy  salvation,  0 
Lord  ;  and  thy  law  is  my  delight. 

175  Let  my  soul  live,  and  it  shall  praise 
thee;  and  let  thy  judgments  help  me. 

176  1 "  have  gone  astray  like  a  lost  sheep: 
seek  thy  servant;  for  1  do  not  forget  thy 
eommandmeuts. 

PSALM  CXX. 

David  prays  against  Dotg,  whose  ealumnita  had 

drittn  him  among  strangers. 

A  Song  of  degrees. 

TN  my  distress  1  cried  unto  the  Lord,  and 

•*■  he  heard  me. 

2  Deliver  my  soul,  O  Lord,  from  bing 
lips,  a7ut  from  a  deceitful  tongue. 

b  1  What  shall  be  given  unto  thee  ?  or 
what  shall  be  '-  done  unto  thee,  thou  ialse 
tongue^ 

4  a  Sharp  arrows  of  the  mighty,  with 
coals  otjuidper. 
'    6  Woe  is  nie,  that  I  sojourn  in  "  Mesech, 
that  b  I  dwell  in  the  tents  of  Kedar ! 

6  My  soul  hath  long  dwelt  with  him  that 
tuiteth  peace. 

7  I  am  i/or  peace:  but  when  I  speak,  tJiey 
art:  iot  vias,  I 

m 


PSALMS  cxx-cxxrv. 


Safety  of  Ood's  people. 


PSALM  119. 
AlSa.24.15. 
P8.  35.  1. 

Mic.  7.  9. 
i  Job  5.  4. 
23  Or,  Many. 
29Thebe- 


bling. 

block. 

J  Job  34.  21. 

Pro.  6.  21. 

">  Lu.  10.42. 

nU.  63.  6. 

Lu.  15.  4. 


PSALM  120. 
1  Or.  What 

deceitful 


PSALM  CXXI. 
The  great  safett/  of  the  godly,  who  put  their  trtut 
tn  God's  protection. 
A  Song  of  cie|;rees. 
T  1  WILL  lift  up  mine  eyes  unto  the  hilla. 
■^    from  whence  cometh  my  help 
finning  of    ^  My  help  eometh  from  the  Lord,  which 
thy  word  I  made  heaven  and  earth, 
btrue.     I  3  lie  »  will  not  suffer  thy  foot  to  be 
/isa. 24.11.  moved:  he  *  that  keepeth  thee  will  not 
*  Pro.  3.  2.     slumber. 

ao'thfy  .{ill     *.,^ehold,   he  that  keepeth  Israel  shaU 
hsTo  no      neither  slumber  nor  sleep, 
.turn-      I  5  The  Lord  is  thy  keeper;  the  Lord  is 
thy  shaae  upon  thy  riglit  hand 

6  The '  sun  shall  not  smite  thee  by  day, 
nor  the  moon  by  night. 

7  The  Lord  shall  'f  preierve  thee  from  all 
evil:  he  shall  preserve  thy  soul. 

..    ,   8  The  Lord  shall  *  preserve  thy  going  out, 

1  Pet.  2.25.  and  thy  corning  in,  from  this  time  ibrth, 

j  and  even  for  evermore. 

i  PSALM  CXXIL 

1  David  professes  hU  joy  for  the  ehureh,  and/or 
placing  thearkinZion:  6  he  prays  for  the  peao» 

A  Song  of  degrees  of  David. 
J  WAS  glad  when  they  said  unto   me, 
■*■    "  Let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Loud. 

2  Our  feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates. 

0  Jerusalem. 

3  Jerusalem  is  builded  as  a  city  that  la 
compact  b  together: 

4  Whither '  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes 
of  the  Lord,  unto  "  the  testimony  of  Israel, 
to  give  thanks  unto  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

5  For  there  i  are  set  thrones  of  judgment, 
the  tlu-onos  of  the  house  of  David. 

6  I'ray  •  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem:  they 
shall  prosper  that  love  thee. 

7  Peace  be  within  thv  walls,  and  pros- 
perity within  thy  (.!'  : -.s. 

8  Formy  brethrii,  ..ui  companions' sakes, 

1  will  now  say,  i'eim;  be  witnin  thee. 

9  Because  of  the  house  of  the  Lord  oui 
God  1  will  seek  thy  good. 

_  PSALM  CXXIIL 

1  The  godly  profess  their  confideiiee  in  God,  Zand 
pray  to  6e  delivered  from  contempt. 

A  Song  of  degrees. 
T  JNTO  thee  lift  I  up  mine  eyes,  0  thou 
^   that  dwellest  in  the  heavens. 

2  Behold,  as  the  eyes  of  servants  lookxvaio 
the  hand  of  theh  m.asters,  and  as  the  eves 
of  a  maiden  unto  the  hand  of  her  niistniss- 
so  our  eyes  wait  upon  the  Lord  our  God,' 
UJitil  that  he  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Have  mercy  upon  us,  O  Lord,  have 
mercy  upon  us:  for  we  are  exceedingly  filled 
with  contempt. 

4  Our  soul  IS  exceedingly  filled  with  the 
scorning  of  those  that  are  at  ease,  and 
with  the  contempt  of  the  proud. 

PSALM  CXXIV. 
The  godly  bless  Ood  for  a  miraculous  deliverane*. 

A  Song  of  degree.s  of  David. 
TF  it  had  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  »  on 
^    our  side,  now  may  Israel  say  • 

2  II  it  luid  not  been  the  Lord  who  was  on 
our  side,  when  men  rose  up  against  us: 

3  Then  they  had  ^  swallowed  ua  up  quick, 
when  their  wrath  was  kindled  ugainst  us: 

4  Then  the  waters  had  overw  iieimed  U8, 
the  stream  had  gone  over  om  ioul: 

5  Then  the  proud  waters  had  gone  over 
our  soul. 

6  LLsseJ  he  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  giTCa 


coals  of 

juniiwr. 
»  Oen.  10.  2. 

Jiee.  27.13. 
4Gon.25. 13, 

1  Sa.  25.  1. 

.Ter.  49.28. 
4  Or,  a  man 

of  peace. 


PSALM  121. 
1  Or,  ShaU  I 


•  huuld  my 

helpcomef 

a  1  Sa. ;;.  9. 

Pro.  3.  S3. 

6  Is.  27.  3. 

c  Is.  49.  10. 

Rev.  7  10. 
(i  Job  5.  19. 
«  Deu.  23.  6. 

Pro.  2.  8. 

Pro.  3.  6. 


PSALM  123. 
a  U.  2.  3. 

Zoch.  8.21. 
b  2  Sara.  5.9. 

Eph.  2.  21. 
c  Dou.  II).  li>. 
d  Ei.  16.  34. 


2Chr.l9.8. 
•  Is.  U2.  G. 
Jer.  61.  60. 


PSALM  124. 
o  Heb.  13.  6. 
Koin.  8.31. 
b  P».  57.  U. 

i'ro.  I.  ia.  I U3  as  a  prey  to  theu-  leetii. 


Prayers,  Praises, 


PSALM  CXIX. 


and  Professions  of  Obedience, 


129.  wonder 'ul— /if.,  wonders,  i.e.,  of  moral  Hencjst.  transl.,  "Fight  my  fi'^lit?    (See  Ps, 


excellence.    130.  The  entrance— /;f.,  op<}inui; 
jod's  words,  tin  an  open  door,  let  in  li^lit,  <>r 


1;  43. 

157    (Cf. 


Mic.  7.  9. 

80,    87,  95.). 


156.    Cf.  V.   149. 
158.    Cf.  V.  v: 


snowledse.  Rather,  as  Henost.  exi)lains  it,  transgressors— or,  lit.,  traitors,  who  are  faith- 
"The  opmiiu/  up,"  or  '"explanafion  of  thy  less  to  a  righteous  sovereign,  and  side  with 
word."  To  the  natural  man  the  doors  of  His  enemies  (cf.  Ps.  25.  .3.  8.).  159.  Cf.  f.  121- 
Jod's  word  are  shut.  Luke,  24.  27.  31;  Acts,  i  I2(i;  l.'iS-lsr).).  quicken, (fee.-, v. SSJ.  This  r)rayer 
17.3;  Eph.  1.18,  confirms  this  view,  •'Oit)e)iin6rjoccixrs  here  lor  the  ninth  time,  showing  a 
(i.e.,  explaining)  and  allegmg."  &c.  unto  the  deep  sense  of  frailty.  160.  God  has  been  ever 
-imple-tlioseneedingordesiringit(cf.Ps.  19.  (faithful,  and  the  principles  of  His  govern- 


/.).  131-135.  An  ardent  desire  (cf.  Ps.  56. 1.  2) 
for  spiritual  enlightening,  establishment  in 
a  right  course,  deliverance  from  the  wicked, 
and  evidence  of  (iod's  favour  is  expressed. 
I  opened  my  mouth,  and  panted— as  a  traveller 
m  a  hot  desert  pants  for  the  cooling  breeze 


(Ps.  0)3.  1;  S4.  2.).    Look  .  .  .  ui:on  me— op 
to  hiding  or  averting  the  f;ice  cf.  I's.  : 
6;  102.  17.).    as  thou  usest  to  do— or, 


nient  will  ever  continue  worthy  of  confidence, 
f'-om  the  bpffinuiug—j.e.,  "every  word  J'rom 
Genesis  (called  l)y  the  Jews  from  its  first 
words,  *In  the  beginning')  to  the  end  of  the 
Scriptures  is  true."  Hengst.  transl.  more 
lit.,  "The  sum  of  thy  words  is  truth."    Tlie 


'sed  I  sense  is  substantially  the  same.    The  whole 
15;  I  body  of  revelation  is  truth.    "Thy  word  is 


is  right  in  regard  to  those  who  love  thy  name." 
Such  have  a  riqht  to  the  manifestations  of 
God's  grace,  resting  on  the  nature  of  God  as 
faithful  to  his  promises  to  such,  not  on  their 


as  it  nothing  but  truth."    [Luther.] 


own  merits.    Order 


steps— Mafce  firm,  so 


ny  stf^ 
that  there  be  no  halting  (Ps.  40.  2.i.  any 
iniquity— v.  34  favours  Hfjngst.,  "any  iniqui- 
tous man,"  any  "oppressor."  But  the  pa- 
rallel first  clause  in  this  {v.  33,),  favours  E  V. 
(Ps.  19.  13.).  His  hope  of  deliverance  from 
external  oppression  of  man  Iv.  34)  is  founded 
on  his  deliverance  from  the  internal  "  domi- 
nion of  iniquity,"  in  answer  to  his  prayer 
(v.  33.).  136.  Zealous  himself  to  keep  God's 
law,  he  is  deeply  afflicted  when  others  violate 
it  (cf.  V.  53.).  Lit.,  Mine  eyes  come  doxcn  (dis- 
solved) like  ivater  brooks  (Lam.  3.  48;  Jer.  9. 1.). 
because,  &c.— (cf.  Ez.  9.  4;  Jer.  13.  17.  i. 

137-139.  God's  justice  and  faithfulness  in 
His  government  aggravate  the  neglect  of  the 
wicked,  and  more  excite  the  lively  zeal  of  His 
people.  139.  (Ps.  09.  9.)  140.  veiyjmre—lit., 
refined,  sho'vn  pure  by  trial.  141.  The  pious, 
however  despised  of  men,  are  distinguished  in 
God's  sight  by  a  regard  for  His  law.  142-144. 
The  principles  of  God's  government  are  per- 
manent and  reliable,  and  in  the  deepest  dis 
tress  His  people  find  them  a  theme  of  delight- 
ful meditation  and  a  source  of  reviving 
power  [v.  17,  116.).  everlastuig— iPs.  in.  3,), 
though  to  outward  appearance  seeming  dead, 
law  is  truth— it  therefore  can  not  deceive  as 
to  its  promises. 

145-149.  An  intelligent  devotion  is  led  by 
divine  proudses,  and  is  directed  to  an  in- 
crease of  gracious  afi"ections.  arising  from  a 
contemplation  of  revealed  truth,  prevented 
'—lit.,  came  before,  anticipated,  not  only  the 
daivn,  but  even  the  usual  periods  of  the  niiiht; 
when  the  night  watches,  which  might  be  ex- 
pected to  find  me  asleep,  come,  they  find  me 
awake  (Ps.  63.  C;  77.  4;  Lam.  2.  19.).  Such  is 
the  earnestness  of  the  desire  and  love  for 
God's  truth,  quicken  me— revive  my  heart 
according  to  those  principles  of  justice, 
founded  on  thine  own  nature,  and  revealed 
in  thy  law,  which  specially  set  forth  thy 
mercy  to  the  humble  as  well  as  justice  to 
the  wicked  (cf.  v.  30. .  150-152.  Though  the 
wicked  are  near  to  injure,  because  far  from 
God's  law.  He  is  near  to  help,  and  faithful 
to  His  word,  which  abides  for  ever. 

153-155.  Though  the  remembering  of  God's 
law  is  not  meritorious,  yet  it  evinces  a  filial 
temper,  and  provides  the  pious  with  promises 
to  plead,  while  the  wicked,  in  neglecting  His 
law,  reject  God  and  despirje  His  promises  (cf. 
Ps.  9.  13;  43.  1;  69.  18.).  154.  Plead.  &c.  — 
422 


161-165.  (Cf.  V.  46,  80.1.  161.  awe— reveren- 
tial, not  slavish  fear,  which  could  not  co-exist 
with  love  {v.  163;  1  John,  4.  8.).  Instead  of 
fearing  his  persecutors,  he  fears  God's  word 
alone  ;Luke,  12,  4, 5.).  The  Jews  inscribe  in 
the  first  page  of  the  great  Bible  ((ien.  28.), 
"How  dreadful  is  this  place!  This  is  none 
other  but  the  house  of  God,  and  this  is  the 
gate  of  heaven!"  162.  (Cf.  Mat.  13.  44,  45.). 
Though  persecuted  by  the  mighty,  the  pious 
are  not  turned  trom  revering  (jod's  authority 
to  seek  their  favour,  but  rejoice  in  the  posses- 
sion of  this  "  pearl  of  great  price,"  as  great 
victors  in  spoils.  Hating  falsehood  and  lov- 
ing truth,  often,  every  day,  praising  God  for 
it,  they  find  peace  and  freedom  from  tempta- 
tion. 163.  lying— i.e.,  as  in  v.  29,  unfaithful- 
ness to  the  covenant  of  God  with  His  people; 
apostasy,  i.othug  shall  offend  tiiem— or,  miise 
them  to  offend  cf.  Marg.).  166-168.  As  they 
keep  God's  law  from  motives  of  love  for  it. 
and  are  free  from  slavish  fear,  they  are  ready 
to  subject  their  lives  to  His  inspection. 
168.  all  my  ways  are  before  thee— I  wish  to 
order  my  ways  as  before  thee,  rather  than  in 
reference  to  man  (Gen.  17.  1;  Ps.  7.i.  23.).  All 
men's  ways  are  under  God's  eye  (I'ro.  5.  21;); 
the  godly  ahne  realise  the  fact  and  live  ac- 
cordingly. 

169,  170.  Tlie  prayer  for  understanding  of 
the  truth  precedes  that  for  delivirance.  The 
fulfilment  of  the  first  is  the  basis  of  the  ful- 
filment of  the  second  (Ps.  90.  11-17.).  On  the 
terms  "cry"  and  "  supplication"  (cf.  Ps.  6. 9;17. 
1.).  171,172.  shall  utter— or,  poitr  out  praise 
(cf.  Ps.  19.  2;) ;  shall  cause  thy  praises  to  stream 
forth  as  from  a  bubbling,  overflowing  foun- 
tain. My  toi'gue  shall  sjieak  thy  word— ?i^., 
ansxoer  thy  word,  i.e.,  with  praise,  respond  to 
thy  word.  Every  expression  in  which  we 
praise  God  and  His  word  is  a  response,  or 
acknowledge!!  ent,  corresponding  to  the  per- 
fections of  Him  whom  we  praise.  173,  174. 
(Cf.  V.  77,  81,  92.1.  I  have  chosen— in  prefer- 
ence to  all  other  objects  of  delight.  175. 
Save  me  that  I  may  pra'se  thee,  thy  judg- 
ments—as  V.  149, 156.  176.  Though  a  wanderer 
from  (:lod.  the  truly  pious  ever  desires  to  be 
drawn  !  ack  to  Him,  and  though  for  a  time 
negligent  of  duty,  never  forgets  the  com- 
mandments by  which  it  is  taught,  lost— there- 
fore utterly  helpless  as  to  recovering  itsel-f 
(Jer.  50.  6;  Lake,  15.  4.).  Not  only  the  .sinner 
before  conversion,  but  the  believer  after  con- 
version, is  unable  to  recover  himself;  but 
the  latter,  after  temporary  wandering,  knows 
to  whom  to  look  for  restoration.  These  last 
two  verses  seem  to  sum  up  the  petitions. 


■icked- 

ness. 

Pro.  22. 8. 

I*.  14.  5. 
"  Pro.  2.  15. 
*  «al.  B.  16. 


blessed^thlu^&ethYhetd^"'^  man  be 

all  the  davs  if  thTlff/  ^°<'^  °^  Jerusalem 

HEY  that  trust  in  thel-oK^  ..a.  ^   l'-^^^^"- 


.io^Seile^i  elX  «^  *^«  ^^^^ 

«A«  yorf/^,  a„u!  against  thi  Jic^T^'*^  /<^ 
rpRPV  ,u   A^^"^°f degrees. 


'  2  Many  a  time  C  /^'^^'''if-™'^^  »ow  sayl 


u^ai  cs  -^--s"^  m  ineir  4  Or.  seed      ^^^  "laae  long-  their  furrows       ^  ^'^'^ ' 

^'oZt'^^iZ'lZ.^\\^nto  their  U:!^a2d\'rfe;.jfM^^^  hath  cut 

forth  with  ti^e  workP^-r.'t- ^^-  ^^^^  them   ^salm  w.     5 Let  them  .'u  be  conf.^.r^^i'^- 
peace  *  5A«a  6e  upon  r^-ael  ""'^'^*^'  **"«  2  ?:' "'        ^fi^f  ^^'^^  h^Te  Zion-^'^'^''^  ^°<i  ^m-ned 
1  ^^  .W..^i:£?^^^I-    .  ^-h^^^^^&tlitL^^L-^n  the 


iyiiu  wjtn  the  workers  of 

peace  *  shall  be  upon  [srael        "     " '  '  "'  1 2  th  V  ■      I  «  T u  '"*^'=  ^'"n: 

1  Tke  r.„../^AL^f  ^^XXVI.  ^."■'?"»''  house^to'pa' which^l=th*^^?^^^^  ^Pon  ... 

pood.»cc«.  toVV^:*-"*^'^'  ««<^P^A«,«  t/iJi  Gen.  3i,6      7  ^\  bprewith  the  mower  fin»M>      .  u- 
•  SonVofdeeree«.  L'?f- ??.•  "^^  I  Jci"!!".  "^^^  he  that  Sllh  thlU?  £ 


fT,//''"^^**^^'"^^^-  I  3  hath 


\yHEN 


bosoin. 


dream.  

i«Wywrare%Vd?"'^^"^^**^^f«r««.-  o\^-V« 
3^  They    that  sow  in  fears  shaU  reap  in  hS'^^f 

4  *  prS^s^le^sniiT'^rff.^*'^' ^^-r^^ 

asram  with  rejoicing  h,H„  ^^"'i^less  come  M  Or.Much 
mtkhim.    '^•'^^^^''S,  btmgms  his  eheavesr^«k-2^£ 

■^  law  i'n^aah^i'i^'^?.^?"^^' they 
the  Lord  keep  "he  S  t"). '^  ^*-  ""^^^I'^ 
waketh6««in?ain  ^'  *^^  watchman 

uplat'.^r^aVirete^?^'^'-'^'  to  «it 


bre;.si;,?of  ?he  LoL^'feS*;!^  ^«  by  say,  'The 
you  in  the  nameKS^''"^  ^^  '^^^^^ 

niJT  «  «f  *;*  ^°,"^  of  degrees. 
V/L,T,ito'^P*^^^^«  I  cried  onto 

.3  If*  th.:,?  Lord  ?hn,,M^?"PP"^-^"«n° 

thou;i  .t  ;isi\iis^^"^  "^^^  *^^«- tj^-* 

and  in\^^,?JrS^K^«0"idoth  wait. 

PSALMi3oj«;e  ^ouD  eK^mVcJ^^nd'u^^^^K^"'^^ 
Pkineous  redemption!  ^'         "^*^  '^  «« 


--.-.  65. 1  P^'"Teous  redemption   ■" — '  "'""  "™  ^ 
fo.,2..|,S  And.he  shafi  redeem  Israel  from  all 


•'on»h2.2.     '^  -(na^he  ( 
c|°°^3.20.    his  iniquities. 

*ph- 1.  /     1  n^.  v»        PSALM  CXXXT 


•D  T  Ptl'5T;'T»  •       ^  of  degrees.  ^^ 


PSALM  131. 

Ko.  12.  16. 
-  walk. 
2  wonderful. 

Job  12.  a. 

"  ■  IS.  3. 
or.  H. 

*  from  now.  I 


*  «„         "<>/'«  «»  God. 
T  Orn  tT^°'^^eK'-ees  of  David. 

-L'"e?e'?io"^t'y?l?eitlier?o"/l'*-^'"^'- '"'■''« 
gfui^-eati^SlTrStife^^^^^ 

se&tchilffiusTel""!*';?'?*^'^  ^™^^ 

henceforlKdfei?  *^'  ■LoBD4fi.o„ 
12)a.i<|.,p,£SA,^MCXXXn. 

LSrem^mtTSlSani^.^,,, 


SaJ'dv  of  ihe  Godly.' 


PSALMS  cxx-cxxvn. 


Tltdr  Confidence  in  God, 


confessions,  and  i-rofessions  of  the  Psalm. 
The  writer  desires  God's  favour,  that  he  may 
praise  Him  for  His  truth,  confesses  that  he 
has  erred,  but,  in  the  midst  of  all  his  wander- 
inps  and  adversities,  professes  an  abiding 
attachment  to  the  revealed  word  of  God, 
the  theme  of  such  repeated  eulogies,  and 
the  recognised  source  of  such  great  and 
unnumbered  blessings.  Thus  the  Psalm, 
thougli  more  than  usually  didactic,  is  made 
the  medium  of  both  parts  of  devotion— prayer 
and  praise. 

PSALM  CXX. 

Ver.  1-7.  This  is  the  first  of  fifteen  Psalms, 
(120-134,1,  entitled,  "A  Song  of  degrees"  1 121st 
—lit.,  A  Song  ./or  the  degrees,;,  or,  ascents.  It 
seems  most  probable  they  were  designed  for 
the  use  of  the  people,  when  cioina  up  cL  1  Ki. 
12.  27,  28)  to  Jerusalem  on  the  festival  occa- 
sions (Lent.  16.  16.  ,  three  times  a-year. 
David  apjiears  as  the  author  of  four,  Solo- 
mon of  one  (127.)  and  the  other  ten  are  anony- 
mous, probably  composed  after  the  captivity. 
In  this  Psalm  the  writer  acknowledges  God's 
mercy,  prays  for  relief  froin  a  malicious  foe, 
whose  punishment  he  anticipates,  and  then 
repeats  his  complaint. 

2,  3.  Slander  and  deceit  charged  on  his  foes 
implies  his  innocence,   tongue— as  Ps.  52. 2, 4. 

4.  coals  of  juniper— which  retain  heat  long. 
Sharp  arrows  of  ihe  iiiiglity— Destructive  in- 
flictions. Tills  verse  may  be  read  as  a  descrii> 
tion  of  the  wicked,  but  better  as  their  pun- 
ishment, in  reply  to  the  question  of  v.  3.  5. 
A  residence  in  these  remote  lands  pictures 
his  niserable  condition.  6,  7.  While  those 
who  stirroimded  him  were  maliciously  hos- 
tile, he  was  disposed  to  peace.  This  Psalm 
Diay  well  begin  such  a  series  as  this,  as  a  con- 
trast to  the  promised  joys  of  God's  worship. 

PSALM  CXXI. 

Ver.  1-8.  God's  guardian  care  of  His  people 
celebrated. 

1.  To  list  nv  the  eyes  expresses  desire  of. 
Ps.  2y.  1,),  mingled  with  expectation.  Ihe 
last  clause,  read  as  a  question,  is  answered, 
2.,  by  avowing  God  to  be  the  helper,  of  whose 
ability  His  creative  power  is  a  pledge  (Ps. 
115. 1.5,;,  to  which,  3,4.,  His  sleepless  vigilance 
is  added,    to  be  moved— (cf.  Is.  ::;.*.  i6;  (.(i.O.). 

5.  upon  thy  right  hand— a  protector's  place  (Ps. 
109.  31;  110.  n.).  6  8.  God  keeps  His  peop'e 
at  all  times  and  in  all  peiils.  nor  tbe  moan 
by  night— poetically  represents  the  dangers 
of  the  niiiht,  over  which  the  moon  presides 

Gen.  1. 16.).  thy  going  out,  Azc— All  thy  ways 
(Deut.  28. 19;  Ps.  104.23.).  evermore— includes 
a  future  state. 

PSALM  CXXII. 

Ver.  1-8.    This  Psalm  might  well  express 

the  sacred  joy  of  the  pilgrims  on  entering  the 

holy  ciiy,  where  praise,  as  the  religious  as 

well  as  civil  metropolis,  is  celebrated,  and 


its  civil,  and  especially  the  religious  relations, 
was  involved  thatof  Israel,  now— as  I's.  115 
2.  Let  me  say— hcnse  of  .  .  .  God— In  wider 
sense,  the  Church,  whose  welfare  would  be 
ptomoted  by  the  good  of  Jerusalem. 
PSALM  CXXIIl. 

Ver.  1-4.  An  earnest  and  expecting  prayer 
for  divine  aid  in  distress. 

1.  (Gf.  Ps.  121.1.;.  thou  that  dwellest— Ki., 
sittestas  enthroned  'of.  Ps.  2.  4;  113.  4,  5.).  2. 
Deference,  submission,  and  trust,  are  all  ex- 
pressed by  the  figure.  3,  The  coitfempt  was 
that  of  the  htathen,  and,  perhaps,  Samaritans 
(Neh.  1.  3;  2.  10.).  4.  of  these  that  are  at  ease— 
self-complacently,  disregarding  God's  law, 
and  despising  His  people. 

PSALM  CXXIV. 

Ver.  1-8.  The  writer,  for  the  Church  praises 
God  for  past,  and  expresses  trust  tor  future, 
deliverance  irom  foes. 

1,  2.  on  our  side- for  us  (Ps.  56,  9.).  now— 
or,  oh!  let  Israel,  &c.  rose  .  .  .  against,  (fee— 
(Ps.  3.  1;  56.  11.;.  Then— i.e..  The  time  of  our 
danger,  quirk— lit.,  living  (I^uhi.  16.  32,  33,), 
description  of  ferocity.  4,  5.  (Cf.  Ps.  18. 4, 10.). 
The  eiiithet  proud  added  to  waters  denotes 
insolent  enemies.  6, 7.  The  figure  is  changed 
to  that  of  a  rapacious  wild  beast  (Ps.  3.  7,), 
and  then  of  a  fowler  (Ps.  91.  3,),  and  complete 
escavie  is  denoted  by  breaking  the  net.  8. 
(Cf.  Ps.  121.  2.].  name— in  the  usual  sense  .Ps. 
6.  11;  20.  1.). 

PSALM  CXXV. 

Ver.  1-5.  God  honours  the  confidence  of 
His  people,  by  protection  and  deliverance, 
and  leaves  hypocrites  to  the  doom  of  the 
wicked. 

1,2.  mount  Zion— as  an  emblem  of  perma- 
nence, and  the  locality  of  Jerusalem  as  one  of 
security,  represent  the  firm  and  protected 
condition  of  God's  people  fcf.  Ps.  46.  6.).  They 
that  trust— (i;.  1,),  are  "His  people,"  iv.  2.), 
3.  TJicvfih  (iod.  may  leave  them  for  a  time 
under  the  rod,  or,  power  (Ps.  2.9,),  and  oppres- 
sion of  the  wicked  as  a  chastisement. 
He  will  iiot  suffer  them  to  be  tempted 
so  as  to  fall  into  sin  1  Cor.  10.  13.).  4.  Cf. 
Ps.  7.  10;  84.  11.;.  5.  Those  who  turn  aside 
(under  temptation)  permanently,  .show  that 
they  are  hypocrites,  and  their  lot  or  iiortion 
shall  be  with  the  wicked  (Ps.  28.  3,).  crooked 
wtys— (cf.  Deut.  9.  16;  Mai.  2.  8,  9.).  The  bye- 
ways  of  sin  from  the  way  of  life. 
PSALM  CXX  VI. 

Ver.  1-6.  To  praise  for  God's  favour  to  His 
people  is  added  a  prayer  for  its  continued 
manifestation. 

1-3.  The  joy  of  those  returned  from  Baby- 
lon was  ecstatic,  and  elicited  the  admiration 
even  of  the  heathen,  as  illustrating  God's 
great  power  and  goodness,  turned  again  the 
capiivity— i.e.,  restored  irom  it  (Job,  ;.9.  12.; 
Ps.  14.  7;  Pro.  12. 14.).   4.  AD  did  not  return  at 


for  whose  prosperity,  as   representing  the  j  once;  hence  the  prayer  for  repeated  favours. 


the  streams  in  the  south— or,  the  torrents 


Church,  prayer  is  offered. 

1,  2.  Our  teet  shall  stand— Mi.,  are  standing.  I  reappearing  after  dry  seasons.  6,  6.  As  in 
gate?- (cf.Ps.9. 14;87.  2.1.  3-5.  compact  together  (husbandry,  the  .sower  may  cast  his  seed  m  a 
—All  parts  united,  as  in  David's  time,  lesti- 1  dry  and  jsarched  soil,  with  desponding  fears, 
r  01  y— If  nnto  is  supplied,  tl>is  mav  denote  so  tliose  shall  reap  abundant  fruit  v*  ho  toil 
the  ark  Ex.  25.  10-21;);  otherwise  the  act  of  in  tears  with  the  prayer  of  faith.  Cf.  the 
going  is  denoted,  called  a  testimony  in  allu- ,  history  (Ezra,  6.  16,  22.' 
sion  to  the  requisiti'  n  rDeut.  16.  16,),  with  tio  a  t  T«/r  , 

which  it  was  a  compliance,     there  ave  set 


PSALM  CXXVTL 
Ver.  1-5.    The  theme  of  this  Psalm,  that 


thrciifs— or,  do  sit,  thrones  used  for  the  occii-  humaji,  entirprises  only  succeed  ly  the  dirine 

pants,  David's  sons   2  Sam.  8.  iS,'.    6,7.  Let  blessing,  was  probably  associated  with  the 

peace,   including    prosi  erity,   every  Aviiere  building  of  the    temple    by   J^olomon,   its 

prevail.    8,  9.  As  the  we.lare  of  the  city,  la  author.    It  may  have  been  adopted  iu  this 
4:^3 


F&f  the  rtm(yoat  of  m  ark.       PS ALMS  CX:XXin-CXXX  Vt 


God^s  care  of  Tsrad, 


-3  Sm-ely  1  will  not  come  into  the  taber- 
nacle of  my  house,  nor  go  up  into  my  bed; 

4  I  will "  not  give  sleep  to  mine  eyes,  or 
alumber  to  mine  eyelids, 

5  Until  1  find  out  a  place  for  the  Lord 
Ian  habitation  for  the  mighty  God  of 
Jacob. 

6  Lo,  we  heard  of  it »  at  Ephratah;  '  we 
found  it  <i  in  the  fields  of  the  wood. 

7  ^Ve  will  tro  into  his  tabernacles;  we  will 
worship  at  his  t'octstool. 

8  Arise, "  O  Lord,  into  thy  rest;  thou,  and 
the  ark  of  thy  stren;;-th. 

9  Let  thy  priests /be  clothed  with  righte 
ousness;  and  let  thy  saints  shout  for  joy. 

10  For  thy  servant  David's  sake  turn  not 
away  the  lace  of  thine  anointed. 

11  The  Lord  hath  sworn  in  truth  unto 
David;  he  will  not  turn  from  it;  ^  Of  the 
fruit  of  2  thy  body  will  I  set  upon  thy 
throne. 

12  If  thy  children  will  keep  my  covenant 
and  my  testimony  that  I  shall  teach  thtin, 
their  children  shall  also  sit  upon  thy 
throne  for  evermore. 

13  For  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Zion;  he 
hath  desired  it  for  his  habitation. 

14  This  is  my  rest  for  ever:  here  will  I 
dwell ;  for  1  have  desired  it. 

15  1  will  3  abundantly  bless  her  provision: 
I  will  satisfy  her  poor  with  bread. 

16  1  'i  will  also  clothe  her  priests  with  sal- 
vation; •  and  her  saints  shall  shout  aloud 
for  ^oy. 

17  There  /  will  I  make  the  horn  of  Da^id 
to  bud:  1  have  ordained  a  *  lamp  for  mine 
anointed. 

18  His  enemies  will  1  clothe  with  shame: 
but  upon  himself  shall  his  crown  flourish. 

rSALM  CXXXllL 

Benefit  of  the  coynmunion  of  aainU, 

A  Song  of  degrees  of  David. 

"REHOLD.  how  good  and  how  pleasant  {« 

■^  is  for  "  brethien  to  dwell  l  together  in 

nnity! 

2  It  is  like  *  the  precious  ointment  upon 
the  head,  that  ran  down  upon  the  beard, 
even  Aaron's  beard ;  that  went  down  to  the 
skirts  of  his  garments; 

3  As  the  dew  of*  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew 
that  descended  upon  the  mountains  of 
Zion:  for  <*  there  the  Lord  commanded  the 
blessing,  even  life  for  evennore. 

PSALM  CXXXIV. 

An  exhortation  to  bless  Qod, 

A  Song  of  degrees. 

REIIOLD,  bless  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  ser- 

■*^^  vants  of  the  Lord,  "which  by  night 

stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

2  Lift ''  up  your  hands  i  in  the  sanctuary, 
and  bless  tlie  Lord. 

3  The '  Lord  that  made  heaven  and  earth 
bless  <*  thee  outot  Zion. 

PSALM  CXXXV. 
1  Erhortation  to  O^^d's  servants  to  pratse  htm  for 
his  merey,  6  power,  S  and  judgments.  15  Konity 
of  idols.     19  JCxhortation  to  bless  God. 

pRAlSE  ye  the  Lord.  Praise  ye  the 
-*■  name  of  the  Lord;  praise  Aim,  0  ye 
servants  of  the  Lord. 

2  Ye  "  that  stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
in  the  coiuts  of  the  house  of  our  God, 

3  Piaise  the  Lord;  for  the  Lord  is  good; 
sing  praises  unto  his  name;  for  it  is 
pleasant, 

4  For  *  the  Lord  hath  chosen  Jacob  unto 
himself.axU  Israel  for  his  peculiar  treasure,  j 


e  1  Sa.  7.  1. 
dlChr.lSS. 
«  Nu.  lu.  36. 

2  Ckr.  6. 

41. 
/Job  29. 14. 

Is.  61.  10. 
0  -2  S«.  7. 12. 

Lu.  1.  69. 

Acts  2.  ;«. 

2  thj  belly. 

3  Or,«urely. 
A2Chr.C.41. 
«  Hos.  11.12. 
;  EKk.  29. 

21. 


PSALM  133, 
a  Gen.  13.  8, 

1  Cor.  1. 

10. 

Heb.  18. 1. 

together. 
b  Ex.  30.  26. 
«  Deu.  4.  48. 
dLeT.26  21. 

Deu.  28.  8. 

P».  42.  8. 


FSALH  134. 
a  1  Chr.  9. 


PSALH136 

0  Lu.  2.  37. 
b  Ex.  19.  6. 

Deu.  7.  6,7. 

Jer.  10.  13. 

Jer.  61.16. 
d  Job  28.  26. 

Zech.  lU.l. 
•  Job  38.  22. 

1  from  mu> 
untobcMt. 

/Nu.  21  24. 

g  Josh.  12.  7. 

A  Gen.  17.8. 
Ei.  3.  16. 
to  genera- 
tioD  and 

j  Deu.  82  30. 


5  For  I  know  that  the  Lord  is  great,  and 
that  our  Lord  is  above  all  gods. 

6  Whatsoever  the  Lord  pleased,  that  did 
he  in  heaven,  and  in  earth,  in  the  seas,  and 
all  deep  pl.-ues, 

7  He  "^  causeth  the  vapours  to  ascend  from 
the  ends  of  the  earth: ''  he  maketh  light- 
nings  for  the  rain:  he  bringeth  the  wind 
out  oi' his  "treasuries. 

8  W  ho  smote  the  tii'str-bom  of  Egypt,  ^  both 
of  mail  and  beast. 

9  Who  sent  tokens  and  wonders  into  the 
midst  of  thee,  O  Egypt,  upon  Phai-aoh,  and 
upon  all  his  son'ants. 

10  Who /smote  great  nations,  and  slew 
mighty  kii:gs; 

11  .Sihon  king  of  the  Amorites,  and  Oe 
king  of  Bashan,  and  "  all  the  kingdoms  of 
Canaan: 

12  And  gave  their  land/or  an  heritage,  an 
heritage  «  unto  Isniel  his  people. 

13  Thy  <■  name,  O  Lord,  endvrtth  for  ever; 
and  thy  menioiial,  O  Lord,  !*  throughout 
all  generations. 

14  For  >  the  Lord  will  judge  his  people, 
and  he  will  repent  himself  concemmg  his 
servants. 

15  The  idols  of  the  heathen  are  silver  and 
gold,  the  work  of  men's  hands. 

16  They  have  mouths,  hut  they  speaknot; 
eyes  have  they,  but  they  see  not; 

17  They  have  ears,  but  they  hear  not:  nei- 
ther is  there  any  breath  in  their  mouths. 

18  They  that  make  them  are  like  unto 
them :  so  is  every  one  that  trusteth  in  them. 

19  liless  the  Lord,  0  house  of  Israel:  bless 
the  Lord,  O  house  of  Aaron: 

20  liless  the  Lord,  O  bouse  of  Levi:  yo 
that  tear  the  Lord,  bless  the  Lord. 

21  Blessed  be  the  Lord  out  of  Zion,  which 
dwelleth  at  J  erusalem.  Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXXXVI. 
Exhortation  to  yiraise  God  for  particular  mercies, 
Q  GIVE  thanks  imto  the  Lord;  tor  lie  is 
^^  good :  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

2  O  give  thanks  unto  "  the  God  of  gods: 
for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

3  0  give  thanks  to  the  *  Lord  of  lords:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

4  To  him  who  alone  doeth  great  wonders; 
for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

5  To  "  him  that  by  wisdom  made  the  hea. 
vens:  for  his  mercy  endnrtth  for  ever. 

6  To  <*  him  that  stretched  out  the  earth 
above  the  waters:  tor  his  mercy  endurtth 
for  ever. 

7  To  '  him  that  made  great  lights:  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

8  The  sun  i  to  rule  by  day:  for  bis  mercy 
endureth  for  ever: 

9  The  moon  and  stars  to  rule  by  night:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

10  To  him  that  smote  Egypt  in  their  first- 
bom:  for  his  mercy  endurtth  tor  ever: 

11  And/ brought  out  Israel  from  among 
them:  for  his  mercy  endureth  forever: 

12  With  a  strong  hand,  and  with  a 
stretched-out  arm:  for  his  mercy  endureth 
for  ever. 

13  To  "  him  which  divided  the  Red  sea 
into  parts:  for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

14  And  made  Israel  to  pass  tlirough  the 
midst  of  it:  for  his  mercy  endureth  lor 
evir: 

15  Bats  overthrew  Pharaoh  and  his  host 
in  the  Red  sea:  for  his  nieicy  endureth  for 
ever. 

lo  To  ''  him  which  led  his  people  through 


Blessings  of  the  Godly. 


view,  as  suited  to  this  series  especially,  as 
appropriately  expressing  the  rentimeiits  of 
God's  worshippers  in  relation  to  the  erection 
of  the  second  temple. 

1,  2.  suggest  the  view  of  the  theme  given, 
so  he  givetn  his  beloved  sleep— i.e.,  His  provi- 
dential care  gives  sleep  which  no  ettbrts  of 
ours  can  otherwise  procure,  and  this  is  a 
reason  for  trust  as  to  other  thini^s  (cf.  Mat. 
fi.  20-32.;.  3-5.  Posterity  is  often  represented 
as  a  blessing  from  God  (Gen.  30.  2, 18;  l  Sam. 
1.  !!),  -0.1.  Children  are  represented  as  tlie 
(Icitiiders  [arrowsi  of  their  parents  in  war, 
aad  m  litigation,  advn-sarif.s  in  tlte  gate,  or 
place  of  public  business  (cf.  Job,  5.  4;  Ps.  69. 

PSALM  CXXVIII. 
Ver.  1-6.    The  temporal  blessings  of  true 

piety. 

1.  (Cf.  Ps.  1. 1.).  2.  For  thou  slialt  eat— i.e.. 
It  is  a  blessing  to  live  on  the  fruits  of  one's 
own  industry.  3.  by  u.e  sides  — or,  within 
(Ps.  48.  2.}.  Olive  plants  are  peculiarly  luxu- 
riant (Ps.  .52.  8.!.  5.  In  temporal  blessings 
the  pious  do  not  forget  the  richer  blessings 
of  Uod's  grace,  which  they  shall  ever  en.joy. 
6.  Long  life  crowns  ail  other  temporaUavuurs. 
As  Ps.  125.  6,  tins  Psalm  closes  with  a  prayer 
for  peace,  with  prosperity  lor  Goa's  people. 
I'SALM  CXXIX. 

Ver.  1-8.  Tlie  people  oi  God,  often  delivered 
from  enemies,  are  confident  of  His  favour, 
by  their  overthrow  in  future. 

1,  2.  may  Israel  nov/  saj— or,  oh!  let  Israel 
say  (Ps.  124.  J.).  Israel's  youth  was  the  so- 
.iourn  in  Egypt  (Jer.  2.  2;  Hos.  2.  15.).  pre- 
vailed—a^.,  heeii'  able,  i.e.,  to  accomplish  their 
purpose  again.st  me  (Ps.  13.  4.).  3,  4.  The 
vloughing  is  a  figure  -of  scourging,  which  most 
severe  physical  infliction  aptly  represents 
all  kinds,  the  cords— i.e.,  which  fasten  the 
plough  to  the  ox;  and  cutting,  this  denotes 
(^od's  arresting  the  persecution.  5,  6.  The 
)ll-rooted  roo;  grass,  which  withers  befoieit 
grows  up,  and  procures  for  those  gathering 
it  no  harvest  blessing  lEuth,  2.  4,),  sets  forth 
the  utter  uselessness,  and  the  rejection  of 
the  wicked. 

PSALM  CXXX. 

Ver.  1-8.  Tlie  penitent  sinner's  hope  is  in 
God's  mercy  only. 

1,  2.  depths— for  great  distress  (Ps.  40.  2; 
69.  3.  .  3.  shoulaest  mark— or,  take  notice, 
implying  a  confession  of  the  existence  of  sin. 
who  shall  stand— (Ps.  1.  6.).  The  question 
i^i, plies  a  negative,  which  is  thus  more 
strongly  stated.  4.  Pardon  jiroduces  filial 
fear.  5,6.  waic  for  the  Liid~in  expectation 
I's.  2r.  14.;.  watch  for,  &c.— in  earnestness 
and  anxiety.  7,  8.  Let  Israel,  &c.— i.e..  All 
are  invited  to  seek  and  share  divine  forgive- 
ne'^s.  f:ovii  all  his  i.iiquities— or,  punishments 
of  them  (Ps.  40.  12.  <fcc.). 

PSALM  CXXXL 

Ver.  1-3.  This  Psalm,  while  expressive  of 
David's  pious  feelings  on  a.-sumin;,'  the  royal 
(th  e,  teaclies  the  humble  submissive  temper 
ot  i  I  rue  child  of  God. 

1.  eyes  i.fty— a  sign  of  pride  (Ps.  18.  2V.  . 
tx^  cise  myself— Zi(.,  vmlh  about,  or  meddle 
Kith.  2.  Surely,  &c.— The  form  is  that  ot  an 
oath,  or  strongest  assertion.  Submission  is 
denoted  by  the  figure  of  a  weaned  child. 
Soul  may  be  taken  for  desire,  which  gives  a 
more  definite  sense,  though  one  included  in 
the  idea  conveyed  by  the  usual  meaning, 
7nyselJ, 

m 


PSALMS  CXXVm-CXXXrV.       BavldsCarefortheArh. 

PSALM  CXXXIL 

Ver.  1-18.  The  writer,  perhaps  Solomon 
'cf.  V.  8,  9,i,  after  relating  David's  pious  zeal 
for  God's  service,  pleads  for  the  lultilnientof 
the  promise  (2  Sam.  7.  16,),  which,  providing 
for  a  perpetuation  of  David's  kingdom,  in- 
volved tliat  of  God's  right  worship  and  tlie 


establishment  or  the  greater  and  spiritiif 
kingdom  of  David'.''  greater  Son.  Of  Him  and 
His  kingdom  both  the  remple  and  its  worship, 
and  the  kings  and  kingdom  of  Judah,  were 
types.  The  congruity  ot  such  a  topic,  with 
the  tenor  of  this  series  of  Psalms,  is  obvious. 

1-5.  This  vow  is  not  elsewhere  recorded. 
It  expresses,  in  strong  language,  David's  in- 
tense desire  to  see  the  establishn.ent  of  God's 
worship  as  well  as  of  His  kingdom,  remember 
David— ?i<.,  remember  for  David,  i.e.,  all  his 
troubles  and  anxieties  on  the  matter,  habi- 
tation—Ki5.,  dwellings,  generally  used  to  de- 
note the  sanctuary.  6.  These  may  be  the 
"  words  of  .David"  and  his  pious  friends, 
who,  at  Ei'hratah,or  Bethlehem  (Gen.  48.  7,), 
where  he  once  lived,  may  have  heard  of  the 
ark,  which  he  found  for  the  first  time,  in  the 
lie. as  ot  the  woori— or,  Jair,  or  Kirjathjeanrrh 
,City  of  woods)  (l  Sam.  7.  l;  2  tarn.  6.  3,  4.), 
whence  it  was  brought  to  Zion.  7.  1  he  pur- 
pose of  engaging  in  God's  worship  is  avowed. 
«,  9.  The  solemn  entry  of  the  aik,  .symbolical 
of  (^od's  presence  and  i  ower.  with  the  at- 
tending priests,  into  the  sanctuary,  is  pro- 
claimed in  the  words  used  by  Solomon  (2 
Chr.  (i.  41.).  10-12.  I'll  ti  y  servant  David's 
sitke  [i.e..  On  account  of  the  promise  made 
to  hinij  urn  . .  .  ;iiioir.ted— Kepulse  not  him 
who,  as  David's  descendant,  pleads  the  pro- 
mise to  perpetuate  his  loyal  line.  After  re- 
citing the  I'romise,  sn  1  is tant tally  from  2  Sam. 
7.  12-16,  ,cf.  Acts,  2.  :m.  A:c..),  an  additional 
plea,  13.,  is  made  on  the  ground  of  God's 
choice  of  Zion  there  used  for  JeiT.salem  as 
His  dwelling,  inasmuch  as  the  prosperity  of 
the  kingdom  was  connected  with  that  of 
the  Church  'Ps.  122. 8, 9.  .  14-18.  That  choice 
is  expressed  in  Cod's  words,  I  will  nit  or 
diviil,  or  sit  enthroned.  Ihe  jry  of  the 
people  springs  from  the  blessings  of  His 
grace,  conferred  throut;h  the  medium  of  the 
priesthood,  nit-.ke  the  hern  ..  .\h  buc— enlarge 
his  iiower.  a  lamp- the  figure  of  prosperity 
Ps.  18.  10,  28;  s9.  17.;.  With  the  confounding 
of  his  enemies  is  united  his  prosperity  and 
the  unceasing  spendour  of  his  crown. 
PSALM  CXXXJII. 

Ver.  1-3.    The  bitssings  of  fraternal  unity. 

1,  2.  As  the  flagrant  oil  is  refreshing,  so 
this  affords  delight.  As  the  copious  dew, 
svtch  as  fell  on  Hermou,  falls  in  fertalising 
power  on  the  mountains  of  Zion,  so  this 
unity  is  fruitful  in  good  works.  3.  tlwre— 
i.e.,  in  Zion,  the  Chvrch;  the  material  Zion, 
blessed  with  enriching  dews,  suggests  this 
allusion  to  the  source  of  the  influence  enjoyed 
by  the  spiritual  Zion.  conimaudea  the  blessing 
-(cf.  Ps.68.  2N.i. 

PSALM  CXXXIV. 

Ver.  1-3.  1,  2.  The  people  arriving  at  the 
sanctuary  call  on  tlie  priests,  who  stahdin 
the  houae  of  rhe  Lord,  to  unite  in  iiraising 
God.  using  appropriate  gestures,  to  which 
the  priests  ivpiy.  3.  Alter  the  manner  di- 
rected (Num.  6.  23.).  by  right— as  oppo.sed 
to  morninci  (Ps.  92.  2.).  Lilt  up  your  hancs— 
—  fcf.  Ps.  28.  2.).  out  of  Zion- tlie  Church,  as 
His  residence,  and  thus  seat  of  blessings. 
Thus  closes  the  songs  of  degrees. 


Distress  in  (^arfvnty. 


PSA T3»^S  CX X X VTT-rXXXTX.      God's  aUseeinff  providence. 


the  ivildfcmess:  lor  his  mercy  endureth  for 
ever. 

17  To  him  whirh  smote  great  kings:  for 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

18  And  « slew  famous  kings:  for  his  mercy 
endureth  for  ever: 

19  Sihoiuking  of  the  Amorites:  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

20  And  Oi;  the  king  of  Bashan:  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

21  And  *  gave  their  land  for  an  hentage: 
for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever: 

22  Even  an  heritage  unto  Israel  his  ser- 
vant: for  his  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

23  Who '  remembered  us  in  our  low 
estate:  for  his  morcy  endureth  for  ever: 

24  And  hath  redeemed  us  from  oiu-  ene- 
niies:  for  his  mercy  endureth  forever. 

25  Who  "•  giveth  food  to  all  flesh:  for  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

26  0  give  thanks  unto  the  God  of  heaven: 
for  lus  mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

PSALM  CXXXVIL 
1  CoMtaney  of  the  Jews  in  captivity.    7  TKe  pro- 
phet curses  Edom  and  Jiabel. 

13  Y  "  the  rivers  of  Babylon,  there  we  sat 
*-'  down ;  yea,  we  wept,  when  we  remem- 
bered Zion. 

2  We  hanged  om- 6  harps  upon  the  willows 
in  the  midst  thereof. 

3  For  there  they  that  carried  us  away 
captive  required  of  us  la  song;  and  they 
that  a  wasted  us  required  of  ns  mirth,  say- 
ing. Sing  us  <me  ot  the  songs  of  Zion. 

4  How  shall  we  eing  the  Lobd'b  song  in 
a  8 strange  land? 

5  If  I  forget  thee,  O  Jerusalem,  let  my 
right  liand  foi-get  lier  cunning. 

6  If  1  do  not  remember  thee,  let  'my 
tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  mouth ;  if 
I  prefer  not  Jerusalem  above  *my  chief 
joy. 

7  Remember,  0  Lokd,  ^  the  children  of 
Edom  in  the  day  of  Jerusalem;  who  said, 
SKase  it,  rase  it,  even  to  the  foundation 
thereof. 

8  O  daughter  of  Babylon,  •  who  art  to  be 
6 destroyed;  happy  shall  he  he  7  that  re- 
wardeth  thee  as  thou  hast  served  us. 

9  Hanpy  shaR  he  he  that  taketh  and 
dashetn  thy  little  ones  against  8  the  stones. 

PSALM  CXXXVIII. 
1  David  praises  Ood  for  the  truth  of  hit  word:  4 

he  TprOTphesies  that  the  kings  of  the  earth  shall 

prais*  Ood. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
T  WILL  praise  thee  with  my  whole  heart: 
^  before  **  the  gods  will  I  sing  praise  unto 
thee. 

2 1  will  worship  f>  toward  thy  holy  temple, 
and  praise  thy  name  for  thv  loving-kind- 
ness and  for  thy  truth:  for  thou  hast 
magnified  '  thy  word  above  all  thy  name. 

3  In  the  day  when  I  cried  thou  answeredst 
me,  and  <*  strengthenedst  me  with  strength 
in  my  soul. 

4  All  the  kings  of  the  earth  shall  praise 
thee,  O  Lord,  when  they  hear  the  words 
of  thy  mouth. 

5  Yea,  they  shall  sing  in  the  ways  of  the 
Lokd:  for  great  is  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 

6  Tliough  tlie  Lord  be  high,  vet  *  hath  he 
respect  unto  the  lowly:  but  tne  proud  he 
knoweth  atar  off. 

7  Though /I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble, 
thou  wilt  revive  me;  thou  shalt  .stretch 
forth  thine  hand  against  the  wrath  of  mine 


tlicc  thy 
decu  wliicli 
thou  dldat 

Jer.SiJ  15. 
R«v.  18.  0. 
tho  rock. 


PSALM  ISO. 
a  Jer.  i:;  3. 

Rev.  H.  2.3. 
t  a  KL  19.27. 
e  M«t.  9.  4. 

John  2.24. 

1  Or,  wm- 

Job  31.  4. 

d  Heb.  4. 13. 
6  Pro.  16.  11. 

2  darkoDetb 

Job  34.  22. 
Dan.  2.  22. 

3  as  is  the 
darkneBft, 
BO  is  the 
light. 

4  greatly. 
6  Or, 

•trength, 

6  all' of 
thera. 

7  Or  what 
da.vB  they 
should  b« 
fashioned. 

/Is.  )1.  4. 
9  Jude  16. 
h  Job  31.  6. 

pain,  or, 
grief. 

1  <;iir.4.10, 
«  Jobs  11.  e. 


enemies,  and  thy  right  hand  shall  save 
me. 

S  The  *  Lord  will  perfect  that  which  con- 
I'enu'fb  me:  thy  mercy.  0  Lord,  endureth 
■  or  e\'er:  forsake  not  the  workB  of  thine 
own  bauds. 

PSALM  CXXXIX. 

1  Davidpraises  God  for  his  ail-seeing  providenoet 

21  his  hatred  of  the  ivickMi. 

To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

C)  L01\l),  "thou  hast  searched  me,  and 

^^   known  me. 

'2  Thou  ''knowest  my  down-sitting  and 
mine  up-rising,  thou  "  understands, st  my 
thought  afirotf. 

3  Thou  1  compassest  m,y  path  and  my 
lyinir  down,  and  art  acquainted  with  all  my 
ways. 

4  For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue, 
tnit.  lo,  O  LoBD,  "ithou  knowest  it  alto- 
gether. 

5  Thou  hast  beset  me  behind  and  before, 
and  hiiJ  thine  hand  upon  me. 

6  Such  knowledge  is  too  wondeifnl  for 
me:  it  is  high,  1  cannot  attain  unto  it. 

Whither  shall  I  go  from  thy  .Spirit?  or 
whither  shnll  I  flee  fi-om  thy  prc.^enc(;? 

8  If  1  ascend  up  into  heaven,  tiiou  art 
there:  ^  if  I  make  my  bed  in  hell,  beliold, 
thon  art.  there. 

d  If  1  take  the  wings  of  the  moniing,  and 
dv,i  11  in  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  sea; 

10  Even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me, 
and  tliy  right  hand  shall  hold  rne. 

11  If  I  say.  Surely  the  darkness  shall 
cover  me;  even  the  night  shall  be  light 
about  me. 

12  Yea,  tlie  darkness  2  hideth  not  from 
thee;  but  the  night  shineth  as  the  day: 
3  the  darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike 
to  thee. 

13  For  thon  hast  possessed  my  reins:  thou 
hast  covered  me  in  my  mother's  womb. 

14  I  will  prai.se  thee;  for  I  am  fearfully 
a7ui  wondeiAillymade:  marvellous  are  thy 
works;  and  ihat  my  soul  knoweth  *  right 
well. 

15  My  6  substance  was  not  hid  from 
thee,  when  I  was  made  in  secret,  and 
curiously  wrought  in  the  lowest  parts  of 
the  earth. 

16  Thine  eyes  did  see  my  substance,  yet 
being  unperfect ;  and  in  tliy  book  ''>  all  my 
merid>ers  were  written,  ^wltich  in  continu- 
ance  were  fashioned,  when  as  yet  there  was 
none  of  them. 

17  How  precious  also  are  thy  thoughts 
unto  me,  0  God!  how  great  is  the  sum  of 
them! 

18  If  I  should  count  them,  they  are  more 
in  number  than  the  sand:  when  I  awake, 
I  am  still  with  thee. 

19  Surely  thou  wilt  /slay  the  wicked,  0 
God:  depail  from  me  therefore,  ye  bloody 
men. 

20  For  they  <'  speak  against  thee  wickedly, 
and  thine  enemies  take  thy  name  in 
vain. 

21  Do  not  I  hate  them,  O  Lord,  that  hate 
thee  ?  and  am  not  I  grieved  with  those  that 
rise  up  against  thee? 

22  I  hate  them  with  perfect  hatred;  I 
count  them  mine  enemirs. 

23  Search  ''  me,  V  God,  and  know  my 
heart;  try  me,  and  know  my  thonc:hts; 

24  And  see  ii  there  he  any  »  wicked  way 
in  me,  and  •  lead  me  in  the  way  everlast- 
ing. 


Goers  Care  of  Israel. 


PSALMS  CXXXV-^XXXIX.   GocVs  cdUeeing  Providence. 


Ver. 


PSALM  CXXXV. 
-21.    A  Psalm  of  praise,  in  which 


punish. 
(Lam.  4. 


the  day  of  Jerusalem— its  downfall 
21,  22;  Obad.  11-13.).     daughter  of 


God's  relations  to  ELls  Cluirch,  His  power  in  I  Babylon— the  people  (Ps.  9.  13.).    Their  de- 


the  natural  world,  and  in  delivering  His 
people,  are  contrasted  with  the  vamty  of 
idols  and  idol  worshin. 

1-3.  In  the  general  call  for  praise,  the 
priests,  that  stand  in  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
are  specially  mentioned.  4-7.  God's  choice 
of  Israel  is  the  first  reason  assigned  for  ren- 
dering praise;  the  next  His  manifested  great- 
ness in  creation  and  providence,  heaven,  and 
.  . .  seas,  and  all .  . .  ends  of  the  earth— denote 
universality.  8.  9.  The  last  plague  is  cited  to 
illustrate  His  "  tokens  and  wonders."  10-12. 
The  conqest  of  Canaan  was  by  God's  power, 
not  that  of  the  people,  heritage— or,  posses- 
sion. 13.  name  [and]  memnrial— Each  denote 
that  by  which  God  is  made  known.  14.  will 
jucge— do  justice  ,Ps.  72.  2.}.  repent  himself— 
change  his  dealings  (Ps.  90.  13.).  15-18.  Of. 
Ps.  115.  4-8.).  are  bke  uuto  them— or,  shall  be 
like,  &c.  Idolaters  become  spiritually  stupid, 
and  perish  with  tli'.  r  idols  (Isa.  1. 31.).  19-21. 
iCf.  Ps.  115.  9-11.).  'ihere  we  have  trtist  for 
bles>-  here,  out  cf  Zion— (cf.  Ps,  ]  10.  2;  134.  3.) . 
From  the  Church,  as  a  centre.  His  praise  is 
diffused  througliout  the  earth. 
PSALM  CXXXVI. 

Ver.  1-26.  The  theme  is  the  same  as  that 
of  135th.  God  should  be  praised  for  His 
works  of  creation  and  providence.  His  deli- 
verance and  care  of  His  people,  and  judg- 
ments on  their  enemies,  and  His  goodness 
to  all.  The  chorus  to  every  verse  is  in  the 
terms  of  that  of  Ps.  106.  l;  118.  1-4,  and  was 
perhaps  used  at  ihe  Amen  by  the  people, 
in  woi  ship  cf.  1  Chr.  16.  36;  Ps.  105.  46..). 

1-3.  The  divine  titles  denote  supremacy. 
4.  ale ne— excluding  all  help.  6,  6.  by  [or,  in] 
wisdom— iPs.  104.  24.).  made— K^.,  maker  of. 
above  for.  higher  than]  the  waters— (Ps.  24.  2.). 
12.  Cf.  similar  expressions,  lEx.  3.  20;  Deut. 
4.  34,  &c.).  15.  overthrew— lit.,  shook  off,  as 
Ex.  14.  27,  as  a  contemptuous  rejection  of  a 
reptile.  23.  remembered  us— or,  for  us  (Ps. 
132.  1.).  our  low  estate— i.e.,  captivity.  24. 
And  hath  redeemed  [or  lit,  snatch<:d\  us— allud- 
ing to  the  sudden  deliverance  effected  by  the 
overthrow  of  Babylon.  25.  To  the  special 
favours  to  His  people  is  added  the  record  of 
God's  goodness  to  all  His  creatures  cf.  Mat. 
6.  30.  .  26.  God  of  heaven— occurs  but  once 
(Jon.  1.  9  before  the  captivity.  It  is  used  by 
the  later  writers  as  specially  distinguishing 
God  from  idols. 

PSALM  cxxxvn. 

"^''er.  1-9.  This  Psalm  records  the  mourn- 
ing of  the  captive  Israelites,  and  a  prayer 
and  prediction  respecting  the  destruction  of 
their  enemies. 

1.  rivers  of  Babylon— The  name  of  the  city 
used  tor  the  whole  country,  remembered  Zion 
—or,  Jerusalem,  as  Ps.  132.  13.  2.  upon  the 
willows— which  may  have  grown  there  then, 
if  not  now;  as  the  palm,  which  was  once  com- 
mon, is  now  rare  in  Palestine.  3,  4.  Whether 
the  request  was  in  curiosity  or  derision,  the 
answer  intimates  that  a  comi)liance  was  in- 
coLgruous  with  their  mournful  feelings  ;Pro. 
2':.  20.).  5,  6.  For  joyful  songs  would  imply 
forgetfulness  of  their  desolated  homes  and 
fallen  Church.  The  solemn  imprecations  on 
the  "hand"  and  '"  tongue."  i{  thus  forgetful, 
relate  to  the  cunning  or  skill  in  playing,  and 
the  power  of  singing.  7-9.  Remember  ...  the 
tiiiiareu  of  Edom— icf.  Ps.  132.  1.).  i.e.,  to 
425 


struction  had  been  abundantly  foretold  (Lsa. 
13.  14;  Jer.  51.  23.).  For  the  terribleness  of 
that  destruction,  God's  righteous  judgment, 
and  not  the  passions  of  the  chafed  Israelites, 
was  responsiVile. 

PSALM  CXXXVIII. 

Ver.  1-8.  David  thanks  God  for  His  bene- 
fits, and,  anticipating  a  wider  extension  of 
God's  glory,  by  His  means,  assures  hiuiself 
of  His  continued  presence  and  faithfulness. 

1.  (Cf.  Ps.  9.1.).    before  the  gcds— whether 

igels  (Ps.  8. 5;) -,01  princes  (Ex.  21.  6;  Ps.  82. 6;); 
or  idols  Ps.  97.  7;) ;  denotes  a  readiness  to  wor- 
ship the  true-*  jod  alone,  and  a  contempt  of  all 
other  objects  of  worship.  2.  (Cf.  Ps.  6. 7.).  t'ay 
word  abi-ve  all  thy  ivme— i.e.,  God'<i  promise 
(2  Sam.  7.,),  sustained  by  His  mercy  and  truth, 
exceeded  all  other  manifestations  of  Himself 
as  subject  of  praise,  3-5.  That  promise,  as 
an  answer  to  his  prayers  in  distress,  revived 
and  strengthened  his  faith,  and,  as  the  basis 
of  other  revelations  of  the  Messiah,  wiU  be 
tlie  occasion  of  praise  by  all  who  hear  and 
receive  it  (Ps.  68.  29,  31;  Isa.  4.  3.).  ior  great 
(is)  the  glory— or,  when  the  glory  shall  be 
great,  in  God's  fulfilling  His  purposes  of  re- 
demption. 6,  7.  On  this  general  principle  of 
God's  government  (Isa.  2.  11;  57.  15;  66.  2,), 
he  relies  for  God's  favour  in  saving  him,  and 
overthrowing  his  enemies,  knoweth  afar  off 
—their  wjiys  and  deserts  (Ps.  1.  6.).  8.  God 
will  fulfil  His  promise. 

PSALM  CXXXIX. 

Ver.  1-24.  After  presenting  the  sublime 
doctrines  of  God's  omnipresence  and  omnis- 
cience, the  Psalmist  appeals  to  Him,  avow- 
ing his  innocence,  his  abhorrence  of  the 
wicked,  and  his  ready  submission  to  the 
closest  scrutiny.  Admonition  to  the  wicked 
and  comfort  to  the  pious  are  alike  implied 
inferences  from  these  doctrines. 

1,  2.  searched  me— as  one  searches,  or  digs 
for  ore  (Job,  28.  3.).  knowest— all  n.y  condi- 
tions and  acts,  understandest  my  thought  [or, 
in  respect  to  my  thought,  its  origin  and 
purport]  afar  off— not  hindered  by  distance. 
6.  compassest  [explorest]  my  path— track,  or 
course,  lying  Aown—lit.,  lair,  the  terms  aU 
suiting  the  figure  of  a  hunter  seeking  game. 
4,  5.  The  accuracy  and  fulness  of  this  know- 
ledge strikingly  expressed.  6.  We  must  be- 
lieve, though  we  cannot  comprehend,  God's 
omniscience.  7-10.  The  questions  involve  a 
most  positive  denial.  All  parts  of  the  uni- 
verse are  denoted  by  the  examples.  The 
terms  of  v.  10  imply  friendship  Ps,  18.  16; 
55.  6.).  11, 12.  We  are  under  His  eye  by  day 
and  night.  13.  For— .4s  a  reason,  implies 
that  these  attributes  are  evinced  in  God's 
creative  agency,  now  unfolded,  since  He  must 
know  His  own  work,  with  whose  hi'  den 
origin  He  is  familiar.  14-16.  The  sentiment 
ofi;.  13  more  fnlly  unfolded,  as  ground  for 
praising  God.  My  substance- or.  Frame  work 
iPs.  6.  2.1.  lowest  parts  of  the  earth— the  most 
inscrutably  secret  place,  open  only  to  God's 
eyes.  In  Job,  1.  21,  the  figure  is  inverted, 
and  the  grave  is  used  for  the  womb .  curiously 
wrought— ;i<.,  embroidered,  as  needle  work, 
intricate  and  wonderlully  adjusted  (cf.  Ex. 
26.  36.).  ri-y  fubstance  .  . .  unperfect— Hi.,  un- 
penned substoncfi.  or  embryo.  The  rest  of  : 
this  obscure  verse  may  be  translated:  "  and 
in  thy  book  are  written  aU  of  them:  days  are 


Prayers  for  aeliveranee 


PSALMS  CXL-CXLTV. 


from  enemies. 


PSALM  CXL. 

1  X>avid  prayt  to  be  delivered  from  Saul  and 
Dotg:  ^ he  frays  against  them:  12  he  comforts 
himself  by  conjidenee  in  God. 
To  the  chief  Musician,  A  Psalm  of  David. 

HELIVER  me,  O  Lord,  from  the  evil 

^-^  man:  preserve  me  from  the  i  violent 

man; 
*J  Which  imagine  mischiefs  in  their  heart: 

continually  are  they  gathered  together /or 

war. 

3  They  have  sharpened  their  tongues  like 
a  serpent;  adders*  poison  is  under  their 
lips.    Selali. 

4  Keep  nie,  O  Lord,  from  the  hands  of 
the  wicked ;  preser^'e  me  from  the  violent 
man ;  who  have  purposed  to  overthrow  my 
goings. 

5  The  "  proud  have  hid  a  snare  for  me, 
.and  cords;  they  have  spread  a  net  by  the 

way-side ;  they  have  set  gins  for  me.  iSelah. 
,  6  I  said  imto  the  Lord,  Thou  art  my  God : 
hear  the  voice  of  my  supplications,  O 
Lord. 

7  0  God  the  Lord,  the  strength  of  my 
salvation,  thou  hast  covered  my  head  in 
the  day  of  battle. 

8  Grant  not,  O  Lord,  the  desires  of  the 
wicked:  farther  not  his  wi'ked  device,  "lest 
they  exalt  themselves.    Selah. 

9  As  for  the  head  of  those  that  compass 
me  about,  let  the  mischief  of  their  own  lips 
cover  them, 

10  Let  burning  coals  fall  upon  them:  let 
them  be  cast  into  the  fire ;  into  deep  pits, 
that  they  rise  not  up  again. 

11  Let  not  '^  an  evil  speaker  be  established 
in  the  earth:  evil  shall  hunt  the  violent 
man  to  overthrow  him. 

12  I  know  that  the  Lord  will  m.aintain  the 
cause  of  the  atHicted,  and  the  right  of  the 
poor. 

13  Surely  the  righteous  shall  give  thanks 
tmto  thy  name:  the  upright  shall  dwell  in 
thy  presence. 

PSALM  CXLL 
1  David  prays  that  his  suit  may  be  aeeeptable,  3 
his  constienee  sincere,  9  and  his  life  safe  from 
snare$. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
T  ORD,  I  cry  unto  thee:  make  haste  unto 
-^  me;  give  ear  unto  my  voice,  when  I 
cry  unto  thee. 

2  Let  my  prayer  be  i  set  forth  before  thee 
as  "incense,  and  6 the  lifting  up  of  my 
hands  as  the  evening  sacrifice. 

3  Set  a  watch,  O  Lord,  before  my  mouth; 
keep  the  door  of  my  lips. 

4  Incline  '  not  my  heart  to  anv  evil  thing, 
to  practise  wicked  works  witn  men  that 
worK  iniquity:  <*  and  let  me  not  eat  of  their 
dainties. 

5 2  Let  the  righteous  smite  me;  it  shall  be 
a  kindness;  and  let  him  reprove  me;  it 
shall  be  an  excellent  oil,  which  shall  not 
break  my  head:  for  yet  my  prayer  also 
)haU  be  m  their  calamities. 

6  When  their  judges  are  overthrown  in 
rtony  places,  they  snail  hear  ray  words;  for 
chej  are  sweet. 

7  Our  bones  are  scattered  •  at  the  grave's 
mouth,  as  when  one  cutteth  and  cleaveth 
wood  upon  the  earth. 

8  But /mine  eyes  are  unto  thee,  O  GoD 
the  Lord:  in  thee  is  my  trust;  » leave  not 
my  soul  destitute. 

9  Keep  me  from  the  snares  which  tbey 
have  laid  for  me,  and  the  gina  of  the 
workers  of  iniquity. 

426 


PSALM  140. 

1  luan  of 
Tioloncea. 

»  Jer.  18.  22. 

2  Or,  let 
them  not 
bo  exalted. 
Deu.o227. 

S  «  man  of 
torque, 
or,  an  evil 

wicked ' 

Tiolence, 
bfl  estab- 
lished in 
the  earth: 
let  him  be 
hunted  to 
bia  over- 
throw. 


PSALM  1«. 

1  directed. 
a  Rev.  8.  3. 
6  1  Tim.  2. 8. 
«  Mat.  6.  13. 

Jam.  1.  13, 
d  Pro.  23.  6. 

2  Or, 
Let  the 


precious 

my  hoad, 

etc. 
e  2  Cor.  1.  9 
/  Ps.  26. 16. 

3  make  not 
my  soul 
bare. 

9  P».  35.  8. 

4  pass  over. 


PSALM  142 

1  Or,  A 
Psalm  of 
David, 
giving  in- 
struction, 

a  1  Sa.22. 1. 

2  Or,  Look 
on  the 
right  hand, 
and  see. 

3  perished 
from  me. 

4  DO  man 
sought 
after  my 
•oul. 

6LIUI1.3.S4. 


PSALM  143. 
a  Job  14.  8. 
4  Ex.  34.  7. 
1  Or,  fori 


with  thee. 
«  Ps.  25.  4. 
d  John  14.28. 

2  Tim.  1. 

14. 


FBALM 144. 

1  my  rock. 
a  'i  Sam.  22. 

36. 

2  to  thewsr, 


10  Let  ^  the  wicked  fall  into  their  own 
nets,  whilst  that  I  withal  •*  escape. 

PSALM  CXLIL 
David  shows  that  in  his  trouble  all  his  eomfort 

was  in  prayer  unto  Ood. 
1  Mascliil  of  David;  A"Prayer  "when  he  was 

in  the  cave, 
T  CRIED  unto  the  Lord  with  my  voice; 
-*■  with  my  voice  unto  the  Lord  did  I  make 
my  supplication. 

2  I  poured  out  tn_y  complaint  before  him; 
I  showed  before  him  my  tronble. 

3  When  my  si'iiit  was  overwhelmed 
within  nie,  then  thou  knewest  my  path. 
In  the  way  wherein  1  walked  have  they 
privily  laid  a  snare  for  me. 

4  '^  I  looked  on  my  right  hand,  and  beheld, 
but  there  was  no  man  that  would  know 
me:  refuge  3  failed  me;  *no  man  cared  for 
my  soul. 

5  1  cried  unto  thee,  O  Lord:  I  said.  Thou 
art  my  refuge  a^id  >>  my  portion  in  the  land 
of  the  living. 

6  Attend  unto  my  cry;  for  I  am  brought 
very  low:  deliver  me  from  my  persecutors; 
for  they  are  stronger  than  I. 

7  Biintr  my  soul  out  ot  prison,  that  I  may 
praise  thy  name:  the  righteous  shall  com- 
pass me  about;  for  thou  shalt  deal  bounti- 
fully  with  me. 

PSALM  CXLIII. 
1  David  prays  for  favour  in  judciment:  T  prays 
for  grace,  ^  deliverance,  10  Uod's  guidance  and 
support. 

A  Psalm  of  David. 
UEAR  my  prayer.  0  Lord,  give  ear  to 
'-^  my  supplications:  in  thy  faithfulnesa 
answer  me,  and  in  tliy  righteousness. 

2  And  "  enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy 
servant:  for  *in  thy  sight  shall  no  man 
living  be  justified. 

3  For  the  enemy  hath  persecuted  my  soul; 
he  hath  smitten  my  life  down  to  the  gi'ound; 
he  hath  made  nie  to  dwell  hi  darkness,  as 
those  that  have  been  long  dead. 

4  Therelore  is  my  spirit  ovenvhelmed 
within  me;  my  heart  wiihin  me  is  desolate. 

5  1  remember  the  days  of  old;  1  meditate 
on  all  thy  works;  I  muse  on  the  work  of  thy 
hands. 

6  I  stretch  forth  my  hands  unto  thee:  mv 
soul  thirsteth  after  thee,  as  a  thusty  laud. 
Selah. 

7  Hear  me  speedily,  O  Lord;  my  spirit 
faileth:  hide  not  thy  face  from  me,  ^  lest  I 
be  like  mito  them  that  go  down  into  the 
pit. 

S  Cause  me  to  hear  thy  loving-kindness  in 
the  morning;  for  in  thee  do  I  trust:  cause 
me  to  know  the  way  wherein  1  should  walk; 
for  1  lilt  up  my  soul  unto  thee. 

9  Deliver  me,  O  Lord,  from  mine  ene- 
mies: 1  2  flee  unto  thee  to  hide  me. 

10  Teach  ' me  to  do  thy  will;  fiir  thou  art 
my  God:  <*  thy  spirit  is  good;  lead  me  into 
the  land  of  uprightness. 

11  (Quicken  me,  O  Lord,  for  thy  name's 
sake:  for  thy  rij;htcousne8s'  sake  biing  my 
soul  out  of  trouble. 

12  And  of  thy  mercy  cut  oft' mine  enemies, 
and  destroy  all  them  that  afflict  my  soul: 
for  1  am  thy  senanti 

PSALM  CXLIV. 
1  David  blesses  God  for  his  mercy;  6  he  prays 
that  God  would  deliver  him  from  his  enemies. 
A  I'salm  of  David, 
"DLESSED  be  the  Lord  i  my  strength, 
■^  which  "teitcheth  my  hands  ^to  war, 
and  my  fingers  to  fight; 


Prayers  for  Deliverance 


PSALMS  CXL-CXLIV. 


from  Enemies. 


formed  and  not  one  among  them  (yet  was, ,"  of  prayer,  or  assurance  of  innocence  and  in- 
i.e.,  all  our  days  Jon,  U.  .'•, .  or  our  lives,  tegrity,  or  both  icf.  1  Sam.  24.  8-17;  2  Sam.  l. 
with  their  chanj^es  and  events,  were  written,  19-22.1.  overthrown  in  stony  places— a  mode 
or  planned  by  God,  not  one  yet  ex-sting.  17.  of  punishment  (2  Chr.  25.  12;  here  used  to  de- 
How  precious  . .  .  sum  of  them— Ttiy  thoughts  note  any  grievous  calamity.  7.  The  despe- 
or  purposes  concerning  me  are  many  and  rate  condition  of  his  party  is  stated.  Some  of 
most  valuable.  It  is  a  privilege  to  be  go-  tliem  were  left  unburied  and  uncared  for  as 
verned  by  such  a  God.  18.  siiil  witli  tree—  scattered  chips.  8.  But— or.  For,  implying  an 
to  meditate  on  these  wonders.  19.  Utter  avowal  of  his  hope  in  this  desperate  state, 
rejection  of  all  society  with  the  wicked  is  The  expressions  of  confidence  are  such  as 
denoted  by  recognising  them  as  deserving  Ps.  2. 12;  25. 16;  31. 1.  9.  !CT.  Ps.  140. 5.).  from  the 
destruction  from  God,  and  addressing  them  ;  suares—lit..  from  the  hand,  or  power  of  the 


in  terms  of  rebuke,    blcody  men—  cf.  Ps 

2(;.  9.'.    They  are  hated  as  God's  enemies, 


•  snare.     10.   Of.  Ps. 
once,  or  same  time. 


7.  16.).     withal— ^rf.,  oi 
Their  destruction,  and 


in  vain— either  as  Ps,  24.  4,  or  the  deliverance  of  the  pious,  come  together. 


we  may  translate,  K/i  tip  to  lanitiu  i.e.,  ex- 
alting themselves  against  God.  23,  24.  Only 
an  innocent  man,  or  une  resting  on  God's 


PSALM  CXLIL 
Ver.  1-7.  Maschil— Icf.  i's.  32.  title.).  When 
he  was  in  the  cave,  either  of  AduUam  d  Sam. 


mercy,  can  properly  use  this  appeal,    witkf  d  22. 1,),  or  En-gedi  il  Sam.  24. 3.).  This  does  not 
Wi^y— lit.,  vxiy  of  pain,  i.e.,  which  Jeads  to  it.  i  mean  that  the  Psalm  was  composed  in  the 


way  everlasting- which  wil'l  not  perish  (Ps.  1. 
6,),  or  leads  to  life  everlasting. 
PSALM  CXL. 


care,  but  that  the  precarious  mode  of  life,  of 
I  which  his  refuge  in  caves  was  a  striking  illus- 
I  tration,  occasioned  the  complaint,  which  con- 


Ver.  1-13.  The  style  of  this  Psalm  resembles  \  stitutes  the  first  part  of  the  Psalm,  and  fur- 
those  of  David  in  the  former  part  of  the  book, ;  nishes  the  reason  for  the  prayer  with  which 


presenting  the  usual  complaint,  prayer,  and ; 

confident  hope  of  relief  I 

1.  evil  man— which  of  David's  enemies  is  I 


it  concludes,  and  which,  as  the  prominent 
characteristic,  gives  its  name. 
1.   with  iny  voice  — audibly,  because  ear- 


lliV    Vi>] 

meant  is  not  important.  2-5.  This  character  I  nestly.  2.  tCf.  Ps.  62.  8.).  comp.aint— or,  a 
ofthewicked.andthedevicesplannedagainst :  sad  musing.  3.  thou  knewest  .  .  .  path- the 
the  pious,  correspond  to  Ps.  10.  7;  ol.  13;  68.  i  appeal  is  indicative  of  conscious  innocence; 
4,  &c.  sharpened  . . .  like  a  serpent- not  like  |  knowest  it  to  be  right,  and  that  my  affliction 
a  serpent  does,  but  they  are  thus  like  a  ser-  :  is  owing  to  the  .snares  of  enemies,  and  is  not 


pent  in  cunning  and  venom,    sniire  [and]  :;et ;  deserved  (cf.  Ps.  42.  4;  61 


-for  threatening  dangers  (cf.  Ps.  38. 12;  ,'.7.  6 
6.  (Cf.  Ps.  6. 1-12;  It;.  2.1.  7.  day  c f  battle-^ii.,  of  \  protector  (Ps.  110, 
armour,  i.e.,  when  using  it.    8.  (Cf.   Ps.  :i7.<  after,  to  do  good 


4.  Utter  deso- 


12;  66. 7.).    lest  tliey  fx.ilt  themselves— or,  Lhey  j  6.  (Cf.  Ps.  17 
will  be  exalted  if  permitted  to  pro.sper.    9. ,  I   may   praise 


lation  is  meant,    right  hand— the  place  of  a 

— i.„.i„..   I...    ,,/^    -J     cared  fox— lit.  tought 

5.  iCf.  Ps.  31.  14;  62.  7.  . 


1.).     7.  (Cf.  Ps.  26.  17.J.     that 

__  ^_ .  ...        ,  .    ,  -lit,,  for  praising,   or   that 

contrasts  his  head  covered  by  God,  {v.  7),  with  1  thy  name  may  be  praised,  i.e.,  by  the  right- 
theirs,  or  (as  head  may  be  used  lor  persons)  I  eons,  who  shall  surround  me  with  sympathis- 
with  them,  covered  with  the  results  of  their  i  ixig  joy  (Ps.  56.  27.) 


wicked  deeds  iPs.  7.  16.).  10.  (Cf.  Ps.  11.  6 
120.  4.).  To  cast  into  pre  and  deep  pits,  figures 
for  utter  destruction.  11.  an  evil  speaker— 
or,  slanderer,  will  not  be  tolerated  (Ps.  lOl.  7.) 


PSALJVI  CXLIIL 

}     Ver.  1-12.    In  .structure  and  style,  like  the 

'preceding  (Ps.  140-142.,),  this  Psalm  is  clearly 

evinced  to  be  David's.   It  is  a  prayer  for  par- 


The  last  claus*  may  be  translated:  "  on  (vil  don,  and  for  relief  from  enemies ;  afflictions. 


(man)  He  God)  shall  htmt,"  &c.  12.  (Cf.  Ps. 
9.  4.).  13.  After  all  changes,  the  righteous  J 
shall  have  cause  for  praise.  Sxxch  shall  dicell, ; 


usual,  producing  confession  and  penitence. 
1.  iu  thy  taithiulness  . .  .  and  .  .  .  rigineous- 
r,  God's  regard  to  the  claims  wiich  He 


or  sit  securely,  under  God's  protection  (Ps.   has  permitted  His  people  to  make  in  His 
21.  6;  41. 12.).  covenant.    2.  enter  .  .  .judgment—deal  not  in 

PSALM  CXLI.  I  strict  justice,    shall  no  .  .  .  justified— or,  is  no 

man  lustified,  or  innocent  (Job,  14.  3;  Eom. 
by  its  structure  and  1 3.  20.).     3,  4.  The  exciting  reason   for  his 


Ver.  1-10.    Tills  psalm  evinces  its  author 
ship  as  the  preceding,     .  ,  .  ., 

the  character  of  its  contents.    It  is  a  in-ayer  1  prayer— his  afflictions— led  to  confession 
for  deliverance  from  sins  to  which  affliction  i  just  made:  he  now  makes  the  complaint.   aE 


tempted 
caused  it. 
1.  (Cf  Ps.  17.  6;  64 


rom  the  enemies  who  i  these  tliai  iiave  been  long  dead— deprived  of 

life's  comforts  iCf.  Ps.  40. 16;  88. 3-6.  .  5,  6.  The 

1.).  2.  be  set  forth— or,  distress  is  aggravated  by  the  contrast  of  for- 


established,  constantly  accepted,  as  incense,  i  mer  comfort  (Ps.  22.  3-5,),  for  whose  return 
lifting  up  of  . .  .  hands  — a  gesture  in  prayer  i  he  longs,    a  thirsty  land— which  needs  rain, 
(cf.  Ps.  28.  2.).     The  sacrifice  meant  was  the  ,  as  did  his  spirit  God's  gracious  vis  ts  (Ps.  28. 
,  _«._._        ..   .    .  ,_,,_..<•_ —    ,.,  ,     7.  spirit  taileih— is  exhausted.    " 


meat-offering.    3,  4.  A  prayer  to  be  kept  from  l ;  69.  17 
the  sins  of  speech,  and  the  influence  of  evil  j  (Cf.  Ps. 


.6.  1-4;  59.  16.).    the  v/ay . . .  walk— i.e.. 


associations,   especially   by   means   of   the  I  the  way  of  safety  and  righteousness  Ps.  142. 
luxuriesof  the  rich  Pro.  23.  1-3.).   5.  Though  3-6.).    9.  iCf.  Ps.  3L  16-20.L    10.  (Cf.  Ps 


in  tletails  obscure,  the  verse  seems  to  teach 
that  he  prefers  the  rebukes  of  the  righteous 
to  the  allurements  of  the  wicked ;  and,  returu- 


7. 11.).  land  of  uprigiitness— Ki,  an  even  land 
Ps.  26.  12.'.  11.  Cf.  Ps.  23.  3;  119.  166.!.  12, 
(^od's  mercy  to  his  people  is  often  wrath  to 


ing  to  speak  of  the   latter,  illustrates  the  '  His  and  their  enemies    cf  Ps.  31  17.).    thy 
benefits  of  the  chastisements  ailuded  to,  by  servant— as  cho.sen  to  be  such,  entitled  to 


avowing  a  continued  prayerful  temper  as  to  divine  regard. 


the  wicked,  when  in  affliction,    not  break  my 
xd— or  lit.,  my  head  shall  not  refuse. 


Ver.  1-15. 


PSALM  CXLTV. 

David's  praise  of  God  as  h's 


their  judges  —  or,  leading  men,  i.e.',  of  the  '■  all-sufficient  help  is  enhanced  by  a  recogni- 
wicked  in  distress,  shall  appreciate  my  words  ition  oi  the  intrinsic  worthlessuess  of  inaij. 


God  to  be  praised 


PSALMS  CXLT-CXLYli.       for  his  greatness  ana  merep. 


2  3  My  gooduess,  and  my  fortress ;  my  hi?h 
tower,  and  my  deliverer;  my  shield,  and  he 
in  whom  I  trust;  who  subdueth  my  people 
under  me. 

3  Lord,  6what  is  man,  that  thou  takest 
knowledcre  of  him!  or  the  son  of  man,  that 
thou  niakest  account  of  him! 

4  Alan  is  like  to  vanity:  his  days  are  as  a 
shadow  that  passeth  away. 

5  Bow  "thy  heavens,  ()  Lord,  and  come 
down :  touch  the  raountains,  and  they  shall 
smoke. 

6  Cast  forth  lightning,  and  scatter  them: 
shoot  out  thine  arrows,  and  destroy  them. 

7  Send  thine  *  hand  from  above;  ''rid  me, 
and  deliver  me  out  of  great  waters,  from 
the  hand  of  *  strange  children; 

8  Whose  mouth  speaketh  vanity,  and 
their  right  hand  is  a  right  hand  or  false- 
hood. 

9  1  will  /sing  a  new  song  unto  thee,  0 
God:  upon  a  psaltery  and  an  instrument  of 
ten  strings  will  I  sin_g  jiraises  unto  thee. 

10  It  is  he  tliat  giveth  6  salvation  unto 
Itings:  who  delivoreth  Da\'id  his  servant 
from  the  hurtful  sword. 

11  Rid  me,  and  deliver  me  from  the  hand 
of  strange  children,  whose  mouth  speaketh 
vanity,  and  their  right  hand  is  &  right  hand 
of  falsehood. 

12  That  our  sons  may  be  as  plants  grown 
np  in  their  youth;  that  our  daugliters  viay 
be  as  comer-stones,  6  polished  a/t^r  the 
Biinilitude  of  a  palace; 

13  Tluit  our  garners  may  be  full,  affording 
'all  manner  of  store;  tliat  our  sheep  may 
bring  Ibrth  thousands  and  ten  thousands 
ill  our  streets ; 

14  That  our  oxen  may  be  8  strong  to  la 
hour;  that  there  be  "no  breaking  in,  noi 
going  out;  that  there  be  no  complaining  in 
our  streets. 

15  Happy  "  is  that  people  that  is  in  such 
a  case;  yea,  happy  is  that  people  whose 
God  is  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXLV. 
1  David  praists  God  for  his  fume,  7  goodness,  11 
the  glory  of  his  kinn'lom,  18  and  for  his  special 
favour  for  the  righteous. 

David's  fsalm  Of  praise. 

T  WILL  extol  thee,  my  God,  O  King;  and 

I  will  bless  thy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

2  Every  day  will  I  bless  thee ;  and  I  will 
praise  tfiy  name  for  ever  and  ever. 

3  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  greatly  to  be 
praised;  land  his  greatness  »s  unseai-ch- 
able. 

4  One  generation  shall  praise  thy  works  to 
another,  and  shall  declare  thy  mighty 
acts. 

5  I  will  speak  of  the  glorious  honour  of 
thy  majesty,  and  of  thy  wondrous  2  works. 

6  And  men  shall  speak  of  the  might  of 
thy  ten-ible  acts:  and  I  wills  declare  ti^y 
gi-eatness. 

7  They  shall  abundantly  *  utter  the 
memory  of  thy  gi-eat  goodness,  and  shall 
sing  of  thy  righteousness. 

8  The  "  Lord  is  gracious,  and  full  of  com- 
passion ;  slow  to  anger,  and  6  of  great 
mercy. 

9  The  Lord  *  is  good  to  all ;  and  his  tender 
mercies  are  over  all  his  works. 

le  All  *  thy  works  shall  praise  thee,  0 
Lord;  and  thy  saints  shall  bless  thee. 

11  They  shall  speak  of  the  glory  of  thy 
kingdom,  and  talk  of  thy  power; 

12  To  make  known  to  the  sous  of  men  his 

40,1 


PSAWa  144. 

3  Or,  My 

mercy. 
b  Heb.  2.  6. 
e  I»  04.  1. 

4  hands. 

d  Ps.  eg.  1. 
e  JUL  an. 

/  Ps.  33.  2. 
6  Or,  vic- 
tory. 


bear  bur- 

deng,  or, 

lo.iion 

v.- ill,  fleah. 
g  Lev.  20.17. 
h  Deu.33.29. 


PSALM  145. 

1  and  of  his 

there  is  no 
seardi. 
Ro.  U.  .13. 

2  things,  or, 

3  deoUte  it. 

4  hail  u|>. 
Pa,  45   1. 

a  Ex  34.  6. 
Nu.  14  18. 

5  great  in 
mercy. . 

6  P».  100.  6. 
Nah.  1.  7. 
JUt.  5.  45. 
Act*  14  17. 

e  Pa.  19.  1. 

6  a  kingdom 
of  rU  nkjei. 
U.  9  7. 
Dan.  7. 14. 

7  Or,  look 

8  Or,  merci- 
ful, or, 
bountiful. 

d  Joliiil4.23. 
Jam.  4.  3. 
e  John  4.  24. 
f  1  John  5. 

14. 
a  1  Pet.  1.  5. 


PSALM  146. 

1  Hallelujah. 
a  U.  2  22. 

2  Or,  salva- 
tion. 

6  Eccl.  12.  7. 
e  1  Cor  2.  6. 
d  Jer.  17.  7. 
e  Kev.  14.  7. 
/  Alic.  7.  20. 


PSALM  147. 
"Deu.  30.3. 
6  18.81.1. 
Luke  4. 18. 

e  Gen.  15.  5. 

Is.  40.  26. 
d  1  Cor.  18. 

26. 
e  Nah.  1.  3. 
2  of  his  un- 

derstand- 


/  Ps.  146.  8. 
9  Eph.  5.  20. 


mighty  acts,  and  the  glorious  majesty  oi 
his  kingdom. 

13  Thy  kingdom  is  an  everlasting  king- 
dom, and  thy  dominion  endureth  through- 
out all  gentT.itions. 

14  The  Lord  uphoideth  all  that  tall,  and 
raiseth  up  all  those  that  be  bowed  dcnvn. 

15  The  eyes  of  all  i  wait  upon  thee;  and 
thou  givest  them  their  moat  in  due  seasori. 

16  Thou  openest  thine  h.-md,  and  satistiest 
the  desire  of  every  living  thing. 

17  Tiie  Lord  is  righteous  in  all  his  ways, 
and  8  holy  in  all  his  works. 

18  The  '^  Lord  is  nigh  unto  aU  them  that 
call  upon  him,  to  all  that  call  upon  him  *in 
truth. 

19  He  will /fulfil  the  desire  of  them  that 
tear  him:  he  also  will  hear  their  cry,  and 
will  save  them. 

20  The  Lord  "  preserveth  all  them  that 
love  him:  bat  all  the  wicked  will  he  destroy. 

21  My  mouth  shall  speak  the  pi;useofthe 
Lord:  and  let  all  flesh  bless  his  holy  name 
for  ever  and  ever. 

PSALM  CXLVI. 

1  The  psalmist  vows  pc■r^leltull  praises  to  Ood:  S 
he  exhorts  not  to  trust  tn  man.  6  God  is  only 
worthy  to  be  trusted. 

pUAISE  1  ye  the  Lord.  Praise  the  Lord, 

(>  my  soul. 

2  While  1  live  will  I  praise  the  Lord  ;  I 
will  sing  praises  unto  my  God  while  1  have 
any  being. 

3  Put  "not  your  trust  in  princes,  nor  in 
the  son  of  man,  in  whom   tliere   is  no 

2  help. 

4  his* breath  goeth  forth,  he  returneth 
to  his  earth;  in  that  very  day'' his  thouglita 
jieiish. 

o  I  lappy  -^  is  he  that  hxxth  the  God  of  Jacob 
for  his  help,  whose  hope  is  m  the  LordIus 
God- 

G  VVhich  *  made  heaven  and  earth,  the 
sea,  and  aO  that  therein  is;  which/keepeth 
truth  for  ever; 

7  Whicli  executeth  judgment  for  the  op- 
pressed; which  dveth  foocUo  the  hungry. 
The  Lord  looseth  the  prisoners: 

8  The  LoRD<ipenelh  tne  eyes  of  the  blind: 
the  Lord  raiseth  them  ihat  'ire  bowed 
down:  the  Loud  loveth  the  righteous: 

9  The  Lord  presei-veth  the  strangers;  he 
relieveth  the  fatherless  and  widow:  but  the 
way  of  the  wicked  he  turneth  upside 
down. 

10  The  Lord  shall  reign  for  ever,  even 
tiiy  God,  O  Zion,  unto  all  generations. 
Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXLVIL 
1  The  prophet  exhm-ts  to  praise  Gvd  for  his  tare 

of  the  church,  15  his  power  o^er  the  eletnents,  19 

and  his  ordinances  given  to  Israel. 
pRAISE  ye  the  Lord:  for  iHs  good  to 
-•-    sing  praises  unto  our  God;  for  it  is 
pleasant;  and  praise  is  comelv. 

2  The  Lord  doth  build  up  .Jerusalem: "  he 
gathereth  together  the  outcasts  of  Israel. 

3  He  *  healeth  the  broken  in  heart,  and 
bindeth  up  their  i  wounds. 

4  He  "telleth  the  number  of  the  stars;  he 
calleth  them  all  by  their  names. 

5  Great  •*  is  our  Lord,  and  of  great  •  power: 

3  his  understanding  is  infinite. 

G  The/ Lord  lifteth  up  the  meek:  he 
casteth  the  wicked  down  to  the  ground. 

7  Sing  unto  the  Lord  with  "  thanksgiving; 
3  siiii'  in-aise  upon  the  harp  unto  'lar  <;'.il: 

8  Who  ''  coveretb  the  heaven  with  ciouiia, 


God's  Goodness  Extolled. 


PSALMS  CXLV-CXLVm.    Exlwrfations  to  Praise  God. 


Confidently  iniploring  God's   interposition  His  power  in  jroodness  to  tlie  needy,  is  alone 
against  liis  enemies   he  bre;iks  forth  into  wortl)y  of  implicit  trust. 


praise  and  joyful  anticipations  of  the  pros- 1     1.  iCf.  Ps.  104. 


3.  in  whom 


perity  of  his  kingdom,  when  freed  from  vain  themselves  or  others  iPs.  118 


helv- 


and  M  icked  men 
1,  2.  Cf.  Ps.  18.  2,  34,  43,  &c.,  in  which  most  i 


-for 
Hia 


brf ath— or,spm<, theelementof life,  tliovgiits 
lit.,  schemes,  or  plans  of  life  (Ps.  l  c.;.    5. 


of  these  terms  descriptive  of  God  occvir.  .for  his  lie-p— Kt..  frt  /i(s  helj).  engaged  in  it 
My  gocduesf— or,  mercy,  i.e.,  who  shows  it  to  ,  wlicse  bope— or,  reliance  (Ps.  51.  4.).  6.  (iod's 
me  i'Ps.  59.  17.).  my  people—snbjects.  All  his  l  combined  power  in  creation,  and  faithfulness 
success,  and  that  of  his  descendants,  includ- 1  to  His  promise,  are  good  .!^rounds  for  such 
ing  Christ,  over  Jews  and  Gentiles,  in  the  ;  confidence.    7.  executtih  judgnv  nt— or.  sives 

right  decision  in  the  cause  of  tlie  afR.cted, 
"    '  re  given  'cf.  Ps.  08.  5,  6.). 

the  verb  is  used  alii  est 
Blindness,  hoth  bodily 
18.  9;  104.  32.).  6.  C;ist  f.)ith  [lit.,  Lighte7i]\ a,nd  mental,  may  be  meant  9.  Ihe  tliree 
lightnings,. . .arrows,  &e.—  d.  Ps.  18. 14.).  thei>!  i classes  of  sufie^ers  here  named  are  specially 
—the  enen.ies,  7.,  who  are  now  mentioned! provided  for  in  the  law  cf.  Ex.  22.  22;  Lev. 
(cf.  Ps.  18.  16,  44,  45.1.  wfl-i CVS— calamities,  as  1 19. ;.;!.).  turneth  . . .  down-  or,  makes  crooked, 
Ps.  18.  1  ;1'24.  3,  4.  8.- 
luding  to  its  use  in  sm 
False  subjects  iPs.  18.  4  i  may  le  meant, 
(Cf.  Ps.  33.  2,3.1.  10.  saivaii.  n  uii;o  kings- 
much  more  then  to  people.  David  i  is  seivaut 
—  cf.  Ps.  143.  2, 12.).  12.  Ti  at  our  sons.  &c. 
The  result  of  answered  prayer,    grown  i; 


typical  and  real  kingdom,  is  solely  of  God 
(cf.  Mat.  28.  18.).    3,  4.  (Cf.  2  Sam.  7.  18;  Ps.  8. !  of  w  honi  examples  are  given  'cf.  Ps.  08. 
4.).    Of  him.self,  man  presents  no  reason  for  18.  opentth  .  .  .  blind- 
being  an  object  of  God's  favour.    5.  (Cf.  Ps. '  solely  of  the  eyes. 


g)  t . . .  faisehood-al- 1  denoting  the  infliction  of  calati.ity,  as  "  mak- 
aring  or  bargaining,  i  ing  the  way  straight,"  denotes  g  ving  pros- 
9.  j  perity.    10.  This  God  is  our  <  ■<([,  the  God  of 
—  his  Church,  Zion.    Let  our  deJight  be  in  cele- 
nt  I  i)ratiii<r 


brating  His  eternal  kuiKloni.    Hallelujah. 
PSALM  CLXLVII. 
Ver.  1-20.    Tiiis  and  the  remaining  Psalms 


ycuth— or,  large,  early  developing  a  vigorous  !  have  been  represented  as  specially  designed 
covistitution.  ctrner-stones  .  .  .  i&K-vb  —  or,  I  to  celebrate  the  rebuilding  of  Jerusalem  (cf. 
temi'le  (cf.  Heb.i  Ps.  .^.  7;  11.  4,),  %Uddi  were  Neh.  0. 16;  12.  27.).  'Jhey  all  op-n  and  close 
specially  polished.  13.  r.ll  ir.;inntr  —  divers  I  with  the  stirring  call  for  praise.  This  spe- 
kmds  (2  Chr.  16.  14)  in  succession  (cf.  Ps.  84.  iciall.v  declares  God's  providential  care  to- 
7J.    streets— -lit.,  out  places,  roads,  and  even  Wards  all  creatures,  and   particularly  His 


fields  ;Job,5.  lO.  .  14.  ■  ur  oxen  ...  to  labim 
lit.,  oiir  oxcit  burdened,  i.e.,  with  leads  of 
produce,  bre-'king  in,  &c.-  no  invasion,  exile, 
or  ovipression.  15.  As  much  as  to  say.  those 
are  in  such  a  state  of  prosperity  whose  God 
is  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXLV. 

Ver.  1-21.  A  Psalm  of  praise  to  God  for 
His  mighty,  righteous,  and  gracious  govern- 
ment of  all  men,  and  of  His  humble  and  suf- 
fering people  in  particular 

1,  2.  (Cf.  Ps.  30.  1.).  bless  thy  name— cele- 
brate thy  perfections  (Ps.  5.  11.1.  God  is  ad- 
dressed as  king,  alluding  to  His  government 
of  men.  3.  Cf.  Ps.  18.  3;48.  1.).  greatness— as 
disi  layed  in  his  works.  4.  shall  declare— ?rt., 
thiv  ihaU  declare,  i.e..  all  generations.  5.  I 
wid  spesk— or.  muse  iPs.  77. 12;  119.  15.).  thy 
w  uuroiis  works— or,  words  of  thy  wonders.-i.e., 
which  describe  litem  (Ps.  105.  27,),  {Marg.''. 

6.  terrible  acts— which  produce  dread  or  tear. 

7.  memory—  Ps.  fi.  5,,,  ren:embrance,  or  what 
causes  to  be  remembered.  liKhtecusness— as 
Ps.  143.  1.  goodness  according  to  covenant 
engagement.  S,  9.  (Cf.  fs.  103.  8;  111.  4.  .  over 
f  11,  &c.— rests  on  all  Plis  works.  10.  bless- 
as  V.  1,  t;)  praise  with  reverence,  more  than 
merely  to  praise.  11,  1",  The  declaration  of 
God's  glory  is  for  the  extension  of  his  know- 
ledge and  perfections  in  the  world.  13.  [VA. 
Dan.  4.  3,  34.).  14.  tCf.  Ps.  37.  17;  54.  4.i. 
15,  16.  eyes  of  . . .  thee— or,  look  with  expect- 
ing faith  (Ps.  104.  27,  28.).  17.  holy  .  . .  works 
—lit.,  merciful  or  kind,  goodness  (Ps.  144.  2 
is  the  corresponding  noun,  righteous— in  a 
similar  relation  of  meaning  to  ri(Jhteo^^sness 
IV.  7.}.  18,19.  ,Cf.  Ps.  34.  7,10.).  20.  Tiiose 
who  fear  i  im  [v.  19)  are  those  who  are  here 
said  to  love  him.  21.  Cf.  Ps.  33.  21.).  all  flesh 
— iPs.  Go.  2).  Tlie  Psalm  ends,  as  it  began, 
with  ascriptions  of  praise,  in  which  the  pious 
vill  ever  delight  to  join. 

PSALM  CXLVT. 


Ver.  1-10.   An  exhortation  to  praise  God.  _ 
who,  by  the  gracious  and  faithfiu  exercise  of  i  ascribing  creation  to  God  alone, 
427  ' 


people. 

1.  iCf.  Ps.  92. 1;  1.35  3.).  2.  Cf.  Ps.  107. 3;  Isa, 
11.  12.).  3.  Though  applicaVjJe  to  the  captive 
Israel  tes,  this  is  a  general  and  precious  truth. 
woiDics— (cf.  Marii.).  4,  6.  God's  jx)wer  in 
nature  (Isa.  40.  2{)-2>-,  and  oltenl  is  presented 
as  a  pledge  of  His  pover  to  help  His  peoiile. 
tel'eth...stars— whatnomancando  Gon.io.T.;. 
6.  That  power  is  put  forth  lor  the  good  of  the 
meek  and  suffering  pious,  and  confusion  of 
the  wicked  (Ps.  146. 8,  9.).  7-9.  His  providence 
supplies  bountifully  the  wild  anin;als  in 
their  mountain  homes.  Sing  .  .  .  Lord— lit.. 
A7i.:iver  the  Lord,  i.e.,  in  grateful  T>faise  to 
His  goodness,  thus  declared  in  His  acts. 
10, 11.  The  advantages  afforded,  as  in  war,  by 
the  strength  of  the  horse  or  the  agility  of 
man,  do  riot  incline  God  to  favour  any;  but 
those  who  fear  and.  of  course,  trust  Him, 
will  obtain  His  approbation  and  aid.  1  '-14. 
strengthened  .  . .  gates— or,  means  of  defence 
against  iiivaders.  maketh  .  .  .  borders  — or, 
territories  Gen.  23.  17;  Isa.  54.  12.).  filleth 
th'^^e,  (tc— (cf.  Marg.).  15-18.  God's  w  n-d.  as 
a  swiit  messenger,  executes  His  pin  i  t.-e.  for 
with  Him  to  command  is  to  perform  ((jen.  1 . 3; 
Ps.  33.  9,),  and  He  brings  about  tlie  wonders 
of  providence  as  easily  as  men  cast  crumi  s. 
m.orsels--used  as  lo  food  (Gen.  18. 6,),  perhaps 
here  denotes  hail.  19,  20.  Tliis  mighty  ruler 
and  benefactor  of  heaven  and  earth  is  such 
especially  to  His  chosen  people,  to  whom 
alone  (Deut.  4.  32-34)  He  has  made  known 
His  will,  while  others  have  been  left  in  dark- 
ness. Therefore  unite  in  the  great  hallelujah. 
PSALM  CXLV  III 

Ver.  1-14.  The  scope  of  this  Psalm  is  the 
same  as  of  the  preceding. 

1.  heavens  [and]  heights— are  synonymous. 
2.  hosts— (cf  Ps.  103.  n.  .  4.  heavens  cf  hea- 
ve s— the  very  highest,  waters— clouds,  rest- 
ing above  the  visible  heavens  (cf.  Gen.  1.7.). 
5.  praise  the  name— as  representing  His  per- 
fections, he  commanded— i?t'  is  emphatic, 
~   "     "  6.  The 


Ood  fe>  he  prahed 


rsAi 


JILVUI-CL.         for  hia  greatness  mid.  ;r^ry. 


who  prepareth  rain  for  the  earth,  who 
oaaketh  j(iass  to  grow  upon  the  mountains. 

9  lie  »giveth  to  the  beast  his  food,  and 
to  J  the  young  ravens  wliich  cry. 

10He*delighteth  notin  the  stren^h  of 
the  horse;  he  taketh  not  pleasure  m  the 
legs  of  a  man. 

11  The  J.onD  taketh  pleasure  in  them  that 
fear  him,  iii  those  that  hope  in  his  mercy. 

12  Praise  the  Lord,  O  Jerusalem;  praise 
thy  God,  O  Zion: 

13  For  he  hath  strengthened  the  bars  of 
thy  gates;  he  hath  blessed  thy  childi-en 
within  thee. 

14  *  He  rnaketh  peace  t)i  thy  borders,  and 
lilleth  thee  with  »  Hit;  finest  of  the  wheat. 

15  lie  '  seiKleth  forth  his  comniandnient 
m>on  earth:  his  word  runneth  very  swiitly. 

16  He  giveth  snow  like  wool:  he  scatter- 
eth  the  hoar-frost  like  ashes. 

17  He  casteth  fortli  his  ice  like  morsels: 
who  can  stand  before  Ids  cold? 

18  He  sendetl)  out  liis  word,  and  melteth 
them:  he  causeth  his  wind  to  blow,  and 
the  waters  flow. 

19  He  showeth  6  his  word  unto  Jacob, 
his  "*  statutes  and  hia  judgments  unto 
Isi'ael. 

20  He  "  hath  not  dealt  so  wth  any  nation: 
and  as /or  Ais  judyTiients,  they  have  not 
known  them.    Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXLVIII. 
i  The  psalmist  calls  ufton  the  celestial,  7  terres- 
trial. 11  and  raticmal  creatures,  to  praise  God. 
pUAlSEiye  the  Lokd.     Praise  ye  the 
'■    Lord  from  the  heavens:  praise  him  in 
the  heights, 

2  Praise  ye  him,  all  his"  angels:  praise  ye 
him,  all  his  hosts. 

3  Praise  ye  him.  sun  and  moon:  praise 
him.  all  ye  stars  of  light. 

4  Praise  him,  *  ye  heavens  of  heavens, 
and  ye  waters  that  be  above  the  heavens. 

5  Let  them  praise  the  name  ol  the  Loud: 
for " he  commanded,  and  the>  were  created. 

6  He  <*  hath  also  stnlilisiied  them  for 
ever  and  ever:  he  hath  made  a  decree 
which  shall  not  pass. 

7  Praise  the  Lord  from  the  earth, '  ye 
dragons,  and  all  deeps: 

8  Fire,  and  hail;  snow,  and  vapour; 
Btorniy  wind  fultilling  his  word: 

9  Mountains, /  and  ail  hills ;  liuitful  trees, 
and  all  cedars: 

IG  Beasts,  and  ail  cattle;  creeping  things, 
and  i^tlying  fowl: 


PSALM  147. 
i  Job  38.  41. 
;•  AUt.  B.  38. 


A  Ho 


.7. 


4  Who  rnak- 
eth thy 
border 

Is.  tiO.  17. 

5  fat  of 
wheat. 
Deu.a2.14. 

I  Job  o7. 12. 

6  his  words. 
I>.^u.  3J.2. 

m  Mai.  4.  4. 
n  Den.  4.32. 

Acts  14.16. 

Ro.  3.  1  2. 

£ph.  2.  12. 

PSALM  148. 

1  Hallelu- 
jah. 

a  Dan.  7.  10. 
Heb.  1.  7. 

6  1  KI.  8.  27. 

c  Heb.  11.3. 

JJer  ;«.25. 

e  U.  4.)  20. 

/!•.  49.  la. 


ff  Acts  17.28. 
h,  U.  12.  4. 

Phil.  2.  B. 
3  eialted. 


PSALM  149. 

1  Hallelu- 

0  Is.  42.  10. 
6  Job  65.  10. 
c  Zech.  9.  9. 

2  Or,  with 
the  [<i{)e. 

d  Pro.  11.20. 
Zoi.h.3.17. 

3  thr-,.t. 

0   Den.  7.1,2. 

/  Ko   Hi   20. 

1  John  6.4. 


PSALM  160. 


2  Or,  cornet, 
o  Ex.  16.  20. 

3  Or,  pipe. 


11  Kings  of  the  earth,  and  "  all  people; 
princes,  and  all  judges  of  the  earth: 

12  Both  young  men  and  maidens;  old 
men,  and  children: 

13  Let  them  praise  the  name  of  the  Lord: 
for '' his  name  alone  is  ^  exeelknt;  hia 
glory  is  above  the  earth  and  heaven. 

14  He  alsoexalteth  thehoru  of  his  people, 
the  praise  of  all  his  saints:  even  of  the 
children  of  Israel, » a  peojde  near  unto 
him.    Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CXLIX. 

1  The  prophet  exhorts  to  praise  iJod  for  his  lev* 
to  the  church,  6  and  the  power  he  has  given  fei 
his  saints. 

pivAlSE  1  ye  the  Lord.  "  Sing  unto  the 
-*•  Lord  a  new  song,  and  his  praise  in  the 
congregation  of  saints. 

2  Let  Israel  rejoice  in  *  him  that  made 
him:  let  the  childien  of  Zion  be  joyful  in 
their*  King. 

3  Let  them  praise  his  name  -  in  the  dance: 
let  them  sing  praises  unto  hiin  with  the 
timbrel  and  harp. 

4  For  the  Lord  taketh  <*  pleasure  in  his 
people:  he  will  beautify  tne  meek  with 
salvation. 

5  Let  the  saints  be  joyful  in  glory:  let 
them  sing  aloud  upon  tneir  beds. 

6  Ltt  the  high  praises  of  God  be  in  their 
8  mouih,  and  a  two-edged  swoid  in  their 
hand; 

7  To  execute  vengetince  upon  the  heathen, 
ajidpunishments  upon  the  people; 

8  To  bind  their  kings  witli  ch.iins,  and 
their  nobles  with  fetters  of  iron; 

9  To  •  execute  upon  them  the  judgment 
written:  this/ honour  have  all  his  saints. 
Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PSALM  CL. 
An  exhortation  to  praise  God. 

pilAISE  1  ye  the  Lord.  Praise  God  in 
■*•  his  sanctuary:  praise  him  in  the  ftrma- 
ment  of  his  power. 

2  Praise  him  for  his  mighty  acts:  praise 
him  according  to  his  excellent  greatness. 

3  Praise    lain    witii    the    sound    of  the 

2  trnnipet:  praise  him  with  the  psaltery 
and  harp. 

4  Praise  him  "  with  the  timbrel  and  3  dance: 
praise  Imn  with  *  stringed  instruments  and 
organs. 

5  i'raise  him  upon  the  loud  cymbals: 
praise  him  upon  the  high-sounding  cymbals. 

6  Let  *  every  thiiit:  that  hath  breath 
praise  the  Lord.    Praise  ye  the  Lo&d. 


BOOK    OF    PKOVEEBS. 


CHAPTER  L 

1   rse   of  ihe  2'roverhs.    7  Exhcrttation  to  fear 

God,  and  regard  parents:  10  to  avoid  the  ettti- 

itign  of  sinners.    'A>  Wisdom  eompluins  of  i'" 

eiHiiempt  of  seorners. 

fTHE  "  Proverbs  of  Solomon  the  son  of 
-'•    I  >avid,  king  of  Israel ; 

2  To  know  wisdom  and  instniction;  to 
perceive  the  words  of  understanding ; 

3  To  6  receive  the  instniction  of  wisdom, 
justice,  and  judginent,  and  i  equity; 

4  To  give  subtilty  to  the  simple,  to  the 
young  man  knowledge  and  2  discretion. 

*  428 


CRAP.  1. 

a  1  Ki.4.32, 
ich.  2.  1. 

1  r^uities. 

2  (Jr.  ad- 
viaemeot. 

3  Or,  an 
eloquent 
speech. 

4  Or,  the 
principal 
part. 

b  ao  adding. 


5  A  wise  mar^  will  hear,  and  will  increa"!* 
learning;  and  a  man  of  understanding  shall 
attain  unto  wise  counsels: 

6  To  understand  a  proverb,  and  3  the  in- 
teniretation ;  the  words  of  the  wise,  and 
their  dark  sayiut.'S. 

7  \  1  lie  le.u  of  t.he  Lord  is  *  the  besin- 
uing ot  kiios\ lL-i!ge:t>tttfoui8 despise  wisdoui 
and  iiistractioD. 

8  My  son,  hear  the  instniction  of  tliy 
father,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy 
mo'-lur: 

9  i  or  they  shaiJL  6e  &  an  ornament  of  grace 


PSALMS  CXLIX.  CL. 


Praise  GoU. 


Exhortations  to    . 

perpetuity  of  the  frame  of  nature  is,  of  course,  or.  sing  and  play,  4.  taketh  pleasure— M^^ 
subject  to  Hitu  who  formed  it.  a  decree  .  .  .  accepts,  alludin;^  to  accei>tance  of  propitia- 
pass— His  ordinances  respecting  them  shall  tory  ott'erin{:s  icf.  Ps.  7.  IS.;,  beautify,  (fee- 
not  change  Jer.  30.  ;sl,),  or  perish  (Job,  34.  adorn  the  humble  with  taith,  hope,  joy,  and 
20;  Pa.  ;i7. 3G.).  7-10.  The  call  on  the  earth,  as  peace.  5.  in  g.ory— the  honourable  condition 
opposed  to  heaven,  includes  seas  or  depUis,  to  wliich  they  are  raised,  upon  their  beds— 
whose  inhabitants,  the  dragon,  as  one  of  the  once  a  place  of  mourning  (Ps.  6.  0.!.  6.  ligh 
largest  (cf.  on  leviathan.  Ps,  104.  26.),  is  se-  (pruscs)— or,  deeds.  They  shall  go  forth  as 
lected  to  reia-esent.  The  most  destructive  religious  warriors,  as  once  religious  laiiour- 
andungovernableagents  of  inanimate  nature  ers  iNeh.  4.  17.).  7.  The  destruction  of  the 
are  introduced,  tulfilliiig  his  v/ord— or,  law,  1  incorrigibly  wicked  attends  the  propagation 
may  be  understood  of  each.    ^Jext  the  most  of  God's  truth,  so  that  the  military  successes 

discinguished  productions  of  the  vegetable     ""     '  "  ' 

world,  irui'.ful  trees— or.  trees  of  fruit,  as 
opposed  to  forest  trees.  Wild  and  domestic, 
large  and  small,  animals  are  comprehended. 
11,  12.  Next  all  rational  beings,  from  the 
highest  in  rank  to  little  children,  princes— 
or,  ndlitary  leaders.  13.  Let  them— all  men- 
tioned, excellent- or,  exalted  (Isa,  12.  4.), 
his  g  oiY— majesty [Fs. 45.  3.).  above  ...  heaven 
—their  united  splendours  fail  to  match  His. 
14,  exalteth  the  horu— established  power  (Ps. 
lb.  5.  C).  praise  of  [or  lit.,  for\  nis  saints— i.e., 
occasions  for  them  to  praise  Him.  Tliey  are 
further  described  as  His  people,  and  near 
Him,  sustaining  by  covenanted  care  a  pecu- 
liarly intimate  relation. 

PSALM  CXLIX, 

Ver.  1-9.  This  P.-alm  sustains  a  close  con- 
nection with  the  foregoing.  The  chosen 
people  are  exhorted  to  praise  God.  in  view- 
of  past  favours,  and  also  future  victories 
over  enemies,  of  wMch  they  are  impliedly 
assured, 

1.  (Cf.  Ps.  96. 1.).  2,  God  had  signalised  His 
relation  as  a  sovereign,  in  restormg  them  to 
their  land.  3.  in  the  dance— (Ps.  30. 11.),  The 
dance  is  connected  with  other  terms,  expres- 
sive of  the  great  joy  of  the  occasion.  Tlie 
•word  may  be  rendered  lute,  to  which  the 
other  ins  truments  are  joined,    sing  praises— 


of  the  Jews,  after  the  captivity,  typified  the 
triumphs  of  the  gospel,  9.  the  ju.^gn  ent 
wii;  ten— either  in  God's  decrees,  or  perhaps 
as  Dent.  32.  41-43.  this  honour- i.e.,  to  be 
thus  employed,  wiU  be  an  honourable  ser- 
vice, to  be  assigned  his  saints— or,  godly 
ones  (Ps,  16,  3,j, 

PSALM  CL. 

Ver,  1-6.  This  is  a  suitable  doxologyfor 
the  whole  book,  reciting  the  "place,  theme, 
mode,  and  extent"  of  God's  high  praise. 

1.  inhissaictuary— onearth.  fixinameut,  &c. 
—wliich  illustrates  His  power.  2.  mighty 
acts— (Ps,  145.  4.).  excell'int  greatness— or, 
abundance  of  greatness,  3,  4.  The  trumpet 
was  used  to  caU  religious  assemblies;  the 
oroan,  or  pipe,  a  wind  instrument,  and  the 
orhers  were  used  in  worship.  5.  cymbals 
—suited  to  loud  praise  (Neh.  12.  27.).  6. 
Living  voices  shall  take  up  the  f.^il- 
ing  ,s0uni>s  of  dead  instruments,  and 
as  they  cease  on  earth.  those  op  in- 
telligent ransomed  spirits  and  holy 
angels.  as  with  the  soi?nd  of  mighty 
thunders,  "will  prolong,  eternally, 
THE  PRAISE,  saying:  "Alleluia!  Salva- 
tion, AND  GLORY,  AND  HONOUR,  AND 
POWER,  UNTO  THE  LORD  OUR  GoD;"  "AL- 
LELUI.V!  FOR  THE  LoRD  GOD  OMNIPOTENT 
REIGNETH,"    AMEN! 


THE  BOOK  OF  PROVERBS. 

INTRODUCTION. 


T.-THE  NATURE  AND  USE  OF  PROVERBS.-A  proverb  is  a  pithy  sentence,  concisely  ex- 
pressing some  well-e.-iiablished  truth,  su  ceptible  of  various  illustrations  and  appli -ations.  The  word 
is  of  Latin  derivJition.  literally  meining/'r  a  word,  speech,  or  discourse,  i.e.,  one  expression  for  many. 
The  Heb.  word  lor  proverb,  (mashal)  means  a  comparit^on.  Jlany  suppose  it  was  used,  because 
the  form  or  matter  of  tlie  proverb,  or  botli,  involved  ihe  idea  of  comparison.  Most  of  the  proverbs 
are  in  couplets  or  triplfts,  or  some  modifications  of  them,  the  members  of  which  correspond  in 
structure  and  length,  a.  if  arranged  to  be  compared  one  with  another.  They  illustrate  the  varieties 
of  paralicli.vm,  a  distins^uishing  feature  of  Seb.  poetry,  cf.  Intr.  to  Poetical  Books.  Many  also 
clearly  involve  the  idea  of  comparison  in  the  sentiments  expressi'd,  (cf.  ch.  12.  1-10  ;  "25.  10-15  ;  26. 
1-9.).  Sometimes,  however,  the  designed  omis,<ion  of  one  member  of  the  comparison,  exercising  the 
reader's  pa^acity  or  study  for  its  supply,  presents  the  proverb  as  a  "riddle"  or  "dark  saying,"  (c*. 
ch,  30. 15-3S  ;  1.  6;  Ps.  49.  4.),  The  j-ententious  form  of  expression,  which  thus  became  a  marked 
feature  of  the  proverbial  style,  was  also  adopted  forcontiniious  discourse, even  when  not  always  pre- 
serving traces  of  comparison,  either  in  form  or  matter,  (cf  chs  1-9.).  InEz,  17,  1 ;  24.  8,  we  find  the 
same  word  pr-perly  translated  parable,  to  designate  an  illu.-;trative  discourse.  Then  the  Or. 
translators  have  used  a  word,  parabola,  (parable),  whieVi  the  gi'-spel  writers  (except  John)  emplov  for 
our  Lord's  discourses  of  the  same  character,  and  which  also  seems  to  involve  the  idea  of  comparison, 
though  that  may  not  be  its  primary  meannie.  It  micht.  seem,  therefore,  that  the  proverbial  and 
parabolic  styles  of  writing  were  originallv  and  essentially  the  same.  T\\eproverb  is  a  "  concentrated 
parable,  and  the  p.Trable  an  e.xleusion  of  the  proverb  by  a  full  illustration."  The  proverb  is  tiius  the 
moral,  or  heme  of  a  paiaMe.  w hioh  sometimes  prece  les  it  as  I\[at,  19.  ;?() ;  (cf.  ch.  20. 1 )  :  or  succeeds 
it,  as  Mat.  22.  1-16  ;  l.uk".  15.  llu.  This  style  I'emg  poeticnl,  ami  ad-ipted  to  theexprcs-ion  of  a  high 
order  of  poetical  sent  meut,  such  as  piopliecy,  we  find  the  same  term  used  to  designate  such  eoja- 
positiohs,  (cf.  Num.  23.  7  ;  Mic.  2.  4  j  Hab.  8, 6.), 


fnslrucfAovs,  promises. 


onto  thy  head,  and  chains  about  thy 
tiecK. 

10 1!  My  son,  if  sinners  entice  thee,  "con- 
sent thou  not. 

11  If  they  Bay,  Come  with  us.  let  us  <*  lay 
wait  foi-  blooil,  let  us  hn-k  privily  for  the 
innocent  without  cause: 

12  Let  us  swallow  them  up  alive  as  the 
grave ;  and  whole.  *  as  those  that  go  down 
into  the  pit: 

13  Vv'e  shall  find  all  preiious  substance, 
we  shall  till  our  houses  with  spoil: 

14  Cast  in  thy  lot  among  us ;  let  us  all 
have  one  purse: 

15  My  son, /walk,  not  thou  in  the  way 
with  them  ;  retrain  thy  loot  from  their 
path: 

16  For  "  their  feet  run  to  evil,  and  make 
haste  to  shed  blood: 

17  (Surely  in  vain  the  net  is  spread  6  in 
the  sight  of  any  bird:) 

18  And  they  lay  wait  for  their  ou'n  blood; 
they  luik  privily  for  their  own  lives. 

19  So  "  <ire  the  ways  of  eiery  one  that  is 
preedy  or'  t^ain  ;  ivhich  taketh  away  the 
life  of  the  owners  thereof. 

20  H  7  ^Visdom  crieth  without;  she  utter- 
eth  her  voice  in  the  streets: 

21  She  crieth  in  the  cnief  place  of  con- 
coiu-se,  iij  the  oiienings  ot  the  pxtes:  in  the 
city  she  utte;-eth  licr  words,  saijing, 

22  How  loiiK.  ye  sunple  ones,  will  ye  love 
eimplicity  ?  and  the  sconicrs  delight  hi 
their  scuriiing,  and  fools  hate  knowledge? 

23  Tum  you  at  jjiy  reproof:  behold.'  «  I 
will  pour  out  my  Spirit  unto  you,  I  will 
Difike  kiio^Ti  my  words  unto  you. 

24  H  Jiecuuse  }  I  have  called,  and  ye  re- 
fused :  I  have  stretched  out  my  hand,  and 
no  mail  regarded; 

25  But  ye  *  have  set  at  nought  all  my 
counsel  and  would  none  of  my  reproof: 

26  1  also  will  laugh  at  your  calamity;  I 
will  mock  when  your  fearcometh; 

27  When  your  tear  cometh  as  desolation, 
and  your  destruction  cometh  as  a  whirl- 
wind; when  distress  and  anguish  cometh 
opou  you. 

28  Then  '  shall  they  call  upon  me,  but  I 
U'ill  not  answer;  they  sliall  seek  me  early, 
but  they  stiall  not  find  me: 

29  For  that  they  "'  hated  knowledge,  and 
did  not  choose  the  fear  of  the  Lord: 

30  They  wnuld  none  of  my  counsel ;  they 
desT'ised  all  my  reproof: 

31  Therelore  "  shall  they  eat  of  the  fruit 
of  their  nwn  way,  and  be  filled  with  their 
own  devices. 

32  For  the  8  taming  away  of  the  simple 
shall  slay  them,  and  the  prosperity  of 
fools  shall  destroy  them. 

33  But  whoso  hearkeneth  unto  me  shall 
dwell  sal'ely,  and  shall  be  quiet  from  fear 
of  evil. 

CHAPTER  XL 
1   Wis<1om  ■promises  godliness  to  her  children,  10 
protection  from  evil  company,  'JO  and  direction 
in  good  woys. 

TVTY  son,  if  thou  wilt  receive  my  words, 
•*■  -^  and  hide  my  commandments  with 
thee; 

2  So  that  thou  incline  thine  ear  unto 
wisdom,  arui  apply  thine  heart  to  under- 
Btandiiig- 

3  Yea,  if  thou  criest  after  knowledge,  and 
1  liftcsl  up  thy  voice  for  understanding; 

4  If  "  tliou  seekest  her  as  silver,  and 
aesf  chest  for  her  as /or  hid  treasures: 

129 


FRO  VERBS.  XT 

B.  C.  lUOi), 


m. 


and  hevfififr  of  wisdom. 


CHAP.  I 

'  Gen.  33.  7. 

Eph.  !j.  n 


21. 

Col.  2.2,3. 
i  Joel  2.  28. 

John  7.  a?. 

j  Is.  be.  4. 

Jer.  7.  13. 

Zcch.  7.11. 
*Lu.  7.  30. 
I  Job  i.'7.  9. 

1».  1.  16. 

Jer.  14. 12. 

Ezek.S.lS. 

Mic.  3.  4. 

Jam.  4.  3. 
»"  Job  21.14. 
n  Is.  3.  11. 
8  Or.  ease  of 


CHAP.  2. 
1  giveet  thy 

voice. 
"  Met.  13.44. 
6  1  Kir.  3.9. 

c  I's.  84.'ir 
d  1  Sa.  2.  9. 
e  ch.  (i  22. 
/.r..l,u3.  19. 

tl.h.  4.  18. 
y  .Mai  2  14. 
h  (ien.  2.  24. 
t  Ecel.  7   26. 

ili.b.  13  4. 
;  H.  b.  B.  12. 
2Ur,  plucked 

up. 


CHAP.  3 

a  Dou.  KO.ie 
1  years  of 


Lu.  2  52. 
Acts  2.  47. 
Ko.  14.  18. 
2  Or,  good 


e  Jor. 
/ICh 


ft  Ho   12.  16. 

3  medicine. 

4  watering, 
or,  moig- 

i  Ex.  23]  19. 

Mai.  3.  10. 
,;•  Dou.  28. 8. 
Ic  Job  5.  17. 

I!*b.  12.  5. 

B«v.  3. 19. 


5  Thru  shalt  thow  undersi.itiU  fij^-  :l;ir  <if 
the  Luun,  and  find  th.-  ki/nwledtrc  ut  God. 

6  For  '' tlie  Lord  gi\eth  wisduiu:  out  of 
his  mouth  cometh  knowledge  and  under- 
standing. 

7  He  layeth  up  sound  wisdom  for  the 
righteou.i:  '  ht  is  a  buckler  to  them  that 
w;ilk  uprightly. 

8  He  keepith The  paths  of  judtTTient,  and 
pvesrrvtth  ^  tlie  w:iy  of  his 'saints. 

9  Then  sh.iit  thou  uiiuerstand  ri:;l;teous- 
ness.  and  judgment,  and  equity ;  i/ta.  every 
good  path. 

10  ^  When  wisdom  entereth  uito  thine 
heart,  and  knowledge  is  pleasant  unto  thy 
soul; 

11  Discretion  shall  preserve  thee, '  under- 
standing shall  keep  thee: 

12  To  deUver  tliee  from  the  way  of  the 
e-vil  man,  trom  the  man  that  speaketh  fro- 
ward  things; 

13  Who  leave  the  paths  of  uprightness,  to 
walk  /  in  the  ways  of  darkness ; 

14  Who  rejoice  to  do  evil,  and  delight  in 
the  frowavduessof  the  wicked; 

15  Whose  v.ays  are  crooked,  and  they 
frowiird  in  their  paths: 

16  To  deliver  thee  from  the  strange 
woman,  even  from  the  stranger  wliich  flat- 
tereth  with  her  words ; 

17  Wliich  s  forsaketh  the  guide  of  her 
youth,  and  forgetteth  the  ''  covenant  of  her 
God. 

18  For  her  house  inclineth  mito  death, 
and  her  paths  unto  the  dead. 

19  None  <  that  go  unto  her  return  again, 
neither  take  they  hold  of  the  paths  of 
life. 

20  That  thou  mayest>  walk  in  the  way  of 
good  men,  and  keep  the  paths  of  the 
righteous. 

21  For  the  upright  shall  dwell  in  the 
land,  and  the  pertect  shall  remain  in  it. 

22  But  theui'kcd  shall  be  cut  otf  from 

the  earth,  an.,  ihe  tian rcssois  shall  be 

2  rooted  out  ol'  it. 

CHARTER  III. 
1  Exhortation  to  obediiiice,  b  faith.  1  mortifca- 

tiim,  9  devotion,  i  1  patience.     13  Happy  gain  of 

wisdom. 
TVTY  son,  forget  not  my  law;  "  but  let 
■*■      thine  heait  keep  my  coniniandnients: 

2  For  len^h  of  days,  and  i  long  life,  and 
peace,  shall  they  add  to  thee. 

3  Let  not  mercy  and  truth  forsHke  thee: 
bind  *them  about  thy  neck;  *  write  them 
upon  the  table  of  thine  heait: 

4  So  <^  Shalt  thou  find  favour  and  2  good 
understanding  in  the  sight  of  God  and 
man. 

5  11  Trust  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart; 
and  *  lean  not  unto  thine  own  understand- 
ing. 

6  In /all  thy  ways  acknowledge  him,  and 
he  shall  »  direct  thy  paths. 

7  Be  ''  not  wise  in  thine  own  eyes:  fear  the 
Lord,  and  depart  from  evil. 

8  It  shall  be  ^  health  to  thy  navel,  aei^ 
4  maiTow  to  thy  bones. 

9  Ilonoiu- » the  Lord  with  thy  substam  .» 
and  with  the  first-truits  of  all  thine  iki. 
crease: 

10  So  }  shall  thy  bams  be  filled  with 
plenty,  and  thy  presses  shall  Ijinst  out 
with  new  wine. 

11  H  iMy  son,  *  despise  not  the  ciiastening 
of  the  Lord;  neither  be  weary  of  his  cor- 
rection: 


TNTRODtrCTIOTT— PE0VEEB3. 


Though  the  Beb.  used  the  same  term  for  proverb  and  parable,  the  Or.  employs  two,  though 
the  sacred  writers  have  not  always  appeared  to  recognise  a  distinction.  The  term  for  proverb  ia, 
paroimia,  which  the  Or.  translators  employ  for  the  title  of  this  book,  evi'lently  with  special  refer- 
ence to  the  later  detinition  of  a  proverb,  as  a  trite  se  tentious  form  of  speech,  which  appears  to  bo 
the  best  meaning  of  the  term.  John  uses  the  same  term  to  designate  our  Saviour's  instructions,  in 
view  of  their  characteristic  obscurity,  (cf.  ch.  16.  '25-'29,  Gr.),  and  even  for  his  illustrative  discourses,  (ch. 
30.  6,),  whose  sense  was  not  at  once  obvious  to  all  his  hearers.  This  form  of  instruction  was  weU 
adapted  to  aid  the  learner.  The  parallel  structure  of  sentences,  the  repetition,  contrast,  or  compari- 
son of  thought,  were  all  calculated  to  facilitate  the  efforts  of  memory  ;  and  precepts  of  practical  wisdom, 
■which  extended  into  logical  discourses,  might  have  faikd  to  make  abiding  impressions,  by  reason  oi 
their  length  or  complicated  character,  were  thus  compressed  into  pithy,  and, for  the  most  pare,  very 
plain  statements.  Such  a  mode  of  instruction  hasdistinguished  the  written  or  traditional  literature 
of  all  nations,  and  was,  and  still  is,  peculiarly  current  in  the  East. 

In  this  book,  however,  we  are  supplied  with  a  proverbial  wisdom  commended  by  the  seal  of  di- 
vine inspiration.  God  has  condescended  to  become  our  teacher  on  the  practical  affairs  belonging  to 
all  the  relations  of  life.  He  has  adapted  His  instruciion  to  the  plain  and  unlettered,  and  presented, 
in  this  striking  and  impressive  method,  the  great  principles  of  duty  to  Him  and  to  our  fellow-men. 
To  the  prime  motive  of  all  right  conduct,  the  fear  of  God,  are  added  all  lawful  and  subordinate  in- 
centives, such  as  honour,  interest,  love,  fear,  and  natural  affection.  Besides  the  terror  excited  by  au 
apprehension  of  God's  justly  provoked  judgments,  we  are  warned  against  evil-doing  by  the  exhihitiou 
Of  the  inevitable  temporal  results  of  impiety,  injustice,  profligacy,  idleness,  laziness,  iuiiolence,  drunk- 
enness, and  debauchery.  To  the  rewards  of  true  piety  which  follow  in  eternity,  are  promised  thp 
peace,  security,  love,  and  approbation  of  the  good,  and  the  comforts  of  a  clear  conscience,  which 
render  this  lite  truly  happy. 

II.-lIVSPlRATiUN  AND  AUTHORSHIP.-With  no  important  exception,  Jewish  and 
Christian  writers  have  received  this  book  as  the  inspired  production  of  Solomon.  It  is  the  first 
book  of  ihe  Bible  prefaced  by  the  name  of  the  author.  The  N.  T.  abounds  with  citations  from  the 
Proverbs.  Its  intrinsic  excellence  commends  it  to  us  as  the  production  of  a  hiu'her  authority  than 
the  apocryphal  writings,  such  as  Wisdom  or  Ecclesiasticus.  Solomon  lived  500  years  before  the 
"  seven  wise  men"  of  Greece,  and  700  before  the  age  of  Socrates,  Plato,  and  Aristotle.  It  is  thus 
very  evident,  whatever  theory  of  his  sources  of  knowledge  be  adopted,  that  he  did  no-  draw  upon 
any  heathen  repositories  with  vhich  we  are  acquainted.  It  is  far  more  probable,  that  by  the  vari- 
ous migrations,  captivities,  and  dispersions  of  the  Jews,  heathen  pliilotopliers  drew  from  this  in- 
spired fountain  many  of  those  streams,  which  continue  to  refresh  mankind  amidst  the  otherwise 
barren  and  parched  deserts  of  profane  literature. 

As,  however,  the  Psalms  are  ascribed  to  David,  because  he  was  the  leading  author,  so  the  a8« 
cription  of  this  book  to  Solomon,  is  entirely  consistent  with  the  titles  of  chs.  :;Oand  ai,  which  as- 
sign those  chapters  to  Agur  and  Lemuel  respectively.  Of  these  persons  we  know  nothing.  This  ia 
not  the  place  for  discussing  the  various  speculations  respeeting  them.  By  ■•  slightcliange  of  reading 
some  propose  to  translate  cli.  30.  1  :  "The  words  of  Agur,  the  son  of  her,  who  was  obeyed,  (i.e.  the 
Queen  of)  Massa  ;  and  ch.  31. 1 :  "  The  words  of  Lemuel,  king  of  Massa ;"  but  to  this  the  earlies!  ver* 
Sions  are  contradictory,  and  nothing  other  than  the  strongest  exegetical  necessity  ought  to  be  allowed 
to  justify  a  departure  from  a  well  established  reading  and  version,  when' nothing  useful  to  our 
knowledge  is  gained.    It  is  better  to  confess  iguorauce  than  indulge  in  useless  conjectures. 

It  is  probable  t.'.at  out  of  the  "three  thousand  proverbs"  (1  Ki.  4.  32,),  which  Solomon  spoke,  he 
selected  aud  edited  chs.  1-24.,  during  his  life.  Chs.  25-29.  were  also  of  his  production,  and  copied  out 
in  the  days  of  llezekiah,  by  his  "men,"  perhaps,  the  prophets  Isaiah,  Hosea,  and  Micah.  Such  a 
work  was  evidently  in  the  spint  of  this  pious  monarch,  who  set  his  iieart  so  fully  on  a  reformatioa 
of  God's  worship.  Learned  men  have  endeavoured  to  establish  the  theory  that  Solomon  himself  was 
only  a  collector  ;  or  that  the  other  parts  of  the  book,  as  these  chapters,  were  also  selections  by  later 
hands  ;  but  the  reasons  adduced  to  maintain  these  views  have  never  appeared  so  satisfactory  as  to 
change  the  usual  opinions  on  the  subject,  which  have  the  sanction  of  the  most  ancient  and  reliable 
authorities. 

III.— DIVISIONS  OP  THE  BOOK.— Such  a  work  is,  of  course,  not  susceptible  of  any  lo- 
gical aualysis.  There  are,  however,  some  well-defined  marks  of  division,  so  that  very  generally,  the 
book  is  divided  into  five  or  six  parts. 

1.  The  first  contains.nine  chapters,  in  which  are  discussed  and  enforced  by  illustration,  admoni- 
tion, and  encouragement,  the  principles  and  blessines  of  wisdom,  and  the  pernicious  schemes  and 
practices  oi  sinful  persons.  These  chapters  are  introductory.  With  few  specimens  of  the  proper 
proverb,  they  are  distinguished  by  its  concisenefis  aud  terseness.  The  sentences  follow  very  strictly 
the  form  of  parallehsm  ;  and  generally  of  the  synonymous  species,  only  forty  of  the  synthetic,  and 
four  (ch .  3.  32-35)  of  the  antithetic  appearing.  The  style  is  ornate,  the  figures  bolder  and  fuller,  and 
the  illustrations  more  striking  and  extended.  _  _,.  i-       ■  ,     , 

2.  The  antithetic  and  synthetic  parallelism,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  synonymous,  distinguish  chs. 
10-22.  16,  aud  the  verses  are  entirely  unconnected,  each  con  aiiiing  a  comi>lefe  sense  in  itself.  _ 

3.  Chs.  22. 16,-24. ,  present  a  series  of  admonitions  as  if  addressed  to  a  pupil,  and  generally  each  topie 
occupies  two  or  more  verses.  ^  .  ... 

4.  Chs.  25-29.  are  entitled  to  be  regarded  as  a  distinct  portion,  for  the  reason  above  given,  as  to  its 
Origin.    The  style  is  very  much  mixed  ;  of  the  peculiarities,  of.  parts  2  and  3. 

5.  Ch.  30.  is  peculiar,  not  only  for  its  authorship,  but  as  a  specimen  of  the  Kind  of  proverb,  whicn 
has  been  descriljed  as  "dark  sayings"  or  "riddles."  .  i.  •   •    ■    . , 

6  To  a  le-.v  pregnant,  but  concise  admonitions,  suitable  for  a  king,  is  added  a  most  inim.itabl6 
portraiture  of  female  character.  In  both  parrs,  5  and  6,  the  distinctive  peculiarity  of  the  original 
proverbial  style  gives  place  to  the  modifications  already  mentioned,  as  markiiiKa  later  composition, 
thouch  both  retain  the  concise  and  nervaus  method  of  Btatiug  WUtli,  equally  valuable  for  its  deep 
impression,  aud  permanent  retention  by  the  memory, 
429 


TJie  excellency  and  benefits 


PROVERBS,  IV. 


of  true  wifrJom. 


12  For  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  correct- 
eth,  '  even  as  a  lather  the  son  in  whom  he 
delighteth 


la  If  Happy  is  the  man  tfi/jt  tindeth  wis- 
dom, an     '   " 
Standing 


6  the  man  tJtat  getteth  under- 


14  For  "» the  merchandise  of  it  is  better 
than  the  merchandise  of  silver,  and  the 
gain  thereof  than  fine  gold. 

15  She  is  more  precious  than  rubies:  and 
ail  "  the  tilings  thou  canst  desire  are  not 
to  be  comnare<i  unto  her. 

16  Lengtn  "  of  days  is  in  her  right  hand; 
avd  in  her  left  hand  riches  and  honom\ 

17  Her  P  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 
and  all  her  paths  are  peace. 

18  She  is  «  a  tree  of  life  to  them  that  lay 
told  upon  her;  and  happy  is  every  oiie  that 
retaineth  her. 

ly  The  '■  Lord  by  wisdom  hath  founded 
the  earth;  by  understanding  liath  he  6  es- 
talilished  the  heavens. 

20  By  his  knowledge  the  depths  are  broken 
cp,  and  '  the  clouds  drop  down  the  dew. 

21  %  My  son,  let  not  thtin  depart  from 
thine  eyes:  keep  sound  wisdom  and  discre- 
tion: 

22  So  shall  they  be  life  unto  thy  soul,  and 
grace  to  thy  neck. 

2o  Then  shalt  tliou  walk  in  thy  way  safely, 
and  thy  foot  shall  not  stumble. 

i!4  AVhen  *  thou  liest  down,  thou  shalt  not 
be  afraid;  yea,  thou  shalt  lie  down,  and  thy 
Bleep  shall  be  sweet. 

25  Be  not  afraid  of  sudden  fear,  neither  of 
the  desolation  of  the  wicked,  when  it 
Cometh. 

26  For  the  Lord  shall  be  thy  confi- 
dence, and  shaU  keep  thy  foot  from  being 
taken. 

27  H  Withhold  "  not  good  from  v  them  to 
whom  it  is  due,  when  it  is  in  the  power  of 
thine  hand  to  do  it, 

28  Say  "  not  unto  thy  neighbour.  Go,  and 
come  again,  and  to-morrow  I  will  give; 
when  thou  hast  it  by  thee. 

29  8  Devise  not  evil  against  thy  neighbour, 
seeing  he  dwelleth  securely  by  thee. 

30  Strive  *"  not  with  a  man  without  cause, 
if  he  have  done  thee  no  harm. 

31  H  Envy  thou  not  9  the  oppressor,  and 
choose  none  of  his  ways. 

32  i'or  the  froward  is  abomination  to  the 
Lord:  but  his  secret  is  with  the  righte- 
ous. 

33  The  *  curse  of  the  Lord  is  in  the  house 
of  the  wicked:  but  ^  he  blesseth  the  habi- 
tation of  til  e  just. 

34  Surely  *  he  scorneth  the  scorners:  but 
lie  giveth  gi-ace  unto  the  lowly. 

35  The  °  wise  shall  inherit  glory:  but 
shame  ^^  shall  be  the  promotion  of  fools. 

CHAPTEii  IV. 

1  Solomon,  to  %>eisuatle  obedience,  3  shotus  what 

instruction  he  had  of  his  parents. 

TTEAK,  "  ye  children,  the  instruction  of  a 
•*--'-  lather,  and  attend  to  know  understand- 


,  C.  1(XKJ. 


Ing. 
2F( 


'"or  I  give  you  good  doctrine,  forsake  ye 
Dot  my  law. 

3  For  1  was  my  father's  son,  *  tender  and 
onlv  beloved  in  the  sight  of  my  mother. 

4  lie  *  taught  me  also,  and  said  unto  me. 
Let  thine  heart  retain  my  words:  keep  my 
commandments,  and  live. 

R  Get  wisdom,  get  imderstanding :  forget 
it  not;  neither  decline  Irom  tlie  wortis  of 
my  muuilh 


CHAP.  8. 

I  Deu.  8.  6. 

5  the  mim 
that  draw- 
ethoutun- 
der«tanii- 

♦»jSi.28.13. 

Mat.  13.44. 

1  Tim.  4.  8. 
^  Mat.  11.29. 
9  Gen.  2.  9. 
r  John  1.  3. 

Heb.  1,  2. 

«  Deu.  33.28. 

t  Lev.  20.  6. 

«  Horn.  13.  7. 

Gal.  6. 10. 

7  theowneri 
thereof. 

«  Lev.  19.13, 

8  Or,  Prac- 
tise no 
evil. 

I*  Ro.  12. 18, 

9  a  man  of 

aZech.  5.4. 

Mai.  2.  2. 
P  Ps.  1.  3. 
»  Jam.  4.  6. 

1  Vet.  5.  6. 
«  Dan.  12.  2. 

10  exalteth 
the  fook. 


CHAP.  4. 
«  Ps.  34.  11. 
b  1  Chr.  29.1 


«  Mat.  13.  44, 
Lu.  10.  42. 
/  1  Sa.  2.  30. 
1  Or,  she 


with  a 

glory. 
9  Ps.  1«.  36. 
h  Pa.  91.11. 
t  iMat.  6.  14. 

Phil.  2.  15. 
J  2  Sa.  23.  4. 
■  1  Sa.  2.  9. 

John  12  35. 

2  medicine. 

3  above  oU 
keeping. 
Mar.  13.33. 

4  froward- 


,  of 


1  Cor.  15. 
S3. 

Eph.  4.  29. 

6  Or,  all  thy 

ways  shall 

be  ordered  , 

I  iT.'i.  II 


CHAP.  6. 
a  Aial  a  7. 

1  palate, 
Ps.  55.  21. 

b  £«!.  7.  ». 
e  Heb.  4.  12. 
d  Reb.  13.  4. 

2  try 


6  Forsake  her  not,  and  she  .shall  pre- 
serve thee:  <*  love  her,  and  she  shall  keep 
thee. 

7  Wisdom  '  is  the  principal  thing;  there- 
fore get  wisdom:  and  with  all  thy  getting 
get  understanding. 

^  Exalt/ her,  and  she  shall  promote  thee; 
she  shall  biing  thee  to  honour,  when  thoa 
dost  embrace  tier. 

9  She  shall  give  to  thine  head  an  orna- 
ment of  grace:  i  a  crown  of  glory  shall  she 
deliver  to  thee. 

10  Hear,  O  my  son,  and  receive  my  say- 
ings;  and  the  years  of  thy  life  shall  be 
many. 

11 1  have  taught  thee  in  the  way  of  wisdom ; 

1  have  led  thee  in  right  paths. 

12  When  thou  goest,  ^  thy  steps  shall  not 
be  sti  aitened ;  '<■  and  when  thou  runnest, 
thou  shalt  not  stumble. 

13  Take  fast  hold  of  histruction;  let  Aer 
not  go:  keep  her;  for  she  is  thy  life. 

14  11  Enter  not  into  the  path  of  the  wicted. 
and  go  not  in  the  way  ot  evil  ^nen. 

15  Avoid  it,  pass  not  by  it,  tvun  from  it, 
and  pass  away. 

16  For  thej  sleep  not,  except  they  have 
done  mischief;  and  their  sleep  is  taken 
awav,  unless  they  cause  some  to  fall. 

17  i'or  they  eat  the  bread  of  wickedness, 
and  drink  the  wine  of  violence. 

18  But  « the  path  of  the  just.'  is  as  the 
shining  light,  that  shineth  more  and  more 
unto  the  perfect  day. 

19  The  *  way  of  the  wicked  is  as  darkness ; 
they  know  not  at  what  they  stumble. 

20  ^  My  son,  attend  to  my  words;  incline 
thine  ear  unto  my  sayings: 

21  Let  them  not  depart  from  thine  eyes; 
keep  them  in  the  rnidst  of  thine  heart: 

22  For  they  are  lile  unto  those  that  find 
them,  and  2  health  to  all  their  flesh. 

23  ^  Keep  thy  heart  3  with  all  diligence; 
for  out  of  It  are  the  issues  of  life. 

24  Put  away  from  thee  *  a  froward  mouth, 
and  peneise  lips  put  far  from  thee, 

25  Let  thine  eyes  look  right  on,  and  let 
thine  eyelids  loolc  straight  before  thee. 

26  Ponder  the  path  of  thy  feet,  and  5  let 
all  thy  ways  be  established. 

27  Turn  not  to  the  right  hand  nor  to  the 
left: '  remove  thy  foot  from  evil. 

CHAPTER  V, 
1  Bolomoti  exhorts  to  study  wisdom:  3  mischief 

of  whoredom  and  riot.-  15  he  exhorts  to  conten- 

tedness,  liberality,  and  chastity. 
"M  Y  son,  attend  unto  my  wisdom,  and 
•^  -^  bow  thine  ear  to  my  understanding; 

2  That  thou  mayest  regard  discretion,  and 
that  thy  lips  may  "  keep  knowledge. 

3  IT  For  the  lips  of  a  strange  woman  drop 
as  an  honey-comb,  and  her  1  mouth  is 
smoother  than  oil: 

4  But  her  end  is  *  bitter  as  wormwood, 
sharp  "  as  a  two-edged  sword. 

5  Her  feet  go  down  <*  to  death;  her  steps 
take  hold  on  hell. 

6  Lest  thou  shouldest  ponder  the  path  of 
life,  her  ways  are  moveable,  that  thou 
canst  not  know  them. 

7  Hear  me  no^v  therefore,  0  ye  children, 
and  depart  not  irom  the  words  of  my 
mouth. 

8  Remove  thy  way  far  from  her,  and  come 
not  nigh  the  door  of  her  house ; 

9  ]  ,est  thou  give  thine  honour  unto  others, 
and  tii.k  years  unto  the  cruel; 

10  Lest  strauijers  be  liiled  with  *  ih$ 


Design  of  the  Booh TROYERBS.  I.  II. Complaint  of  Wisdom. 

CHAPTER  I.  11.  49.).  Others  think  that  wisdom,  as  the 
ver.  1-33.  After  the  title  the  writer  de-  divine  attribute  specially  employeii  in  acts  of 
fines  the  design  and  nature  of  the  instruc-  counsel  and  admonition,  is  here  personified, 
tions  of  the  book.  He  paternally  invites  and  represents  God.  In  either  case,  the  ad- 
attention  to  those  instructions,  and  warns  dress  is  a  most  solemn  and  divine  adnioni- 
his  readers  against  the  enticements  of  the  tion,  whose  matter  and  spirit  is  eminently 
wicked.  In  a  beautiful  personification.  Wis-  evangelical  and  impressive  cf.  note  on 
dom  is  then  introduced,  in  a  niost  solemn  ch.  8.).  20.  Wisdom— K(.,  irisdoms,  the  plural 
and  impressive  manner,  publicly  inviting  used  either  because  of  the  unusual  sense, 
men  to  receive  its  teachings,  warning  those  or  as  indicative  of  the  great  excellency 
who  reject,  and  encouraging  those  whoac-  of  wisdom  (cf.  ch.  9.  1.).    streets— or,  most 


cept,  the  proftered  instructions. 


public  places,  not  secretly.  21.  The  publicity 


1-4.  (Cf.  Irdr.  I.),  To  know  .  .  .  instruction  further  indicated  by  terms  designating  places 
lit..  For  knowing,  i.e.,  such  is  the  design  of  of  most  common  resort.  22.  simple  ones— 
these  wiiiings.  wisdom— or.  the  use  of  the,(cf.  v.  4.).  simplicitv— implying  ignorance, 
best  means  tor  the  best  ends,  is  generally  |  scorners—(Ps.  h  IJ,  who  despise,  as  well  as 
employed  in  this  book  for  true  piety,  in-  reject,  truth,  fools— though  a  different  word 
Btriiction  —  discipline,  by  which  men  are  is  used  from  that  of  v.  7,  vet  it  is  of  the  same 
trained,  to  verceive  [lit.,  for  perceiving,  the  meaning.  23.  reproof— implying  conviction, 
design  as  above)!  ...  understanding  —  i.e.. !  deserving  it  (cf.  John,  16.  8,  Marg.).  pour 
words  which  enable  oneto  discern  good  and  out— abundantly  impart,  my  Spirit— whether 
evil.  To  receive  ...  of  wisdom— For  receiving  i  of  Wisdom  personitied.  or  of  Clirist,  a  divine 
that  discipline  which  discretion  imparts,  agent.  24.  stretched  .  . .  hand  —  earnestness. 
The  Heh.  lor  wisdom  differs  from  that  ot  v.  2,  especially  in  beseeching,  is  denoted  by  the 
and  denotes  rather  discreet  counsel.   Cf.  the  [figure  (cf.  Job.  11.  13;  Ps.  68.  31;  88.  9.)    25. 


opposite  traits  of  the  fool  (ch.  16.  22.).  jus- 
tice . .  .  equity— all  the  attributes  of  one,  up- 
right in  aU  his  relations  to  God  and  man. 
simple— one  easily  led  to  good  or  evil;  so 
the  parallel  young  man— one  inexperienced. 
subtilty  — or,  prudence,  (ch.  3.  21;  5.  2.i. 
discretion— iif.,  device,  botn  qualities,  either 
good  or  bad,  according  to  their  use.  Here 
good,  as  they  imply  wariness  by  which  to 
escape  evil  and  find  good.  5,  6.  Such  writ- 
ings, the  wise,  who  pursue  right  ends  by 
right  means,  will  value,  learning— not  the 
act.  but  matter  of  it.  wise  counsels— or,  the 
art  and  principles  of  governing.  To  under- 
stand—so as  to  . .  .  such  will  be  the  result. 
Intel  pretation—(cf.  Marg.).  words  of  the  wise— 
(cf.  V.  2.).  dark  sayings— (cf.  Ps.  49.  4-  John.  16. 
25;  and  Intr.  I.).  7.  The  fear  of  the  Lord— The 
principle  of  true  piety  (cf.  ch.  2.  6;  14.  26, 
27;  Job.  28  28;  Ps.  34.  11;  111.  10;  Acts,  9.  31.). 
beginning- first  part,  foundation,  fools— the 
stupid  and  indifferent  to  God's  character 
and  government;  hence  the  wicked.  8.  My 
son— This  paternal  form  denotes  a  tender  re- 
gard for  the  reader.  Filial  sentiments  rank 
next  to  piety  towards  God,  and  insure  most 
distinguished  rewards  (cf.  ch.  6.  20;  Eph.  6. 
2,  3.).  On  the  figures  of  v.  9.  cf.  Gen.  41.  42; 
Sol.  ijong,  1. 10;  4.  9.  10-19.  A  solemn  warn- 
ing against  temptation.  10.  entice— Jit.,  open 
the  ivay.  consent .  . .  not— sin  is  in  consent- 
ing or  yielding  to  temptation,  not  in  being 
tempted.  11-14.  Murder  and  robbery  are 
given  as  specific  illustrations,  lay  wait .  . . 
lurk  privily— express  an  effort  and  hope  for 
successful  concealment,  swallow  . . .  grave- 
utterly  destroy  the  victim  and  traces  of  the 
crime  (Num.  16.  33;  Ps.  55,  15.).  Abundant 
rewards  of  villany  are  promised  as  the  fruits 
of  this  easy  and  safe  course.  15,  16.  The 
society  of  the  wicked  (way,  or  path)  is  dan- 
gerous. Avoid  the  beginnings  of  sin  (ch. 
4.  H;  Ps.  1.  l;  119.  101.).  17-19.  Men  warned 
oxight  to  escape  danger,  as  birds  instinctively 
avoid  visibly  spread  nets.  But  stupid  sin- 
ners rush  to  their  own  ruin  (Ps.  9. 16.),  and, 
greedy  of  gain,  succeed  in  toe  very  schemes 
which  destroy  them  (1  Tim.  6. 10,),  not  only 
failing  to  catch  others,  but  procuring  their 
own  destruction.  20-33.  Some  interpreters 
regard  this  .address  as  the  language  oftne  Son 
oi  God  under  the  name  of  Wisdom  (cf.Luke. 


set  at  nought— rejected  as  of  no  value,  would 
none  ol—Ut.,  were  not.  willing  or  inclined  to  it. 
26,  27.  In  their  extreme  distress.  He  will 
not  only  refuse  help,  but  aggravate  it  by  de- 
rision, fear— the  object  of  it.  desolation— 
lit.,  a  tumultuous  noise,  denoting  their  utter 
confusion,  destruction— or,  calamity  [v.  26,), 
compared  to  a  whirlwind,  as  to  fatal  rapidity, 
distress— (Ps.  4. 1;  44.  il.)  anguish— a  state  of 
inextricable  oppression,  the  deepest  despair. 
28.  ISow,  no  prayers  or  most  diligent  seeking 
will  avail  (ch.  8.  17.).  29,  30.  The  sinner's 
infatuated  rejection  brings  his  ruin.  31. 
fruit . . .  way— result  of  conduct  (Isa.  3.  10; 
Ez.  11.  21;  Rom.  6.  21;  Gal.  6.  7,  8.).  be  filled- 
even  to  repletion  (Ps.  123.  4.).  33.  turning 
away— i.e..  from  the  caU  of  v.  23.  simple- as 
V.  22.  prosperity— quiet,  implying  indiffer- 
ence. 33.  dwell  safely  —  lit.,  in  confidence. 
(Deut.  12. 10.).  be  quiet— or,  at  ease,  in  re^ 
prosperity,  from  fear— without  fear. 
CHAPTER  II. 

Ver.  1-22.  Men  are  invited  to  seek  wisdom, 
because  it  teaches  those  principles  by  which 
they  may  obtain  Gcd's  guidance,  and  avoid 
the  society  and  influence  of  the  wicked,  whose 
pernicious  courses  are  described. 

1-5.  Diligence  in  hearing  and  praying  for 
instruction  must  be  used  to  secure  the  great 
principle  of  godliness,  the  lear  of  God.  1. 
hide . . .  with  thee— toy  up  in  store  let.  ch.  7. 1.). 
2.  Listen  attentively  and  reflect  seriously 
(ch.  1.  24;  Ps.  130.  2.).  understanding— right 
perception  of  truth.  3.  Yea,  if— lit.  When  if. 
I.e.,  in  such  a  case,  knowledge— or,  discri- 
mination, understanding- as  v.  2.  4.  There 
must  be  earnest  prayer  and  effort.  5.  under- 
stand—or,  perceive  intelligently,  find  —  ob- 
tain. 6.  For— God  is  ready  (Jam.  1.  5:  4.  8.). 
out  of  his  mouth— by  revelation  from  Him, 

7.  sound  wisdom— Mt.,  substance,  opposed  to 
what  is  fictitious.  According  to  the  context, 
tills  may  be  assistance,  as  here  correspond- 
ing with  buckler,  or  safety,  or  wisdom,  which 
procures  it  !cf.  ch.  3.  21;  8.  14;  18.  1;  Job,  6. 
13;  12. 13.).    layeth  up— provides,  ever  ready. 

8.  keepeth  . .  .  way— God  defends  the  right 
way,  and  those  m  it.  saints— objects  of 
favour  cf.  Ps.  4,  3;  &c.).  He  guides  and 
guards  them.  9,  Then— emphatic,  in  such  a 
case,  rigiiteousness.  ...  pa.h— all  parts  of 
duty  to  God  and  man.   10, 11.  idea  of  v.  9, 


^hortation  to  cfiartit};, 

?feftlth,  and  thy  labours  be  in  the  house  of 
S8trant;er; 

11  And  thou  mourn  at  the  last,  when  thy 
flesh  and  thy  body  are  consumed, 

12  And  say.  How  have  I  hated  instruction, 
and  my  heart  despised  reiuoof; 

13  And  have  not  obeyed  the  voice  of  my 
teachers,  nor  inclined  mine  ear  to  them 
chat  instmcted  ine.' 

li  I  WHS  ahiiost  in  all  evil  in  the  midst  of 
the  coDtrregation  and  assembly. 

15  H  Drink  waters  out  ol  thine"  own  cistern, 
and  riumins  waters  out  of  thine  own  wrll 

16  Let  thy  fountains  be  dispeised  abroad, 
and  livers  of  waters  in  the  streets. 

17  Let  them  be  only  thine  own,  and  not 
strangere'  with  thee. 

18  Let  tliy  fountain  bp  blessed:  and  re- 
joice with  ^  the  wife  of  thy  youth. 

19  Let  f  her  be  as  the  loving  hind  and 
plea^sant  roe;  let  her  breasts  a  satisfv  thee 
at  ah  times;  and  *  be  thou  ravished  alway 
With  her  love. 

20  A  nd  why  wilt  thou,  my  son,  be  ravish- 
ed with  a  strange  woman,  and  embrace 
the  nosoin  ol  a  stranger? 

21  For  "  the  ways  of  man  are  before  the 
eyes  of  the  Lokd,  and  be  pondereth  all  Id? 

g<illlgS. 

22  ilia  ^  own  iniquities  shall  take  the 
wicked  himself,  and  he  shall  be  holdeu 
with  the  colds  of  his  &  sins. 

23  lie  *  shall  die  without  instruction;  and 
m  the  greatness  of  his  folly  he  shall  go 
astray.  ^ 

CHAPTER  VI. 

I  Against  luretuhip.  6  and  idleness.  16  Seven 
trnngs  haUful  to  God.  'JO  Blesiings  of  obedience. 
M  Mischiefs  of  whoredom. 

MX  son,  "  if  thou  be  surety  for  thy  friend 
if  thou  hast  *  stricken  thv  hand  with 
a  stranger, 

2  I'liou  ait  snared  with  the  words  of  thy 
mouth,  tliou  art  taken  with  the  words  of 
thy  mouth. 

3  Do  this  now,  my  son,  and  deliver  thy. 
self,  when  thou  art  come  into  the  band  of 
thy  Inend;  go,  humble  thyseli.  i  and  make 
Bure  thy  friend. 

4  Give  '  not  sleep  to  thine  eyes,  nor  slum- 
ber to  thine  eyelids. 

6  Deliver  thyself  as  a  roe  from  the  hand 
of  the  hmittr,  and  as  a  bird  from  the  hand 
oi  the  ibwler. 

6  ^  Go  <^  to  the  ant,  thou  sluggard;  con- 
sider her  ways,  and  be  wise: 

7  \Vhich  having  no  guide,  overseer,  or 
ruler, 

8  Provideth  her  meat  in  the  summer,  and 
gathereth  her  food  in  the  hanest. 

9  Howlongvrilt  thou  sletp,  (»  sluggard? 
«rhen  wilt  thou  arise  out  of  thy  sleeti? 

10  Yet  a  little  sleep,  a  little  shimber,  a 
attle  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep: 

II  So  sh.ill  thy  poverty  come  as  one  that 
travelleta,  and  thy  want  as  an  armed 
man. 

12  H  A  naughty  person,  a  wicked  man, 
iralketh  with  a  fro  ward  mouth. 

13  He  "  winketh  with  his  eyes,  be  speak- 
eth  with  his  feet,  he  teacheth  with  his 
angers ; 

14  Frov.ardness  is  in  his  heart,/ he  de- 
Fiseth  mischief  contmually  ;  he  2  soweth 
aiscord. 

15  'rhcrofore  shall  his  calamity  come  sud- 
oenly :  siuldenly  shall  he  "  be  broken  with- 
out reuied^jr, 

iSk 


PUtlVERBS,  n,  TIL 


Things  Jiateful  to  Ocd. 


B.  C.  VMj. 


I  ! G  IT  These  six  things  doth  the  Lord  hate; 
I  yea,  slncu  art  an  abomination  3  unto  him: 
1<  *  A  proud  lo(,k,  '-a  bing  tongue,  and 
hands  » that  shed  innocent  blood, 
I  18  Aiw  heart  that  deviseth  wicked  ima- 
I  giiiations,  *  feet  that  be  swift  in  ninuing  to 
I  mischief, 

I  19  A  <  false  witness  that  speaketh  lies,  and 
1  he  that  soweth  discord  am.ong  brethren. 
!  20  1[  My »"  son,  keep  thy  lather's  com- 
love.    :  niandment,  and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy 

<^2Chr.  16.9.    motbpr?  "' 


CHAP.  6. 

«Mal   2.14 
/S„„^.2.9. 

Song  4.  5. 

Song  7.  3. 


fclwaya  in 


Job  31.  .. 
Job  84.  21. 
Jar.  Hi.  17. 
Jer.32.  19. 
Hos.  7.  2.  I 
Keb.  4.  13. 
h  Ps.  9.  15. 


ch. 


10. 


/Mic.  2.  1. 

2  castetb 
forth. 

9  Jer.  19. 11. 
2  Chr.  36. 
18. 

3  of  his  soul, 

4  Haughty 
tye«. 

h  Pa.  120.  2. 

Hos.  4.  1. 
i  la.  1.  10. 
3  U^u.  0.  6. 
k  U  59   7. 

lluDi  3.15. 
I  Ps.  27.  12. 
m  E],li.  6.  1. 
"  Pa.  19.  8. 

5  Or. 
candle. 

6  Or.  of  the 


CHAP.  7. 

o  Ler.  18.  5. 

la.  55.  3. 

Deu.  32.10. 
e  Deu.  6.  8. 

Deu.  11.18. 


mother: 

21  Bind  them  continually  upon  thine 
heart,  and  tie  them  about  thv  neck. 

-'2  When  thou  goest.  it  sliall  lead  thee: 
wlien  thou  sleepe.st.  it  shall  keeptiiee;  and 
when  thou  awakesi.  it  shall  talk  with  thee. 

23  For  "the  coiiiTiiaiidnient  is  a  6  lamp; 
and  the  law  is  light;  and  reproofs  of  in- 
Ktraction  are  the  way  of  life: 

24  To  keep  thee  from  the  e^^l  woman, 
from  the  flattery  6  of  the  tongue  of  a  strange ' 
woman. 

2a  Lust  "not  after  her  beauty  in  thine 
heart;  neither  let  her  take  thee  mth  her 
evelids: 

2tj  For  P  by  means  of  a  whorish  woman  a 
man  isbrovght  to  a  pipce  of  bread;  and 
"  the  adulteress  will «  hunt  for  the  precious 
lite. 

27  Can  a  man  take  fire  in  his  bosom,  and 
hi.s  clothes  not  be  burnt? 

28  Can  one  go  upon  hot  coals,  and  his  feet 
not  be  burnt? 

29  So  he  that  goeth  in  to  his  neighbour's 
wife;  whosoever  toucheth  her  shall  not  be 
iniiocent. 

30  Men  do  not  desrise  a  thief,  if  he  steal 
to  s.stisfy  his  soul  whfn  he  is  hun'?ry: 

31  But  if  he  be  found,  •■  he  shall  restore 
sevenfold ;  he  shall  give  all  the  substance 
of  his  house. 

32  But  whoso  eommitteth  adultery  with  a 
woman  lacketh  8  understanding :  "be  thai 
doeth  it  *  destroyeth  his  own  soul. 

33  A  wound  ai.d  dishonour  shall  he  get; 
and  his  reproach  shall  not  be  wiped  away. 

34  For  jealousy  is  the  rage  of  a  man; 
therefore  ne  will  not  spare  in  the  day  or 
vengeance.^ 

35  9  He  will  not  regard  any  ransom ;  nei- 
ther will  he  rest  content,  though  thoq 
givest  many  gifts. 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Solomon  persna<lei  to  obedience,  and  to  a  sin- 
cere  and   kind   fMuiliarity    with    wisdom.    6 
(running  of  a  Itwd  woinan,  ete, 

MY  son.  keep  my  words,  and  lay  up  my 
commandments  with  thee. 

2  Keep  "my  commandments,  and  liye; 
and  *  my  law  as  the  apple  of  thine  eve. 

3  Bind  them  ujion  thy  fingers,  write  them 
upon  the  table  of  thine  heart. 

4  Say  unto  wisdom,  Thou  art  my  sister; 
and  call  understanding  thy  kinswoman: 

5  That  they  may  keep  thee  from  the 
strange  woman,  from  the  stranger  which 
flattereth  with  her  words. 

6  IT  For  at  the  window  of  my  house  I 
looked  through  my  casement, 

7  And  beheld  among  the  simple  ones,  I 
discerned  among  i  the  youths,  a  young  man 
void ''of  understanding,  , 

8  Passing  through  the  street  near  her 
coiner;  and  he  went  thte  way  to  her  house, 

9  In '  the  twilight,  2  in  the  evening,  m  the 
black  and  daik  nii;ht; 

10  And,  behold,  there  met  him  a  woman 


OftheExc-eUency 


PROVERBS,  m,  IV 


and  Benefits  of  Wisdcmt 


amplified;  on  terms,  cf.  v.  4.  and  v.  2.  12-15. 
To  aeiiver— as  from  great  danger  (ch.  6.  6.). 
way  ...  man— (Ps.  1.  1.  .  froward  things— rer- 
versity  (ch.  6.  14;  23.  23,),  what  is  opposed  to 
truth,  paths  of  uprightness— or,  plainness. 
walJi  — habitually  act;  14.  and  that  with 
pleasure,  in  ignorance  of  ^.ood  and  imrsuit 
of  evil,  frcw  .rdness— not  only  tlieir  own  per- 
versity, but  that  of  others  is  their  deli;;ht. 
They  love  most  the  w  orsl  things.  15.  crooked 
—tortuous, unprincipled,  fr.  ward— iti.,  (they) 
are  goin^'  back,  not  only  aside  from  riRlit. 
but  opposite  to  it.  16-19.  Deliverance  fr<  ra 
another  danger,  the  s'lsnge  woman  — this 
term  is  often  used  for  harlot,  or  loose  woman 
(Jud.  11. 1,  2,),  married  (ch.  7.  6,  19,  or  not, 
1  Ki.  11. 1,),  so  called,  because  such  were,  per- 
haps at  first,  foreigners,  though  strange  may 
also  denote  whatever- is  opposed  to  right  or 
proper,  as  strange  fire  (ISum.  3.  4; ;  sxravce 
incense  lEx.  SO.  9.).  flaitereiji— Hi.,  Bmvuihs. 
her  words— (Ps.  6,  9.).  17.  guide  .  .  .  youth- 
lawful  husband  (Jer.  3.4.).  covtuf.nt , .  ,  God 
—  of  marriage  made  in  God's  name.  18. 
iuciiiieth— sinks  down  (cf.  Num.  i:s.  31.).  the 
dead— or,  shades  of  the  departed  (Ps.  68.  10.). 
19.  i.e..,  such  as  remain  impenitent  (cf.  Eccl. 
7.  26.;.  pati;s  of  lire— (Ps.  16.  11,),  opposed  io 
paths  unto  the  dead.  20.  Tliat . . .  w;.y  oi  g  rd 
—i.e..  Such  is  the  object  of  these  warnings. 
21.  22.  (Cf.  Ps,  37.  3,  9,  22,  27.}.  transgiessors 
—or,  impious  rebels  icf.  Jer.  9.  2.,.  rooted 
out— utterly  destroyed,  as  trees  plucked  up 
by  the  roots. 

CHAPTER  in. 

Ver.  1-3.5.  The  study  of  truth  commended. 
God  must  be  feared,  honoured,  and  trusted, 
and  filial  submission,  under  cliastisemei.t, 
exhibited.  The  excellence  of  wisdom  ur^ed 
and  illustrated  by  its  place  in  the  duine 
counsels.  Piety  enforced  by  a  contrast  of 
the  destiny  of  the  righteous  and  the  wicked. 

1.  law  and  comniaiidmeuts— ail  divine  in- 
structions (cf.  Ps.  119.'.  lee  thine  heart  keep 
—or,  sincerely  observe  (ch.  4.  13;  5.  2.!.  2. 
length .  . ,  life— often  promised  as  blessings 
(Ps.  21.  4;  91.  16.).  ptace— includes  prosperity 
(Ps.  125.  6.).  add— abound  to  thee.  3.  mtrcy 
aud  truth— God's  faithliUness  to  His  promises 
is  often  expressed  by  these  terms  (Ps.  25.  10; 
67.  3.).  As  attributes  of  men.  they  express 
integrity  in  a  wide  sense  (ch.  16.  6;  20.  28.). 
bina  .  . .  write  .  .  .  heart  —  outwardly  adorn 
and  inwardly  govern  motives.  4.  lavour— 
grace,  amiability  (ch.  22. 11;  Ps.  45. 2;  ;  united 
with  this,  a  good  ur.rerstanding — (cf.  Alarg.,), 
a  discrimination,  which  secures  success,  in 
the  sight  .  .  .  man— such  as  God  and  man 
approve.  6.  Trust  .  .  .  heart  —  'Ihis  is  the 
centre  and  marrow  of  true  wisdom  (ch.  -12 
19;  28.  26.).  The  positive  duty  has  its  corres 
ponding  negation  in  the  admonition  against 
s-eli-confidence.  6.  ways— (Ps.  1. 1.).  acknow 
ledge -by  seeking  His  wise  aid  (ch.  16.  3;  Ps. 
37.  5;  Jer.  9.  23,  24.).  Aixbcl—lit.,  make  plaiv 
(cf.  Heb.  12.  13.).  7.  (Cf.  ch.  27.  2;  Pom.  12 
16.  .  fear  . . .  evil  —  reverentially  regarding 
Bis  law.  8.  It— Tliis  conduct,  healtu— cf. 
Marg.).  to  thy  navel— for  all  the  organs  of 
nourishment,  marrow  —  (cf.  Marg.}.  bones 
—frame  of  body.  True  piety  promotes  bodily 
health.  9, 10.  (Cf.  ch.  11.  26;  Ex.  23. 19;  Deut. 
18.  4;  Isa.  32.  8;  2  Cor.  9.  13.).  pre.sses — 
or,  wine  fats  (.Joel,  2.  24;  3. 13.).  11, 12.  The 
true  intent  of  afflictions  considered;  they  do 
not  conti-adict  the  assertion  of  the  blessed 
state  of  the  pious  (Job,  6.  17;  Heb.  12. 6. 6.]. 
43. 


or,   receiveth    as   denoting 
icn 


he  d^lighteth- 

reconciliation  regarding  the  offence  whicf 
produced  chastisement.  13.  findeth  —  lit,., 
reaches,  or,  obtains  by  seeking.  gttUth— lit., 
draws  out,  as  metals  by  digging.  14, 15. 1'he 
figure  of  V.  13  carried  out.  it— i.e.,  wisdom. 
merchandise  —  acquisition  by  trading,  fine 
gold— dug  gold,  solid  as  a  migfjet.  rubies- 
gems,  or  pearls.  16, 17.  ■VVisd(jm  personified 
as  bringing  the  best  blessings  cf.  JMat.  6.  33; 
1  Tim.  4.  8.1.  Her  ways— Such  as  she  directs 
us  to  take.  18.  Wisdom  allegorised  as  a  free 
cf  life-(Gen.  2.  9;  3.  22J.  whose  fruit  pre- 
serves life,  gives  all  that  makes  living  a 
blessing.  19,  20.  The  place  of  wisdom  in  the 
economy  of  creation  and  providence  com- 
mends it  to  men,  who,  in  proportion  to  their 
finite  powers,  may  i)ossess  this  invaluable 
attribute,  and  are  thus  encouraged  by  the 
divine  example  of  its  use,  to  seek  its  posses- 
sion. 21.  sound  wisdom— (ci.  ch.  2.  7.).  let 
.  .  .  eyes— i.fi.,  these  words  of  instruction. 
22-24.  assign  reasons  in  their  value  for  hap- 
piness and  ornament,  guidance  and  support 
m  dangers,  both  when  waking  and  sleeping. 
25.  Be  not— or.  You  shall  not  be.  svdcen  leax 
— wliat  causes  it  (ch.  1.  27.1,  any  tinlooked 
for  evil  (Ps.  46.  3;  91. 12-1  Pet.  3.  14.).  descla- 
tion— (ch.  1.  27.),  26.  The  reason;  such  are 
objects  of  God's  favour,  be  thy  confidence— 
lit.,  in  thy  confidence,  in  the  source  of  thy 
strength  (cf.  Mah.3.9.  for  same  construction, 
hCo.].  27.  28.  Promptly  fu,fil  all  obligations 
both  of  justice  and  charity  (cf.  Jam.  2. 15, 16.). 
29,  30.  Do  not  abuse  confidence,  and  avoid 
litigation.  31.  oppressor— or,  man  of  mischief. 
The  destiny  of  successftil  evil-doers  warns 
against  desiring  their  lot  (Ps.  37.  1,  2,  36, 36.), 
£2-35.  Reasons  for  the  warning,  froward— 
(ch.  2.  16.)  secret  ,  ..  righteous  — in  their 
communion  (Amos, 3.  7.).  33.  curse  . . .  wicked 
—it  abides  with  them,  and  will  bemanifested. 

34.  The  retribution  of  sinners,  as  Ps  18.  26. 

35.  inherii— as  a  portion,  shame— or,  di.sgrace, 
as  opposed  to  honour.  proiroticn—(cf.  il/arflf.,), 
as  h(  nour  for  well  doiug  makes  men  conspi- 
cuous, so  fools  are  signalised  by  disgrace. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Ver.  1-27.  To  an  earnest  caU  for  attention 
to  his  teachings,  the  writer  adds  a  commen- 
dation of  wisdom,  preceded  and  enforced  by 
the  counsels  of  his  father  and  teacher,  lb  this 
he  adds  a  caution  against  the  devices  of  the 
wicked,  and  a  series  of  exhortations  to  do- 
cility, integrity,  and  uprighti.eis, 

1,  2.  iCf.  ch.  1.  8.).  to  know— in  order  to 
know,  doctrine— the  matter  of  learning  (ch. 
1.6,),  such  as  he  had  received,  (Lam.  3.  1.). 
3.  father's  sen— emphatic,  a  sou  specially  re- 
garded, and  so  called  tender,  as  an  object 
of  special  care  (cf.  1  Chr.  22.  7;  29.  l;);  an 
idea  further  expressed  by  only  belovtd  (or,  as 
an  only  son,  (Gen.  22.  2,),  though  he  had 
brothers  (l  Chr.  3.  6.).  4.  He  taugut— or,  di- 
rected me.  retain— as  well  as  receive,  keep 
, ..  and  live— observe,  that  you  may  live  (ch.7. 
2.).  5.  Get— As  a  possession,  not  to  be  given 
up.  neither  decline— i.e.,  from  obeying  my 
word.  6.  JSJot  only  accept  but  love  wisiiom, 
who  will  keep  thee  from  evil,  and  evil  from 
thee.  7.  (Cf.  Job.  28.  28.).  getting- or,  pos- 
session, a  desire  for  wisdom  is  wi.se.  8.  As 
you  highly  esteem  her,  she  will  raise  you  to 
honour,  embrace  her— with  fond  atiection. 
9.  oriiair.ent— such  as  the  chaplet  or  wreath 
of  conquerors,  deliver  —  ,cf.  Gen.  14.  20.). 
The  aliusioa  to  a  shield,  contained  iu  the 


?%e  hurlot  and  lier  viclim. 


PROTEPBS,  TTII.  IX. 


rnvitation  of  Wisdom. 


with  the /attire  of  au  harlot,  aud  subtil  of 
heart. 

11  {She  is  loud  and  stubborn ;  "  her  feet 
abide  not  in  her  house: 

12  Now  is  she  vithout,  now  in  the  streets, 
and  lieth  in  wait  at  every  comer.) 

13  So  she  cau^'Jit  him,  and  kissed  him, 
atul  '■*  with  an  inipudent  face  saul  unto  him, 

14  *  y  liane  peace  offerings  with  me;  this 
day  ha\e  I  paid  my  vows: 

15  There  tore  came  I  forth  to  meet  thee, 
diligently  to  seek  thy  face,  and  I  have 
touiid  thee. 

16  1  have  decked  my  bed  with  coverings  of 
tapestry,  with  carved  works,  with  ''  fine 
liiieii  ot  Et^ypt. 

17  I  have  perfumed  my  bed  with  myrrh, 
aloes,  and  cinnamon. 

IS  Come,  let  us  take  our  fill  of  love  until 
the  morning;  let  us  solace  ourselves  with 
loves: 

19  For  the  ^oodman  is  not  at  home,  he  is 
gone  a  long  journey: 

20  lie  hatli  taken  a  bag  of  money  6  with 
hull,  aud  will  come  home  at  6  the  day  ap- 
pointed. 

21  VN'ith  her  much  fair  speech  she  caused 
him  to  yield,  with  the  flattering  of  her 
lips  she  forced  him. 

'.'2  He  goeth  alter  lier  1  straightway,  as  an 
ox  goeth  to  the  slauutiter,  or  as  a  fool  to 
the  correction  ol'llie  stocks; 

23  Till  a  (liirt  strike  through  his  liver;  as 
a  bird  hastetli  to  the  snare,  and  knoweth 
not  that  it  u<  tor  his  life. 

24  II  Ileiuken  unto  me  now  therefore,  0 
ye  chiliiieu,  and  attend  to  the  words  of 
my  mouth. 

25  Let  not  thine  heart  decline  to  her  ways, 
go  not  astra.v  in  her  paths: 

20  Fot  she  liisili  cast  down  many  wounded; 
yea, » many  strong  men  have  been  slain  by 
her. 

27  Iler  house  is  the  way  to  hell,  going 
down  to  the  chambers  of  death. 
CHAl'TER  VIII. 

1  Fame,  e  attd  etideuee  c/  wisd<tn:  lOits  excel- 
lencti,  V2tittture,  \o  power,  i8  riches, '22  eternity, 
H'J  atid  desirableness. 

T)0TI1  not  "  wisdom  cry  ?  and  under- 
^^  staiidin^  put  loi  th  her  voice? 

2  She  standeth  in  the  top  of  high  places, 
by  the  way  in  the  places  of  the  paths; 

3  She  crieth  at  tlie  gates,  at  the  entry  of 
the  city,  at  the  coming  in  at  the  doors: 

4  Unto  you,  0  men,!  caU;  and  my  voice 
is  to  the  sons  of  man. 

5  O  ye  simple,  understand  wisdom;  and, 
ye  tools,  be  ye  of  an  understanding  heart. 

6  Hear;  for  1  will  speak  of  *  excellent 
things;  and  the  opening  of  my  lips  shall  be 
right  things. 

7  For  my  mouth  shall  speak  *  truth;  and 
wickedness  is  i  an  abomination  to  my  lips. 

8  All  the  words  of  my  niouth  are  in  righ- 
teousness; there  is  nothing  2troward  or 
pen'ei-se  in  them. 

9  They  are  all  plain  to  him  that  nnder- 
standetli,  and  right  to  them  that  find 
knowledge. 

10  Receive  my  instruction,  and  not  silver; 
and  knowledge  rather  than  choice  gold. 

11  For  <*  wisdom  is  better  than  rubies;  and 
all  the  things  that  may  be  desired  are  not 
to  be  coiii|i:ired  to  it. 

12  1  wisooin  dwell  with  3 prudence,  and 
find  out  knowledge  of  witty  inventions. 

}S  The  '  feai  oi  iht-  i.oai>  u;  lo  Late  evil: 


CHAP.  7. 

/ 1  Tim.  2.9. 

B  1  'l"im.  5. 
13. 
Tit.  2.  6. 

8  She 
strengthen- 
ed her  faea 
and  >Bid. 

4  Peace  offer- 

upon  me. 
h  la   19.  9. 


CHAP.  8. 
a  ch.  9.  3. 
1  Cor.  1. 
24. 

Col.  2.  3. 

6  ch.  22.  20. 

c  JohA  8.  14. 

Rom.  15.  8. 


of  my  lipa, 

2  wreathed. 
d  Job  :i8. 16. 

P..  19.  10. 

3  Or, 
subtilty. 

e  eh.  16  e. 
/ch.  6.  17. 
9  ch.  4.  24. 
h  £ccl.  7. 19. 
i  Dan.  2.  21. 

Dan.  7.  14. 

iLit.  28. 18. 

Rom.  13.  1. 
J  1  S«  2.  30. 

John  14.21. 

*  Jam.  1.6. 

I  AUt.  (j.  33. 

m  Job  •:s.ib. 

ch.  3.  14. 

4  Or,  walk. 
Is.  f*.  24. 


Rev.  7.  i; 
n  ch.  3.  19. 

John  1.  1 
0  H«.  2.  6. 
P  Job  15.  7. 
6  Or,  opon 

6  Or,  the 
cliief  part 

7  Or,  a 
circle. 

g  Job  38.  It 


Col.  1.  13. 
tt  la.  4.  2. 

Is.  62.  4. 
«-  P«.  10.  3. 

Joi.i.  13.  1, 
w  Lu.  11.  28, 
«  Phil  3.8,9, 
8  brii.g 

forth. 
V  Ueb.  3.  8. 


CHAP.  9. 

0  Mat.  16.18. 
E|.h.  2.  20. 

1  her  killing. 
Mat.  T..  i. 

b  Ro.  lU,  15. 
c  ch.  6.  32. 

iUi   11.26, 
U  1>.  bb.  I. 


priiie,  /and  arrogancy,  and  the  e^dl  way, 
an<i  *  the  froward  mouth,  do  I  hate. 

M  Counsel  is  mine,  and  sound  wisdom:  I 
am  understanding;  ''1  have  strength. 

15  liy  •  me  kings  reign,  and  princes  decree 
justice. 

It)  Uy  me  princes  rule,  and  nobles,  even 
all  the  .judges  of  the  earth. 

17  1  >love  them  that  love  me;  and  *  those 
that  .seek  me  eaily  shail  find  me. 

18  Kiches  'and  honour  are  with  me;  yea, 
dui-ahle  riches  and  ritjhteousness. 

19  My  "*  fruit  is  better  than  gold,  yea,  than 
fine  gold;  and  my  revenue  than  choicx 
silver. 

20  1  ♦lead  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  i« 
the  midst  of  the  paths  of  judgment; 

21  Tliat  1  may  cause  those  that  love  me 
to  inherit  substance;  and  1  will  till  their 
treasures. 

2_'The  "  Lord  possessed  me  in  the  begin- 
niiig  of  his  way,  before  his  works  of  old. 

23  I  "  was  set  up  liom  everlasting,  from 
the  beginning,  or  ever  the  earth  was. 

24  When  (here  tcere  no  depths,  I  was 
brought  foith;  when  there  were  no  foun- 
tains abounding  with  water. 

25  Before  ^  the  mountains  were  settled, 
before  the  hiUs  was  1  brought  foith: 

26  While  as  yet  he  had  not  made  the 
earth,  nor  the  5  fields,  nor  6  the  highest 
part  of  the  dust  of  the  world. 

27  When  he  prepared  the  heavens,  I  wa» 
there:  when  he  set  'a  compass  upon  the 
face  of  the  depth: 

28  When  he  established  the  clouds  above: 
when  he  strengthened  the  fountains  of  the 
deep: 

29  When  '  he  gave  to  the  sea  his  decree, 
that  the  waters  should  not  pass  his  com- 
mandment: A^hen  ''he  appointed  the  foun- 
dations of  the  earth: 

30  1  hen  '  I  was  by  him,  as  one  brought 
up  with  him:  *  ar.d  1  was  daily  his  delight, 
rejoicing  always  before  him; 

31  Rejoicing  "  in  the  habitable  part  of  his 
earth;  and  ^'my  delights  were  with  the 
sons  of  men. 

32  Now  therefore  hearken  unto  me,  O  ye 
children:  ^or  "^  blessed  are  they  that  keep 
my  ways. 

33  Hear  iustruction,  and  be  wise,  and  re- 
fuse it  not. 

34  lilessed  is  the  man  that  heareth  me, 
watching  di.ily  at  my  gates,  waiting  at  the 
posts  oi  my  doors. 

35  For  ^  V  hoso  findeth  me  findeth  life,  and 
shall  8(,htain  favour  of  the  Lord. 

30 15ut  he  that  sinneth  against  me  "  wrong- 
eth  his  own  soul:  all  they  that  hate  me 
love  death. 

CHAPTER  IX. 
1  Discipline  and  doctrine  of  v  isdom.   13  Custom, 

16  ano  error  oj  Jolty. 
WISDOM  hath  "  builded  her  house,  she 
'    hath  hewn  out  her  seven  pillars: 

2  She  liath  killed  i  her  beasts;  .she  hath 
mingled  her  wine;  she  hath  also  fmuished 
her  table: 

3  She  hath  *  sent  forth  her  maidens:  she 
crieth  upon  the  highest  places  of  the  city, 

4  Whoso  "is  simple,  let  him  turn  in 
hither:  as  for  him  that  wauteth  under- 
standing, she  Kaith  to  him, 

5  Come,  ■'eat  ol  my  bread,  and  driiik  of 
the  wine  !'•?(!'•/'  1  ifa\e  iMiiul.d. 

6  Foisake  tlie  loolish.  aud  live; and $;o  in 
the  way  of  und*ii  standin  ^ 


Mischiefs  of  Whoredom, 

Heb.,  suggests  protection  as  well  as  hon- 
our (cf.  V.  6.;.  10.  (Cf.  cl).  2.  l;  .!.  2.).  11, 12. 
way  of  wiEdom— which  it  pi  escribes,  led  thef 
—lit,  caused  Uiee  to  inaa,  as  ;i  rath  (Ps.  107. 
7.).  rot  be  straitened— have  ample  room  (Ps. 
is.  ."(!  ;.  13.  (Cf.  ch.  3.  IS.),  'ihe  figure  of 
laj-ii. ,  hold  with  the  hand  suggests  earnest 
efturt.  14.  (Cf.  Is.  1.  1.).  Avoid  all  tempta- 
tioiis  to  the  beginning  of  evil.  16, 17.  The 
reason  is  found  in  the  character  of  sinners, 
whose  zeal  to  do  evil  is  forcibly  depicted 
(ch.  6.  4;  Ps.  36.  6.).  They  live  by  flagrant 
vices  (ch.  1.  13.).  Some  ]  refer  to  render, 
"  Tl'.eir  bread  is  wicketiness,  iheir  drink  vio- 
lence" fcf.  Job,  15.  10;  S4.  r.).  18,  19.  As 
shining  light  incrt-ases  from  twilight  to  noon- 
day S]i;en(lour,  so  tlie  course  of  the  just  in- 
creases in  purity,  but  that  of  the  wicked  is 
as  thickest  darkness,  in  which  one  knows 
not  on  what  he  stumbles.  20-22.  iCf.  v.  10, 
13;  ch.  3.  8,  &c.).  22.  health  ...  flesn— by 
preserving  from  vices  destructive  of  health. 
23.  with  all  diligence  — or,  above,  or  more 
than  all  custody  cf.  Marg.,),  all  that  is  kept 
(of.  Ez.  38.  7,),  because  the  heart  is  the  de- 
pository of  all  wisdom  and  the  source  of 
whatever  affects  life  and  cliaracter  (Mat.  12. 
35;  15.  19.).  24.  a  frowaid  mouth  —  i.e..  a 
mouth,  or  words  of  ill  nature.  The  Heb. 
word  difi'ers  from  that  used  (ch.  2. 15;  3.  32.;. 
perverse— or,  quarrelling,  lips— or, words.  25. 
Let . . .  betore  thee— i.e..  Pursue  a  sincere  and 
direct  purpose,  avoiding  temptations.  26 
Ponder— "Well  consider;  a  wise  course  results 
from  wise  forethought.  27.  fCf.  v.  25.). 
Avoid  all  byepaths  of  evil  (Deut.  2.  27;  17. 
11.).  A  life  of  integrity  requires  attention 
to  heart,  speech,  eyes,  and  conduct* 
CIIAPTEE  "V. 

Ver.  1-23.  A  warning  against  the  seductive 
arts  of  wicked  women,  entorced  by  consider- 
ing the  advantages  of  chastity,  and  the  mi- 
serable end  of  the  wicked. 

1.  This  connection  of  wisdom  and  under- 
Standing  is  frequent  (ch.  2.  2;  3.  7);  the 
first  denotes  the  use  of  wise  means  for  wise 
ends;  the  other,  the  exercise  of  a  proper 
discrimination  in  their  discovery.  2.  regard 
—or,  observe,  keep— preserve  constantly. 
3.  (Cf.  ch.  2.  16.).  Her  enticing  promises  are 
deceitful.  4.  net enA—lit,  herfuture,\n  sense 
of  reward,  what  follows  (cf.  Ps.  37. 37;  73. 17.). 
Its  nature  is  evinced  by  the  use  of  figures, 
opposite  those  of  v.  3.   llie  physical  and 


■phOVEKBS.  V,  VL 


Against  SuretisMp,  <6c. 

grace,  evil— for  afiliction,  as  Gen.  19.  20;  49 
15.  15-20.  By  figures,  in  which  well,  cistern, 
and  fountain  represent  the  wi/e,  and  rivers 
of  waters,  the  children,  men  are  exhorted 
to  constancy  and  satisfaction  in  lawful  con- 
jugal enjoyments.  In  v.  16,  fountains  dn  the 
plural)  rather  denote  the  produce  or  waters 
of  a  spring,  lit,  what  is  from-  a  spring,  and 
corresponds  with  rivers  of  vmte.rs.  only 
thine  own— harlots'  children  have  no  knowa 
father,  wife  . . .  youth  —  married  in  youth. 
1-ving  .  .  .  roe— other  figures  for  a  wife  Jiom 
the  well  known  beauty  of  these  animals, 
breasts  —  cf.  Sol.  Song,  1.  13;  Ez.  23.  3.  8.). 
ravished— Ki.,  intoxicated,  i.e.,  fully  satisfied. 
21.  The  reaf^on,  God's  eye  is  on  you;  22,  23., 
and  Be  will  cause  sin  to  bring  its  pun- 
ishment, without  instruction— ttt.,  in  watit 
of  instruction,  having  refused  it  (cf.  Job,  13. 
18;  Heb.  11.  24.).  go  astray— K<.,  be  drunken. 
The  word  is  ravished  [v.  19)  here  denotes  ful- 
ness of  punishment. 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Ver.  1-35.  After  admonitions  against 
suretiship  and  sloth  (cf.  v.  0-8,i,  the  character 
and  la  e  of  the  wicked  generally  are  set  forth, 
and  the  writer  iv.  20-36)  resumes  the  warnings 
against  incontinence,  pointing  out  its  certain 
and  terrible  results.  This  train  of  thought 
seems  to  intimate  the  kindred  of  these  vices 
1, 2.  if— the  condition  extends  through  both 
verses,  be  sureiy— art  pledged,  stricken... 
hand— bargained (cf.  Job,l7. 3.).  with  a  stranger 
-i.e.,  for  a  friend  (cf.  ch.  11. 15;  17. 18.).  3. 
come  . .  .  friend  — in  his  power,  humble . . . 
sure  thy  friend— urge  as  a  suppliant,  i.e.,  in- 
duce the  iriend  to  provide  otherwise  for  his 
debt,  or  socure  the  surety.  4,  6.  The  danger 
requires  piomptness.  6-8.  The  improvident 
sluggards  usually  want  sureties.  Hence  such 
are  advised  to  industry  by  the  ant's  example. 
9.  10.  Their  conduct  graphically  described; 
11.,  and  the  fruits  of  their  self-indulgence 
and  indolence  presented,  as  . . .  travelkth— 
lit,  one  who  walks  backwards  and  forwards, 
i.e.,  a  highwayman,  armed  man— i.e.,  one 
prepared  to  destroy.  12.  A  naughty  person— 
lit.,  A  man  of  Bdial,  or  of  woithlessness, 
i.e.,  for  good,  and  so  depraved,  or  wicked  (cf. 
1  Sam.  25.  25-30.  22,  &c.).  Idleness  and  vice 
are  allied.  Though  indolent  in  acts,  he  ac- 
tively and  habitually  [u-alketh]  is  illnatured 
in  speech  (ch.  4.  24.).  13, 14.  If.  for  fear  of 
detection,  he  does  not  speak,  he  uses  signs 


moral  suffering  of  the  deluded  profligate  are  I  to  carry  on  his  intrit;ues.  TTiese  signs  are 
notoriously  terrible.  5.  feet, . . .  steps— i.e.,  still  so  used  in  the  East,  deviseth— tt(.,  cow- 
course  of  life  ends  in  death.  6.  iier  ways  s^n(c<s,asanariistiw.  mischief— evil  to  others. 
...know— Some  prefer.  "  that  she  may  not  Frowardness  — As  ch.  2.  14,  discord— espe- 
ponder  the  path  of  life,"  &c. ;  but  perhaps  a  I  daily  litigation.  Cunning  is  the  talent  of 
better  sense  is,  "her  ways  are  varied,  so  as  I  the  weak  and  lazy,  15.  Suddenness  aggra- 
to  prevent  your  knowledge  of  her  true  cha- 1  vates  evil  '-'    -    "     " 

racter,  and  so  ot   true  haiipiness."     8,  9  '  '"■*    ~  

Avoid  the  sliijhtest  temptation,  thine  hon^ 
our  — in  whatever  con.sisting,  stren;4th  (ch 
3. 


(cf.  V.  11;  ch.  29.  1.).     calanmy— 
lit.,  a  crushing  weight,     brokijn  —  shivered 
as  a  potter's  vessel;  utterly  destroyed  (Ps.  2. 
_   ._  .        ,.       _  9.).    16-19.  SIX ...  seven— a  mode  of  speaking 

3. 13,),  or  wealth,  thy  years— by  cutthig  them  !  to  arrest  attention  (ch.  30. 15, 18;  Job.  6. 19.). 
off  in  dissipation,  to  the  cruel-  for  .'uch  the  'proud  hok—lit,  eyes  of  loftiness  (Ps.  131.  l.j. 
sensual  are  apt  to  become.  10.  weakii— <it..  |Eyes,  tongue,  <fcc.,  for  persons,  spesketh— 
sirenaih,  or  the  result  of  it.    ]a.\:o\iTs— the  [lit,  breathes  out,  habitually  speaks  (Ps.  27. 


fruit  "of  thy  painful  exertions  (Ps.  127.  2.) 
There  may  be  a  reference  to  slavery,  a  com 


.-icts,  9. 1.).     20-2b.  (Cf.  ch.  1.  8;  3.  3,  &c.). 
cf.  V.  23,),  denotes  the  instruction  of  pa- 


muted  punishment  for  death  due  the  adul-  rents  [v.  20,),  to  which  all  the  qualities  of  a 
terer  ,Deut.  22. 22.).  11.  at  the  last— the  end,  safe  guide  and  guard  and  ready  teacher  are 
or  reward  (cf.  v.  4.).  mourn— roar  in  pain.  |  ascribed.  It  prevents  the  ingress  of  evil  by 
flesh  and  . .  .  body— the  whole  person  under ;  supplying  good  thoughts,  even  in  dreams 
incurable  disease.  12-14.  The  ruined  sinner '  (ch.  3.  21-23;  Ps.  19.  9;  2  Pet.  1. 19.).  reproofs 
vainly  laments  his  neglect  of  warning  andl— (ch.  1.  23,),  the  convictions  of  error  pro- 
his  sad  fat«  in  being  brought  to  pubh«  dis-  Iduced  by  instruction.  21.  A  specimen  of 
432  ■  3  L 


Moral  virtues 


?rvO VERBS.  X,  XT. 


a)id  contrary  vices. 


7  He  that  reproveth  a,  scornei-  setteth  to 
himself  shame;  and  he  ih;it  r<,-bukfth  a 
wicked  man  getteth  hiniscifa  blot. 

8  Keprove  *not  a  scomer.  ksi  he  hate 
thee  .-/rebuke  a  wise  niau,  and  he  will  love 
thee. 

9  Give  instruction  to  a  wise  man,  and  he 
will  be  vet  wiser:  teach  a  just  man,  "  and 
he  will  mcrease  in  learning. 

10  The  '» fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  bes^n- 
niiig  of  wisdom;  and  the  knowledge  of  the 
Holy  is  understanding: 

11  For  » by  me  thy  days  shall  be  multi- 
plied, and  the  years  of  thy  life  shall  be 
increased. 

12  If  >  thou  be  wise,  then  shalt  be  wise 
for  thyself:  but  j/thou  scoriu'st,  thou  alone 
Bhalt  bear  it. 

13  H  A  foolish  woman  is  clamorous;  she  is 
Bimple,  and  knoweth  nothing. 

14  For  she  sitteth  at  the  door  of  her 
house,  on  a  seat  in  the  high  places  of  the 
city, 

15  To  call  passengers  who  go  right  on 
their  ways: 

16  Whoso  is  simple,  let  him  turn  in  hither: 
and  as  for  him  that  wanteth  imderstand- 


ing,  she  saith  to  him, 
1<  Stolen  *w 


Stolen  *  waters  are  sweet,  and  bread 
^  eaten  in  secret  is  pleasant. 
18  But  he  knoweth  not  that  the  dead  are 
there ;  and  that  her  guests  are  in  the  depths 
of  hell 

CHAPTER  X. 

from  this  chapter  to  the  five  and  twentieth  nre 
tundru  observations  of  moral  virtties,  and  their 
contrary  vices. 

'THE  Proverbs  of  Solomon.    A  wise  son 

■*■  maketh  a  glad  father:  but  a  foolish  son 

is  the  hea\'ines3  of  his  mother. 

2  Treasures  "  of  wickethicss  profit  no- 
thing:  *  but  righteousness  delivereth  from 
dpatn. 

3  The  *  LoKD  will  not  suffer  the  soul  of 
the  righteous  to  famish:  but  he  casteth 
away  i  the  substance  of  the  wicked. 

4  He  becometh  poor  that  dealeth  with  a 
slack  hand:  but  <*  the  hand  of  the  diligent 
mateth  rich. 

5  He  that  gathereth  in  summer  is  a  wise 
Bon:  but  he  that  sleepeth  in  han'est  is  a 
Bon  that  causeth  shame. 

6  Blessings  are  upon  the  headof  the  iust: 
but  *  violence  covereth  the  mouth  of  the 
wicked. 

7  The /memory  of  the  just  t»  blessed:  but 
the  name  of  the  wicked  shall  rot. 

8  The  wise  in  heart  will  receive  command- 
ments: but  2  a  prating  fool  3  shall  lall. 

9  He  '  that  walketh  uprightly  walketh 
surely:  but  he  that  perverteih  his  ways 
Bhall  be  known. 

10  He  that  winketh  with  the  eye  causeth 
sorrow:  but  a  prating  I'ool  ^slinll  fall. 

11  The  '•mouth  of  a  right  cons  man  is  a 
well  of  life:  but  'violence  covereth  the 
mouth  of  the  wicked. 

12  Hatred  stiireth  up  strifes:  but  J' love 
covereth  all  sins. 

13  In  the  *  lips  of  him  that  hath  under- 
BtHiiding  wisdom  is  found:  but  a  rod  is  for 
the  back  of  him  that  is  void  of  &  understand- 
ing. 

14  Wise  men  lay  up  knowledge:  but  the 
month  of  the  foolisti  is  near  destniction. 

15  The  'rich  man's  wealth  is  his  strong 
city:  the  destruction  of  the  poor  is  their 
povertjr. 


Gen.  S6. 12. 

1  Tim.  4  y. 

P  Job  15.  -21. 


r  Pa.  15.  5. 
Nat.  7.  24. 
ilat.  10  18. 

8  addeth. 

«  £ccl.  7.  17. 
t  1  John  3.  2. 
«  Job  S.  13. 
V  Zech. 10.12. 

Pliil.  4.  13. 

Is.  411.  31. 
w  Ps.  1.6. 

9  froward- 


I    CHAP.  U. 
I  1  Balances 

of  deceit. 

Ui.  19.35. 

Deut.  25. 

13. 

a  perfect 

I  a  Dan.  4.  30. 

6  Etek.  7. 19.  ' 
I      Zeph.  1.18. 

e  Gen.  7.1. 

3  rectify.  I 
'  rflTim.4.8.  i 
.eEccl.  lU.B.  I 
I /Job  8.  13.  ! 
1  g  Es.h.  8. 15. 1 
1  4  dettittit« 
ofbwt. 


lij  The  labour  of  the  righteous  tendeth  to 
life:  the  fiiiit  ©f  the  wicked  to  sin. 

17  lie  is  in  the  way  of  life  that  keepeth 
instruction:  but  he  that  refuseth  reproof 
Cfrreth. 

18  lit  that  hideth  hatred  with  lyinsj  lips, 
and  he  that  nttereth  a  slander,  is  a  lool. 

19  In  "*  the  multitude  of  words  there 
wanteth  not  sin:  but  "he  that  refraineth 
his  iijis  15  \rise. 

20  The  tongue  of  the  just  is  ae  choice 
silver:  the  heart  of  the  wicked  is  little 
worth. 

•21  The  hps  of  the  righteous  feed  many: 
but  fools  die  for  want "!  of  wisdom. 

22  'I'he  "blessing  of  the  Lord,  it  m.aketh 
rich,  and  he  addeth  no  sorrow  with  it. 

26  It  is  as  sport  to  a  fool  to  do  niiscbief: 
but  a  man  of  understanding  hath  wisdom. 

24  Tlie  ^fear  of  the  wicked,  it  shall  come 
upon  him:  but  «the  desu-e  of  the  righteous 
shall  be  granted. 

2J  As  the  « hirlwind  pas^eth,  so  is  the 
wicked  no  more:  but  ^  tne  righteous  is  an 
everlasting  foundation. 

'2C,  As  vinegar  to  tlie  teeth,  and  as  smoke 
to  the  eyes,  so  is  the  sluggard  to  them  that 
send  him. 

27  The  fear  of  the  Lord  Sprolont'eth 
days:  but  *  the  years  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
shortened. 

28  The  « hope  of  the  righteous  shall  be 
gladness:  but  the  "  expectation  of  the 
«i>  kcd  shall  perish. 

2'J  The  way  of  the  Lord  is  •'strength  to 
the  uptight:  "'but  destruction  shall  be  to 
the  \vorker'!  ofiiiiqiiitv. 

30  The  rigliteons  shall  never  be  removed: 
but  the  wicked  shall  not  inhabit  the 
earth. 

iii  The  mouth  of  the  just  bringeth  forth 
wisdom:  but  the  frowaid  tongue  shall  be 
cut  out. 

32  The  lips  of  the  righteous  know  what  is 
acceptable:  but  the  mouth  of  the  wicked 
speaketh  'Jfiowardness. 

CllAPTEK  XL 

A  1  FALSE  balance  is  abomination  to 
•"-  the  Lord:  but  2a  just  weight  w  his 
delight. 

2  When  "  pride  cometh,  then  cometh 
shame:  but  with  the  lowly  is  wisdom. 

3  The  integi-ity  of  the  upright  shall  guide 
them:  but  the  pen'erseness  of  transgressors 
shall  destroy  them. 

4  Riches  *  profit  not  in  the  day  of  wTath: 
but "  righteousness  delivereth  from  death. 

5  The  righteousness  of  the  perfect  shall 
3  direct  his  way:  but  the  wicked  shall  fall 


by  his  own  wickedness. 
6  The  "i  right( 


_  hteousness  of  the  upright  shall 
deliver  them :  but  *  transgressors  shall  be 
taken  in  their  own  naughiiiiess. 

7  When  a  wicked  man  dieth,  his  expecta. 
tion  shall  perish;  and  the  hope  of  unjust 
men  perisheth. 

8  The  righteous  is  delivered  out  of  trouble, 
and  the  wicked  cometh  in  his  stead. 

9  An /hypocrite  with  Aw  mouth  destroy- 
eth  his  neighbour:  but  thiough  knowledge 
shall  the  just  be  delivered. 

10  When  "it  goeth  well  with  the  righte 
ous,  the  city  rejoiceth;  and  when  the 
wicked  perish,  there  is  shouti.ig. 

11  By  the  blessing  of  the  upright  the  city 
is  exalted:  but  it  is  overthrown  by  the 
mouth  of  the  wicked. 

i2  ile  that  i&  ^  roid  of  wisdom  despiseth 
2E* 


Arts  of  Stranqe  fV&mm^ 


ptiovERBS.  vn,  vm. 


Advantap6S  of  Wisdom. 


Its  benefit.  By  appreciating  truth,  men  sels.  Her  relations  to  the  divine  plans  and 
are  not  atfected  by  lying  flattery.  25.  One  acts  is  introduced,  as  in  oh.  3.  19,  20,  though 
of  the  cautions  of  this  instruction,  avoid  more  fnLy,  to  commend  her  desirableness 
alluring  beauty,  take  for,  ensnarej  .  .  .  i  for  men,  and  the  whole  is  closed  by  an  assure 
eyeiids— by  painting  the  lashes,  females  en- 1  ance  that  those  finding  her  find  God's  favour, 
hanced  beauty.  26.  The  supplied  words  '  and  those  neglecting  ruin  themselves.  Many 
give  a  better  sense  than  the  did  version:  ]  regard  the  passage  as  a  description  of  the 
"The  price  of  a  whore  is  a  piece  of  bread  "  j  Son  of  God  by  the  title.  Wisdom,  which  the 
adulteress— (cf.Jif arfl'.,),which  the  paralleland  I  older  Jews  used  land  by  which  He  is  called. 
courext  CiO-ao)  sustains.  Of  similar  results  j  Liiiie.  11.  49,).  as  John,  1.  1,  &c..  describes 
pf  this  sin.  of.  ch.  5.  9-12.  will  hunt— allud-'  Him  by  that  of  Lofios,  the  Word.  But  the 
mg  to  the  snares  spread  by  harlots  (ct.  ch.  [  passage  may  be  taken  as  a  personification  of 
7.  ti-8.).  preciouslife— more  valuable  than  all  wisdom:  for,  1.  Though  described  as  with 
else.  27-29.  The  guilt  and  danger  most  ob- 1  God,  wisdom  is  not  asserted  to  be  God.  2. 
vious.  30,31.  Such  a  thief  is  pitied,  though  I  The  use  of  personal  attributes  is  equally 
liea\  iJy  punished,  seveniold— (cf.  Ex.  22. 1-4,),  I  consistent  with  a  personijicutivn,  as  with  the 
for  many,  ample  (cf.  Gen.  4.  24;  Mat.  18.  21,),  j  description  of  a  real  person.  3.  The  personal 
even  if  all  his  wealth  is  taken.  32.  lacketn  !  pronouns  used  accord  with  the  gender  (fern.) 
fiiiderstauding— or,  heart;  destitute  of  moral!  of  wisi  om  constantly,  and  are  never  changed 
principle  and  prudence.  33.  dishonour— or,  i  to  that  of  the  person  meant,  as  sometimes 
shame,  as  well  as  hurt  of  body  (ch.  3.  .%.).  j  occurs  in  a  corresponding  use  of  sj'irit, 
reproach .. ,  away— no  leititutionwill  suffice; ;  which  is  neuter  in  Greek,  but  to  which  mas- 


34,  35.,  nor  any  terms  of  reconcihation  be 
admitted,    regard  [or,  accept]  any  ransom. 
CHAP'IEKVII. 

Ver.  1-27.  The  subject  continued,  by  a  de- 
lineation of  the  arts  of  strange  women,  as  a 
caution  to  the  unwary. 

1-4.  Similar  calls  ich.  3.  1-3;  4.  10,  &c.). 
apple  . . .  eye— pupil  of  eye,  a  custody  ich 


cuiine  pronouns  are  often  applied  (John,  16, 
14,),  when  the  acts  of  the  Holy  Spirit  are  de- 
scribed. 4.  Such  apersouification  is  agreeable 
to  the  style  of  this  bcok  (cf.  chs.  1.  20;  3. 16, 17: 
4.  8;  6.  20  22;  9. 1-4,),  whereas  no  prophetical 
or  other  allusions  to  the  Saviour  or  the  new 
dispensation  are  found  among  the  quota- 
tions of  this  book  in  the  N.  T-.  and  unless 


4.  23)  of  special  value.  Bind  . . .  fingers- as  this  be  such,  none  exist.  5.  Nothing  is  lost 
inscriptions  on  rings.  5.  The  design  of  the  as  to  the  importance  of  the  passage,  which 
teaching  icf.  ch.  3.  16;  6.  24.).  6.  For  —  or, ,  still  remainr.  a  most  ornate  and  also  solemn 
Since,  introducing  an  example  to  illustrate !  and  impressive  teaching  of  inspiration  on 


the  warning,  which,  whether  a  narrative  or 
a  parable,  is  equally  pertinent,  window  for, 
opening  of  the]  casement— or,  lattice,  looked 
'-lit.,  watched  earnestly  (Jud.  6.  28.).  7. 
simple  —  as  ch.  l.  4.  void  of,  &c.  —  (cf.  ch. 
6. 32.).  8.  her  corner— where  she  was  usually 
found,  went . .  .  hcuse  — implying,  perhaps, 
confidence  in  himself  by  his  manner,  as  de- 
noted in  the  word  "went"— tif.,  tread  pomp- 
ously. 9.  The  time,  twilight,  ending  in  dark- 
ness, black  . . .  mght— lit.,  pujnl,  or,  eye,  i.e., 
middle  of  night.  10.  attire— that  of  harlots 
was  sometimes  peculiar,  subtil— or,  wary, 
cunning.     11.  12.  loud— or,  noisy,  bustling 


the  value  of  wisdom. 

1-4.  The  publicity  and  universality  of  the 
call  contrast  with  the  secresy  and  intrigues 
of  the  wicked  (ch.  7. 8,  &c.).  5.  wisdom— it«., 
subtilty  in  a  good  sense,  or,  prudence,  fools 
—as  ch.  1.  22.  6.  excellent  things— or,  plain, 
manifest,  opening , . .  things— upright  words. 
7.  For  . .  .  truth— 7ii.,  My  palate  shall  medi' 
tote,  or  (as  orientals  iidlimdter,  my  thoughts 
expressed  only  to  myself  are  truth,  wicked- 
ness —  specially  falsehood,  as  opposed  to 
truth.  8.  iu  righteousness- or,  righteous  (Ps. 
9.  8;  11.  7.).  froward—ttf.,  fwisfed,  or  contra- 
dictory, i.e.,  to  truth.     9.  plain  .  .  .  uuder- 


stubborii— not  submissive,  witr.out,. .. streets,  [standeth— easily  seen  by  those  who  apply 
. .  .  corner— (cf.  l  Tim.  6. 13;  Tit.  2. 6.).  13-15.  i  their  minds,  that  find— implying  search.  10. 
Kie  preparations  for  a  feast  do  not  neces-  not  silver— preferable  to  it,  so  last  clause  im- 
sarily  imply  peculiar  religious  professions,  plies  comparison.  11.  (Cf.  ch.  3. 14, 16.).  12. 
llie  ofterer  retained  part  of  the  victim  for  a  prudence— as  v.  6.  The  connection  of  icisdom 
feast  (Lev.  3.  9,  &c.).  This  feast  she  professes  j  and  prudence  is  that  of  the  dictates  of  sound 
was  prepared  for  him  whom  she  boldly  ad- 1  wisdom  and  its  application,  find...  inventions 
dresses  as  one  sought  specially  to  partake  of  j —or,  devices,  discreet  ways  ch.  1.  4.).  13. 
it.  16, 17.  my  bed— or,  couch,  adorned  in  the  |  For  such  is  the  ettect  of  the  fear  of  (I'od,  by 
costliest  manner,  bed— in  v.  17,  a  place  fur  j  which  hatred  to  evil  preserves  from  it.  fro- 
sleeping.  18-20.  There  is  no  fear  of  disco-  ward  mouth— or,  speech  (ch.  2.  12;  6. 14.).  14. 
very,  the  day  appointed— perhaps  lit,  aj%dl  It  also  gives  the  elements  of  good  character 
moon,  i.e.,  a  fortnight's  time  (cf.  v.  19.).  21.  in  counsel,  sound  wisdom— (ch.  2.  7.).  I . . . 
caused  . . .  yield— or,  inclines,  flattering— (cf.  strength— or,  "As  for  me,  understanding  is 
ch.  0.  3.).  forced  him— by  persuasion  over-  strength  to  me,"  the  source  of  power  (EccL 
coming  his  scruples.  22.  stiaightway  —  9.  16;;;  good  judgment  gives  more  efliciency 
quick  ly,  either  as  ignorant  of  danger,  or  in-  to  actions ;  15, 16.  of  which  a  wisely  conducted 
capable  of  resistance.  23.  Till— He  is  now  governmtnt  is  an  example.  17.  early— or, 
caught  (ch.  6.  26.).  24.  The  inferential  ad- ;  diligently,  which  may  include  the  usual  sensa 
monition  is  followed,   26,  27.,  by  a  more !  of  early  in  life.    18.  duiable  . .  .  righteousnesa 


general  allegation  of  the  evils  of  this  vice, 
Even  the  mightiest  fail  to  resist  her  deathly 
allurements. 

CHAPTER  vm. 
Ver.  1-36.    Contrasted  with  sensual  allure- 
ments are  the  advantages  of  divine  wisdom. 


such  are  the  riches,  enduring  sources  of 
happiness  in  moral  possessions  (cf.  ch.  3. 16.). 
19.  iCf.  V.  11;  3.  16.).  20,  21.  The  courses  iu 
which  whsdom  leads  conduct  to  a  true  pre- 
sent prosperity  (ch.  23.  5.!,  22-31.  Strictly, 
God's  attributes  are  part  of  Himself.  Yet,  to 


which  publicly  invites  men,  ofters  the  best  the  poetical  structure  of  the  whole  passage, 
principles   of  life,  and  the  most  valuable  this  commendation  ofwisdom  is  entirely  con- 
teue&ts  resultiug  from  receiving  her  coun- '  sonanW   Iu  order  of  time  all  His  attiributeti 
i33 


Moral  virtues 


PROVERBS,  XII,  Xm. 


Qis  neighbour:  but  a  man  of  understanding 
holdetn  his  peace. 

13  6  A  talebearer  revealeth  secrets:  but 
he  that  is  of  a  faithful  spirit  concealeth 
the  matter. 

14  Where  *  no  counsel  is,  the  people  fall: 
but  in  the  multitude  of  counsellors  there  is 
safety, 

15  He  that  is  surety  for  a  stranger  «  shall 
smart  for  it;  and  he  that  hatetn  ^sureti- 
ship  is  sure. 

16  A  gracious  woman  retaineth  honour; 
and  strong  men  retain  riches. 

17  The  » merciful  man  doeth  good  to  his 
own  soul:  but  he  that  is  cruel  troubleth 
his  own  flesh. 

18  The  wicked  worketh  a  deceitful  work: 
but>  to  him  that  soweth  righteousness  shall 
be  a  sure  reward. 

19  As  righteousness  tendeth  to  life:  so  he 
that  pursueth  e\]l  purstieth  it  to  his  own 
death. 

20  They  that  are  of  a  froward  heart  are 
abonimation  to  the  Lord:  but  such  as  are 
upright  in  their  way  are  his  delight. 

-l  Though  hand  join  in  hand,  the  wicked 
shallnot  be  unpunished:  but  the  seed  of 
the  righteous  shall  be  delivered. 

22  As  a  jewel  of  gold  in  a  swine's  snout, 
so  IS  a  fair  woman  which  Sis  without  dis- 
cretion. 

23  The  desire  of  the  righteous  is  only 
pood:  but  the  expectation  of  the  wicked 
u  *  wrath. 

i'4  There  is  that  scattereth,  and  yet  in- 
creaseth;  and  there  is  that  withholdeth 
more  than  is  meet.but  it  tendeth  to  poverty. 

25  9  The  liberal  soul  shaU  be  made  fat; 
and  « he  that  watereth  shall  be  watered 
also  hunsclf. 

20  He  "» that  withholdeth  com,  the  peo- 
ple ShaU  curse  him:  but  "blessing  shall 
be  upon  the  head  of  him  that  selleth  it. 

-'  He  that  diligently  seeketh  good  pro- 
cureth  favour:  "  but  he  that  seeketh  mis- 
chief, It  shall  come  unto  him. 
^28  He  *that  trust^th  in  his  riches  shall 
tall:  but  9  the  righteous  shall  flourish  as  a 
branch. 

2t>  He  that  troubleth  his  own  house  •■  shall 
inhent  the  wind;  and  the  fool  sliaU  he  ser- 
vant to  the  wise  of  heart. 

30  The  fruit  of  the  righteous  is  a  tree  of 
We:  and  he  that  i«  winiieth  souls  is  wise. 

31  Isehold,  •  the  righteous  shaU  be  recom- 
pensed in  the  earth:  much  more  the  wicked 
and  the  sinner. 

,^^^^^        CHAPTER  XII. 
WHOSO  loveth  instruction  loveth  know- 
"    ledge:  but  he  that  hateth  reproof  i« 
brutish. 

2  A  good  man  obtaineth  favour  of  the 
Lord:  but  a  man  of  wicked  devices  will  he 
condemn. 

3  A  man  shall  not  be  established  by 
wickedness:  but  the  root  of  the  righteous 
shall  not  be  moved. 

4  A  °  virtuous  woman  is  a  crown  to  her 
husband :  but  she  that  maketh  ashamed  is 
as  ''  rottenness  in  his  bones. 

5  The  thoughts  of  the  righteous  are  rieht: 
but  the  counsels  of  the  wicked  are  deceit. 

6  The  words  of  the  wicked  are  to  lie  in 
wait  for  blood:  but  the  mouth  of  the  up- 
right shall  deliver  them. 

7  The  "  w  icked  ai-e  overthrown,  and  are 
not:  J)ut  the  house  of  the  righteous  shall 

A1A  1 


CHAP.  11. 
6  He  that 

walketh, 

being  a 

taletiearer. 

Lev.  19.16. 
h  1  Ki.  12. 1. 

6  shall  bo 
sore 

7  those  that 
Btrike 
bands. 

t  Mat.  26.  34. 
i  Hob.  10.12. 

Gal.  C.  8, 9. 

Jam.  3. 18. 

8  departeth 

k  Rom.  2.  8. 

9  The  soul 
of  bleBB- 
ing. 
2  Cor.  9. 6 

I  Mat.  6.  7. 

^^  Amos  8.6 

"Job  29. 13. 

oEsth.  7.10. 

P  Job  31.  2' 
Mar.  10 .2' 
Lu.  12.21 


ill. 


q  Jer.  17.  8. 
r  £ccl.  6. 16 
10  taketh. 

Dan.  12.3 

1  Cor.  9. 

19. 

Jam.  5.20, 
»  Jer.  25.  29. 
1  Pet.  4. 17 


CHAP.  12. 

0  1  Cor.11.7. 
6  ch.  14.  30. 
e  ftUt.  7.  24. 
d  1  S».  26.17. 

1  perverse  of 
heart. 

«  Deu.  26. 4. 

2  Or,  bowels. 
/Gen.  3. 19. 

3  Or,  the 
fortress. 

9  Jer.  17.  8. 

4  The  snar« 
of  the 
wicked  IB 
in  the 
transgrcB- 
eion  of 

h  2  Pet.  2. 9. 
i  Is.  3.  10. 
J  Lu.  18.11. 
8  in  that 

day. 
k  Ze«h.  1.6,6. 
r.:Theas.l.6. 
m  KeT.22.15. 
nilii.lJ.28. 

ch.  10.  4. 

6  Or,  de- 

^itful. 
.50.4. 

7  Or. 
abundant. 

P  Rom.  6.  21. 
2  Cor.  4. 
17. 


CHAP.  13. 

1 1  Sa.  2.  25. 

6  Ps.  39.  1. 

Jam.  3.  3. 

Col.  3.  0. 

&«D.  12.  a. 


and  contrary  viees. 

8  A  man  shall  be  commended  according 
to  his  wisdom:  "^but  he  that  is  l  of  a  per- 
verse heart  shall  be  despised. 

9  Be  that  is  despised,  and  Lath  a  servant, 
is  better  than  he  that  honometh  himself, 
and  lacketh  bread. 

10  A  'righteous  man  regardeth  the  life 
of  his  beast:  but  the  8  tender  mercies  of 
the  wicked  are  cruel. 

11  He /that  tilleth  his  land  shall  be  satis- 
fled  with  bread:  but  he  that  t'olloweth  vain 
persons  is  void  of  undeistundiiig. 

12  The  wicked  desireth  « the  net  of  evil 
men:  but  the  ".root  of  the  righteous  yieid- 
eth  fi-uit. 

13  4  The  wicked  is  snared  by  the  trans- 
gression of  tiis  lips:  /(but  the  just  shall 
come  out  of  trouble. 

14  A  man  shall  be  satisfied  with  good  by 
the  fruit  of  his  mouth:  <and  the  lecom- 
pence  of  a  man's  hands  shall  be  rendered 
unto  him. 

15  The  J  way  of  a  fool  is  right  in  his  own 
eyes:  but  he  that  hearkenetn  unto  counsel 
is  wise. 

16  A  fool's  wrath  is  6  presently  known: 
but  a  prudent  man  covereth  shame. 

17  Be  that  speaketh  truth  showeth  forth 
righteousness:  but  a  false  witness  deceit. 

18  There  is  that  speaketh  like  the  pierc 
ings  of  a  sword:  but  the  tongue  of  the  wise 
is  nealth. 

19  The  *  lip  of  truth  shall  be  established 
for  ever:  but  a  lying  tongue  is  but  for  a 
moment. 

20  Deceit  is  in  the  heart  of  them  that 
imagine  evil :  but  to  the  counselloi-a  of 
peace  is  joy, 

21  There  <■  shall  no  evil  happen  to  the 
just :  but  the  >vicked  shall  be  filled  witb 
mischief. 

22  Lying  ♦"  lips  are  abomination  to  the 
Lord:  but  they  that  deal  truly  are  his  de- 
liLtht. 

23  A  prudent  man  co!icealeth  knowledge: 
but  the  heart  of  fools  proclaimeth  foolish, 
ness. 

24  The  »*  hand  of  the  diligent  shall  bear 
rule:  but  the  6  slothful  shall  be  under  tri- 
bute. 

25  Heaviness  in  the  heart  of  man  maketh 
it  stoop:  but  "  a  good  word  maketh  it 
glad. 

26  The  righteous  is  more  i  excellent  than 
his  neighbour:  but  the  way  of  the  wicked 
seduceth  them. 

27  The  slothful  man  roasteth  not  that 
which  he  took  m  hunting:  but  the  sub- 
stance  of  a  diligent  man  is  precious. 

28  In  the  way  of  riyhteousuess  *  is  life; 
nd  in  the  pathway  thereof  there  is  no 

death. 

CHAPTER  XIIL 
A  WISE  son  heartth  his  lather's  instruc- 
tion: "  but  a  scorner   heareth   not 
rebuke. 

2  A  man  shall  eat  good  by  the  fruit  of  Ziij 
mouth:  but  the  soul  of  tne  transgressors 
shall  eat  violence. 

He  *  that  keepeth  his  mouth  keepeth 
bis  life:  but  he  that  openeth  wide  his  lips 
shall  have  destruction. 
4  1  he  soul  of  the  sluggard  desireth,  and 
hath  nothing:  but  the  soul  of  the  diligent 
shall  be  made  fat. 

6  A  righteous  man  hateth  "  lying:  but  a 
wicked  man  is  loathsome,  and  cometh  to 
I  shame. 


Covimencfation  of  Wisdom. 


PROVERBS,  IX,  X. 


Moral  Virtues. 


are  coincident  and  eternal  as  Himself.    Bntl  of  a  proverb,  meaninf;  that  forbidden  deli;;l)t3 
to  set  forth  the  importance  of  wisdom  as '  are  sv/eet  and  pleasant,  as  fruits  of  risk  and 


devising  the  products  of  benevolence  and 
power,  it  is  here  assigned  a  precedence.  As 
It  has  such  in  divine,  so  should  it  be  desired 
in  human  affairs  (cf.  ch.  3. 19.).  22.  possessed 
—or,  created,  in  either  sense,  the  idea  of  pre 
cedence.  in  the  beginning— or  simply,  be- 
ginning, in  apposition  with  me.  before  ...  of 
old— preceding  the  most  ancient  deeds.  23. 
I  was  sft  up— ordained,  or  inaugurated  'Ps, 
2.  6.:.  The  other  terms  carry  oiit  the  idea  of 
the  earliest  antiqiuty,  and  24-29.  illustrate 
it  by  tiie  details  of  creation,  brought  forth— 
(cf.  Ps.  90.  2.).  abounding— or,  laden  with 
water,  settled  —  i.e.,  sunk  in  foundations. 
fi)ids— or,  out  places,  deserts,  as  opposed  to 
(habitable)  world,  highest  part— or,  sum,  all 
panicles  together,  when  he  set . . .  cepih— 
marked  out  the  circle,  according  to  the  po- 
pular idea  of  the  earth,  as  circular,  sur- 
rounded by  depths  on  which  the  visible  con- 
cave heavens  rested,  establislied  .  .  .  deep— 
i.e.,  so  as  to  sustain  the  waters  above  and 
repress  those  below  the  firmament  (Gen.  1. 
7-11;  Job,  26.  8.).  commandment— better,  the 
shore,  i.e.,  of  the  sea.  foundations— figura- 
tively denotes  the  solid  structure  (Job,  38.  4 ; 
Ps.  24. 2.).  30, 31.  oue  brought  up— an  object  of 
special  and  pleasing  regard.  Tlie  bestowal 
of  vv-isdom  on  men  is  represented  by  its  find- 
ing a  delightful  residence  and  pleasing  God. 
32-36.  Such  an  attribiite  men  are  urged  to 
seek,  watching  .  .  .  v/aiting  —  lit.,  so  us  to 
ivatch;  wait,  denoting  a  most  sedulous  at- 
tention, sinneth  . .  .  me— or  better,  missing 
me,  as  opposed  to  finding.  35.  (Cf.  Luke, 
13.  23.  24.).  love  death— act  as  if  they  did  (cf. 
ch.  ir.  9.). 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Ver.  1-18.  The  commendation  of  wisdom 
continued,  under  the  figure  of  a  liberal  host, 
and  its  provisions  under  that  of  a  feast  (cf. 
Luke,  14. 16-24.).  The  character  of  those  who 
are  invited  is  followed  by  a  contrasted  de- 
scription of  the  rejectors  of  good  counsel; 
and  with  the  invitations  of  wisdom  are  con- 
trasted the  allurement  of  the  wicked  woman. 

1,  liouse— (cf.  ch.  8.  34.).  her— or,  its  (the 
house'.),  seven  pillars— the  number  seven  for 
many,  or  a  sufficiency  (ch.  6.  31.).  2.  mingled 
—to  enhance  the  flavour  ch.  23. 30;  Isa.  5. 22.J. 
furnished— ?rt.,  set  out,  arranged.  3.  maifleus 
—servants  to  invite  (cf.  Ps.  6s.  11;  Isa.  40.  9.). 
highest  places— ridges  o.  heights,  conspicuous 
places.  4-6.  (Cf.  ch.  1.  4;  6.  .32.!.  "Wisdom 
n(»t  only  supplies  right  but  forbids  wrong 
principles.  7,  8.  shauie— (cf.  ch.  3.  35.).  a 
htoi— or,  stain  on  character.  Both  terms 
denote  the  evil  done  by  others  to  one  whose 
faithfulness  secures  a  wise  man's  love.  9.  ^ 
The  more  a  wise  man  learns,  the  more  hejlch.  3 
loves  wisdom.  10.  (Cf.  ch.  1.7.).  of  the  Hoiy 
—lit.,  Itolies,  persons  or  things,  or  both.  This 
knowledge  gives  ri;,ht  perception.  11.  (Cf. 
ch.  3.  16-18;  4  10.).  12.  You  are  mainly  con- 
cerned in  your  own  conduct.  13.  f.olisli 
woman  — or  lit.,  vjoman  of  folly,  specially 
manitested  by  such  as  are  described,  clamor- 
ou=;— or,  noisy  (ch.  7.  11.  .  kiioweln  nothing 
— lit.,  Tcnonxth  not  ivhat.  i.e.,  is  right  and 
proper.  14.  on  a  seat  —  lit,  throne,  takes 
a  prominent  place,  impudently  and  haugh- 
tily, 15.  16.,  to  allure  those  who  are  right 
miuded,  and  who  are  addressed  as  in  v.  4,  as 
siiuijle— i.e.,  easily  led  (ch.  l.  4;  and  unsettled, 
though  willing  to  do  right.  17,  The  language 
434 


danger.    18.  (Cf.  ch.  2.  18.  19;  7.  27.). 
CHAPTEE  X. 

Ver.  1-32.  Here  begins  the  second  part  of 
the  book,  ch,  10-22.  16,  which,  -with  the  third, 
ch.  22. 16,-ch.  2,5.,  contains  series  of  proverbs 
whose  sense  is  complete  in  one  or  two  verses, 
and  which,  having  no  logical  connection,  ad- 
mit of  no  analysis.  The  parallelism  of  clis. 
10-15.  are  mostly  antithetic;  and  those  of  chs. 
16-22. 16,  synthetic.  The  evidences  of  art  in 
the  structure  are  very  clear,  and  indicate, 
probably,  a  purpose  of  facilitating  the  labour 
of  memorising. 

1.  wise  [and]  foolish— as  they  follow  or  re- 
ject the  precepts  of  v/isdom.  maketh  .  .  . 
father— or,  gladdens  a  father,  heaviness— or, 
grief.  2.  Treasures  . . .  nothing- i.e..  Ill-gotten 
.fains  give  no  true  happiness  (cf.  ch.  4. 17: 
Mat.  6.  19.).  righteousness— especially  hejie- 
nccnceiVs.m.i).).  death— the  greatest  of  all 
evils.  3.  [Cf.  Ps.  37.  16-20.1.  The  last  clause 
is  better:  "He  will  repel  the  greedy  desires 
of  the  wicked."  4.  maketh  rich— cf.  v.  22.). 
slack— Zit,  deceitful,  failing  of  its  purpose  (cf. 
Hos.  7. 16.).  6.  son— as  ch.  1.  8, 10,  and  often, 
sleepeth  —  in  indolence,  and  not  for  rest, 
causeth  sh&me— lit.,  is  base  (cf.  ch.  14. 35;  17.  2.). 
6.  Blessings— Mi.,  Praises.  The  last  clause  is 
better:  "  The  mouth  of  the  wicked  covereth, 
or  concealeth,  violence,  or  mischievous  de- 
vices," to  be  executed  in  due  time  IPs.  5.  9; 
10.  7;  Eom.  3.  14,),  and  hence  has  no  praises 
(cf.  V.  11.).  7.  blessed— Ki.,  for  a  blessing,  or 
praise,  shall  lot—lit,  be  worm-eaten,  useless 
and  disgusting.  8.  wise,  &c.— (cf.  ch.  9.  8.  9, 
IG,),  opposed  to  prating  fool— or,  fool  of  lips 
of  wicked  language,  fall  —  headlong,  sud- 
denly. 9.  perverteth  his  way— acts  deceitfully, 
known— discovered  and  punished.  10.  Two 
vices  contrasted;  hypocrisy,  or  insinuating 
evil  against  one  (ch.  6.  13;  Ps.  35.  19,;,  and 
rashness  of  speech.  In  each  case,  the  results 
are  on  the  evil  doers.  11.  a  well— or,  source 
of  good  to  himself  and  others  (John,  7.  37,38.). 
On  last  clause  cf.  v.  6.  12.  strifes— or,  liti- 
gations, coveieth— by  forgiveness  and  for- 
bearance. 13.  In  the  lips  .  . .  found— hence, 
not  beaten,  as  the  wicked-speaking  fool. 
void  of  understanding- (ch.  6.  32;  7.  7.).  14. 
lay  up  knowledge— i.e.,  as  treasures  for  good 
use.  mouth  .  . .  destruction— or,  as  to  the 
uiouth,  &c.,  destruction  is  near;  they  expose 
themselves  to  evil  by  prating.  15.  Both  by 
trusting  in  "  uncertain  riches  (1  Tim.  6.  17,), 
or  by  the  evils  of  poverty  ch.  30.  9,),  men, 
not  fearing  God,  fall  into  dangers.  16.  The 
industry  of  the  righteous  is  alone  truly  suc- 
cessful, while  the  earnings  of  the  wicked 
tempt  and  lead  to  sin.  17.  keepeth— observes 
(ch.  3.  18;  4.  22.).  refuseth— or,  turns  Irom 
reproof,  which  might  direct  him  aright.  18. 
Both  vices  must  one  day  be  known  and  pun- 
ished, and  hence  their  folly.  19.  Much  si  leech 
involves  risk  of  sin;  hence  the  wisdom  of 
restraining  the  tongue  Ps.  39.  l;  Jam.  1.  26.). 

20.  Pdj:ht  speech  is  the  fruit  of  a  good  heart, 
but  the  wicked  show  theirs  to  be  useless. 

21.  The  fool  not  only  fails  to  benefit  others, 
as  do  the  righteous,  but  procure  their  own 
ruin  (cf.  v.  11. 17;  Hos.  4.  6.).  22.  it  makeih, 
(Sic— ii  is  emphatic.  Riches  from  God  are 
without  the  sorrow  of  ill-gotten  wealth  icf. 
Eccl.  2.  21-23;  1 1'ini.  6.  9,  10,  17.).  23.  Sin  is 
the  pleasure  of  the  wicked;  wisdom  tliat  ol 
the  good.  24.  it— the  very  thing.  The  wicked 


Woral  virtues 


PROVEllBS,  XIV,  XV. 


and  contrary  vices. 


6  Righteousness  '^keepeth  him  that  i$ 
opright,  in  the  way:  but  wickedness  over- 
throweth  i  the  sinner. 

7  There  is  that  maketh  himself  rich,  yet 
ftath  nothing:  there  is  that  maketh  himself 
poor,  yet  hath  gi-eat  riches. 

8  Ihe  ransom  of  a  man's  life  are  his 
riches:  but  the  poor  hoaieth  not  rebuke. 

9  The  li^ht  of  the  ri;^'liteous  rejoiceth:  but 
the  2 lamp  of  the  wicked  shall  be  put! 
out. 

10  Only  by  pride  cometh  contention:  but 
with  the  well-advised  is  wisdom. 

11  Wealth  *  gotte7i  by  vanity  shall  be  di- 
minished: but  he  that  gathereth  '^  by  labour 
shall  increase. 

12  1  lope  deferred  maketh  the  heart  sick: 
but  when  the  desire  cometh,  it  is  a  tree  of 
Ufe. 

13  Whoso  /despiseth  the  word  shall  be 
destroyed:  but  he  that  feareth  the  com- 
mandment *  shall  be  rewarded. 

14  The  "  law  of  the  wise  is  a  fountain  of 
life,  to  depart  from  ''  the  snares  of  death. 

15  Good  vmderstanding  giveth  favour:  but 
the  way  of  transgressors  is  hai-d. 

16  Every  *  prudent  man  dealeth  with 
knowledge:  but  a  tool  &  layeth  open  his 
foUy. 

17  A  wicked  messenger  falleth  into  mis- 
chief :  but  6  a  faithful  ambassador  is  health. 

18  Poverty  and  shame  shall  be  to  him  that 
refuseth  instruction:  but  y  he  that  regard- 
eth  reproof  shall  be  honoured. 

19  The  desire  accomplished  is  sweet  to 
the  soul:  but  it  is  abomination  to  fools  to 
depart  from  evil. 

20  He  that  walketh  with  wise  men  shall 
be  wise:  but  a  companion  of  fools  ?  shall 
be  destroyed. 

21  EvU  *  pursueth  sinners :  but  to  the 
righteous  good  shall  be  repaid. 

22  A  good  man  leaveth  an  inheritance  to 
his  children's  children;  and '  the  wealth  of 
the  sinner  is  laid  up  for  the  just. 

23  Much  '»  food  is  in  the  tillage  of  the 
poor:  but  there  is  that  is  destroyed  for  want 
of  judgment. 

24  He  "  that  spareth  his  rod  hateth  his 
Bon:  but  he  that  loveth  him  chasteneth 
him  betimes. 

25  The  righteous  eateth  to  the  satisfj-ing 
of  his  soul:  but  the  belly  of  the  wicked 
Bball  want. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
■p  VERY  "wise  woman  buildeth  her  house: 
■^    but  the  foolish  plucketh  it  down  with 
her  hands. 

2  He  that  walketh  in  his  uprightness  fear- 
eth the  Lord:  *  but  he  that  is  perverse  in 
his  ways  despiseth  him. 

3  In  the  mouth  of  the  foolish  is  a  rod  of 
pride: "  but  the  lips  of  the  -wise  shall  pre- 
serve them. 

4  Where  no  oxen  are,  the  crib  is  clean: 
but  muchmcrease  is  by  the  strength  of  the 
ox. 

5  A  "*  faithful  witness  will  not  lie:  but  a 
false  witness  will  utter  lies. 

6  A  scorner  seeketh  wisdom,  and  Jindeth 
it  not:  but  '  knowledge  is  easy  unto  him 
that  imderstandeth. 

7  Go  from  the  presence  of  a  foolish  man, 
when  thou  perceivest  not  in  him  the  lips 
of  knowledge. 

8  The  wisdom  of  the  pn;dent  is  to  under- 
stand his  way;  but  the  /tuUy  of  fools  is 
Qeceit. 

4afi 


/2Chr.  36. 

16. 
i  Or,  shall 

be  in 

peace. 

Is.  66.  2. 

M«l.  3.  16. 
g  ch.  16.  22. 
h  2  Sa.  22. 6, 
{  ch.  12.  23. 

5  spreadoth. 

6  an  nmbas. 
Bador  of 
faithful- 
neas. 

S  ch.  16.  5. 

7  ihaU  be 

k  Ps.  82. 10. 
I  Job  27.  16. 
Eccl.  2.  26. 
">  ch.  12.  11 
n  ch.  23.  13. 


B.  c.  1000.  I  9  Fools  "  make  a  mock  at  sin:  but  among 
the  righteous  there  is  favour. 

10  The  heai  t  knoweth  i  his  own  bitterness; 
and  a  stranger  doth  not  intermeddle  with 
hisjov. 

11  The  '» house  of  the  wicked  shall  be 
overthrown :  but  the  tabernacle  of  the  up- 
right shall  flourish. 

12  There  » is  a  way  which  seemeth  right 
uuto  a  man :  but  J  tne  end  thereof  are  the 
ways  of  death. 

13  Even  in  laughter  the  heart  is  sorrow- 
ful ;  and  *  the  end  of  that  mirth  is  heavi- 
ness. 

14  The  backslider  in  heart  shall  be  'filled 
with  his  own  ways ;  and  "*  a  good  man  shall 
be  satisfied  from  himself. 

15  The  simple  believeth  every  word :  but 
the  i)rudent  man  looketh  well  to  his  goin^. 

16  A  "  wise  man  feareth,  and  depaitetn 
from  evil:  but  the  fool  rageth,  and  is  con- 
fident. 

17  He  that  is  soon  angry  dealeth  foolishly; 
and  a  man  of  wicked  devices  is  hated. 

18  The  simple  inherit  folly:  but  the  pru- 
dent  are  crowned  with  knowledge. 

19  The  evil  bow  before  the  good;  and  the 
wicked  at  the  gates  of  the  righteous. 

20  The  "  poor  is  hated  even  of  his  own 
neighbour:  out  2  the  rich  hath  many  friends. 

21  He  that  despiseth  his  neighbour  sin- 
neth:  p  but  he  that  hath  mercy  on  the 
pt)or,  happy  is  he. 

22  1)0  tney  not  err  that  devise  evil?  but 
mercy  and  truth  shall  be  to  them  that  de- 
vise good. 

23  In  all  labour  there  is  profit:  but  the 
talk  of  the  lips  tendeth  only  to  penury. 

24  The  crown  of  the  wise  is  their  riches; 
but  the  foolishness  of  fools  is  lolly. 

25  A  true  witness  delivereth  souls:  but  a 
deceitful  witness  speaketh  lies. 

26  In  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  strong  con- 
fidence: and  his  children  shall  have  a 
place  of  refuge. 

27  The  9  fear  of  the  Lord  is  a  fountain  of 
life,  to  depart  from  the.snares  of  death. 

28  In  the  multitude  of  people  is  the  kmg's 
honour:  but  in  the  want  of  people  is  the 
destruction  of  the  prince. 

29  Ue  »■  that  is  slow  to  wrath  is  of  great 
understanding:  but  he  that  is  s  hasty  of 
spirit  exalteth  folly. 

oO  A  sovmd  heart  is  the  life  of  the  flesh: 
but '  envy  the  rottenness  of  the  bones. 

31  He  *  that  oppresseth  the  poor  reproach- 
eth  "  his  Maker:  but  he  that  hououreth 
him  hath  mercy  on  the  poor. 

o2  The  wicked  is  driven  awav  in  his  wick- 
edness: but  "the  righteous  nath  hope  in 
his  deiith. 

33  Wisdom  resteth  in  the  heart  of  him 
that  hath  understanding:  but  that  which 
is  in  the  midst  of  fools  is  made  known. 

34  Righteousness  exalteth  a  nation:  but 
sin  is  a  reproach  *  to  any  people. 

35  The  king's  favour  is  toward  a  wise 
servant:  but  his  wrath  is  against  him  that 
causeth  shame. 

CHAPTER  XV. 
A  SOFT  answer  tunieth  away  wrath:  but 
■^^  grievous  words  stir  up  anger. 

2  I'he  tongue  of  the  wise  useth  knowledge 
aright:  but  the  mouth  of  fools  i  pom-eth 
out  foolishness. 

3  The  "  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every 
place,  behiililing  tin;  e\il  and  the  good. 

4  2  A  wholesome  tongue  is  a  tiee  of  liie: 


CHAP.  14. 
a  Ruth  4. 11. 
6  Job  12.  4. 
e  ch.  12.  6. 
d  Ex.  20. 16. 
Ei.  23.  1. 
e  ch.  17.  24. 
f  Lu.  12.  20. 
1  Cor.  3.19. 

0  ch.  10.  23. 

1  the  bitter- 
ness of  faia 

h  Job  8.  15. 
i  ch.  16.  25. 
y  Rom.  6.21. 
k  Eccl.  2.  2. 

1  ch.  12.  14. 
to  2  Cor.  I. 

12. 

Phil.  4.  7. 
♦»  ch.  22.  3. 
0  ch.  19.  7. 

2  many  are 
the  lovera 
rfthe 
rich. 

P  P..  41. 1. 
9  ch.  13.  14. 
r  Jam.  1. 19. 

3  short  of 
spirit 

•  Ps.  112.10. 
t  Mat.  25. 40. 

1  John  3.17. 
u  Job  31.  16. 
"  Job  I3.  15. 

Job  19.  26. 
Pa.  23.  4. 
P8.87.  37. 

2  Cor.  1.  9. 
2  Cor.  5.8. 
2  Ti.  4.  18. 

4  to  nations. 


CHAP.  15. 

1  belcbeth, 
Of. 
bubbleth. 

o  Job  34.  21. 
Jer.  10.17. 
Jer.  3J.  19. 
11  eb.  4.13. 

2  The  heal- 

tcu(^e. 


Moral  Virtves,  and 


PROVERP.?!.  XT.  XTT. 


their  Contrani  Vices. ' 


get  dreaded  evil;  the  righteous,  desired  good. 
26.  ;Cf.  Ps.  1.  4;  37.  9,  10.  30.  .  righteous  .  .  . 
foundation— well  laid  and  firm  (Mat.  7.  24, 25.). 
26.  i.e.,  causes  vexation.  27.  (Cf.  ch.  9.  11; 
Ps.  55.  23.).  28.  gladness— in  confidence  of 
•^alismg  it.  expectation  .  .  .  perisii— in  di'^- 
appointment.  29.  The  way,  (fee— i.e.,  Cod's 
providence  sustains  the  righteous,  and  ovtr- 
thrnws  the  wicked  (Hos.  14. 9.).  GO.  (Jt'.ch.  12. 
3;Ps.  37.9-11: 102.  28.).  eartli— or,  land  of  pro- 
mise. 3i.  bringeth  forth— ZiL,  germinates  as 
a  plant,  froward— (cf.  ch.  2.  12.  14.  .  cut  •.  ff— 
as  an  unproductive  plant.  32.  known— re- 
gard and  provide  for  J's.  1.  C).  frowsrdr.ess 
—all  kinds  of  deceit  and  iUnature.  The  word 
is  plural. 

CHAPTER  XI. 
Ver.  1-31.  1.  (Cf.  Marg:>.  The  Helirews 
used  stones  for  weights,  just— complete  in 
measure.  2.  Self-conceit  is  unteachable; 
the  liumble  grow  wise  icf.  ch.  IG.  18;  18.  12.). 
3.  guide- to  lead,  as  a  shev>lierd  ch.  6. 37;  Ps. 
78.  52.).  perverseness  —  iUnature.  destroy— 
with  violence.  4.  (Cf.  ch.  lo.  2.  .  wrath— i.e.. 
of  God  5.  direct— or,  make  plain;  wicked 
ways  are  not  plain  (ch.  13.  17.).  6.  deliver 
them— i.e.,  from  evil,  which  the  nicked  sufi'er 
by  their  own  doings  ich.  5.  22.  Fs.  9.  16.).  7. 
exceclanon  . .  .  perisli»-for  death  cuts  short 
all  his  plans  (Luke,  10.  25.).  'hope  cf  ui  jup  — 
betfer,  "hope  of  wealth,"  or  power  cf.  Isa. 
40.  29,  Heh.).  This  gives  an  advance  on  the 
sentiment  of  the  first  clause.  Even  lini:es  of 
gain  die  with  him.  8.  Perhaps  the  xrouhle 
prepared  by  the  wicked,  and  which  he  in- 
herits cf.  V.  0.).  9.  iCf.  Ps.  35.  10;  Dan.  11. 
32.).  The  just  is  saved  by  superior  discern- 
ment. 10. 11.  The  last  may  be  a  reason  for 
the  first.  Together,  they  set  forth  the  rela- 
tive moral  worth  of  good  and  bad  men.  By 
the  bit ssisig— implying  active  benevolence. 
desjis^ih- or,  reviles,  a  course  contrasted 
with  the  prudent  silence  of  the  wise,  i  oldetli 
his  peace— as  if  neither  hearing  nor  telling. 
13.  talebearer— (cf.  Marg.,),  one  trading  as  a 
pedlar  in  scandal,  whose  propensity  to  talk 
leads  him  to  betray  confidence.    14.  couiisei 

—the  art  of  governing  (ch.  1.  5.).  counsellors '  11. 12.).  lerverse  heart— or,  wicked  principles, 
—lit.,  one  giving  counsel;  the  participle  used  as  opposed  to  one  of  wisdom.  9.  flespised— 
as  a  collective.    15.  iCf.  ch.  0.  1.).    sureiisiiipl  held  in  little  repute,  obscure  (l  Sam.  18. 


blessing,  secures  increase,  while  r)enurious- 
iiesK,  instead  of  e.xiiecteii  gain,  procures  po- 
verty. 25.  liberal  soul— (cf.  A/ rt7-.(;.).  made  fat— 
in-ospers  (ch.  28.  25;  Dent.  32. 15;  Lnke.6.  38.1. 
wa  pe^li  .  .  .  watered— a  comm'  n  figure  for 
blessing.  26.  Another  example  of  the  truth 
of  V.  '>a\  the  m'ser  loses  reputation,  though 
he  saves  corn,  seileth  it— i.e.,  at  a  fair  price. 
27.  good  [and]  miscliief— i.e.,  of  others.  p;o- 
cnreth  .. .  seeketh— implying  success.  28.  iCf. 
cli.  10.  15:  Ps.  49.  6;  1  Tim.  6.  17.).  righteous 
...branch-  'Ps.  1.  .'i;  Jer.  17.  8.).  29.  ircubleth— 
as  ch.  15.  27,  explains,  by  greediness  for  gain 
cf.  V.  17.).  inherit . . .  wind— even  .successful, 
his  gains  are  of  no  real  value.  Ko  the  fool, 
thus  acting,  either  comes  to  poverty,  or  heaps 
up  tor  others  30.  a  ;ree  o'  +ife— blessings  to 
others  tiroceed  from  the  works  ot  the  right- 
eous (ch.  3.  18.).  winneth  souls— (cf.  Mara.], 
to  do  them  good  as  opposed  to  ch.  6.  25:  Ez. 
13.  18  C-.  Luke,  5.  10.).  31.  Behold— Thus 
calling  attention  to  the  illustrations  (cf.  '-. 
23,),  the  sentiment  of  wi4ch  is  confirmed 
even  in  time,  not  excluding  future  rewards 
and  punislmients. 

CHAPTER  XII. 
Ver.  1-2S.    1.  loveth  know  edge— as  the  fnilt 
of  insti-uction  or  training   ch.  1.  2.).    hateth 
reprcci— (ch.  10. 17.).    bruus>i— stur)i'l,  regard- 
less of  his  own  welfare  (Ps.  49.  lO;  73.  22.). 

3.  Wickedness  cannot  give  permanent  pros- 
perity, root  .  .  .  not  be  moved  —  firm  as  a 
flourishing  tree— (Ps.  1.  3;  16.  5;  Jer.  17.  8.;. 

4.  a  virtuous  wom.au— in  the  wide  sense  of 
well  disposed  to  all  moral  duties  (ch.  31.  10.). 
maketh  asnan  ed— i.e.,  b.v  misconduct,  roiten- 
iiess  — an  incurable  evil.  5.  thoughts- or, 
purposes,  are  right— /('#.,  are  judgment,  i.e., 
true  decisions.  couuspIs  —  (cr.  ch.  11.  14.). 
deceit— contrary  to  truth  and  honesty.  6.  The 
words  — or,  expressed  de.-^igns  of  the  wicked 
are  for  evil  purposes,  the  mouth— or,  words 
of  the  righteous  delivering  instead  of  en- 
snaring men.  7.  Such  conduct  brings  a  pro- 
per return,  by  the  destruction  of  the  wicked 
and  wellbeing  of  the  righteous  and  his  fiimily. 
8.  despised— as  oyiposed  to  commended  (ch. 


cf;  Mart/.,),  the  actors  put  for  the  action,  i  I 
which  may  be  lawfully  hated.     16.  re;ain- 


3.  5.).    hatii  a  servant— implying  some 
means  of  honest  living,    bonouierh  himselt- 


or  lit.,  lay  liold  of  as  a  supiwrt.  Honour  is  !  is  self-conceited.  10.  regardcth— ^ii.,  knoiveth 
to  a  feeble  woman  thus  as  valuable  as  riches  i  (Ps.  l.  0.).  mercies  .  .  .  cruel— as  acts  of  com- 
to  men.  17.  mtrciful— kind  to  others;  op- i  passion  ungraciously  rendered  to  the  needy, 
posed  to  cruel.  Such  benefit  themselves  by :  The  ri;2,hteous  more  regards  a  beast  tlian  the 
doing  good  to  others  (cf.  ch.  24.  5.  ,  while  the '  wicked  a  man.  11.  The  idlei-'s  fate  is  the 
cruel  injure  themselves  as  well  as  others,  result  of  indolence  and  want  of  principle 
flesh  —  i.e.,  his  body,  by  penuriousness  (Col. :  (ch.  6.  82;  7.7.  .  12.  The  wicked  . . .  evil— They 
2.  23.).  18.  a  deceitful  work— or,  wages,  which  love  the  crafty  arts  of  deception,  the  root . .. 
fail  to  satisfy,  or  flee  away  (ch.  10.  2;  23.  5.). ;  (fruitj- their  own  resources  supply  them;  or. 
sure  rew  rd- or,  gain,  as  from  trading  (Hos.  it  mny  be  rendered:  "He  (God)  giveth,  or 
10.  12;  Gal.  6.  8,  9.).  19.  Inference  from  v.  18,  sets  (Kz.  17.  22,',  the  root  of  the  righteous," 
(cf.  v.  5,  6;  ch.  10.  16.).  20.  (Cf.  v.  5.).  froward  and  hence  it  is  firm:  or,  the  verb  is  imper- 
— as  ch.  2.  15,  opposed  to  the  simplicity  sonal:  "As  to  the  root,  &c.,  it  is  firm" 
and  purity  of  the  upri<M.  in  their  way— or.  (ch.  17.  19.).  13,  14.  The  sentiment  ex- 
conciuct.  21.  The  combined  power  of  the  panded.  While  the  wicked,  such  as  liars, 
wicked  cannot  free  them  from  just  punish-  flatterers,  &c.,  fall  by  their  own  words,  the 
n  ent,  while  the  unaided  children  o<'  the  righteous  are  unhurt.  Their  good  conduct 
righteous  find  deliverance  by  reason  of  their  makes  friends,  and  God  rewards  them.  15. 
pious  relationship  Ps.  37.  25,26.).  22.  Jewels  Tht  w.iy  .  .  .  eyes— The  fool  is  self-ccnceited 
were  often  suspended  from  the  nose  (ien.  (cf.  v.  1;  ch.  1.  32;  10.  17;  Jam.  3,  17.  i.  16. 
24.  47;  Isa.  3.  21.).  Thus  adorned,  a  hog  dis-  prudent  .  .  .  shame— he  is  slow  to  denounce 
gusts  less  than  a  fair  and  indiscreet  woman,  his  insulters  (Jam.  1.  10.).  18.  spe.tketh 
•^3.  (Cf.  ch.  10. 28.  \  The  wrath  is  that  of  God.  —lit,  speaketh  hastily,  or  iiidi.scieetly  (Ps. 
24-31.  The  siope  of  the  whole  is  a  comment  106.  33,),  as  an  angry  man  retorts  harsh 
on  V.  23.  Thus  liberality  (v.  24,),  by  God's  and  provoking  invectives,  toiigue  . . .  healiJi 
436 


Woral  virlties 


PROVERBS,  XVI. 


end  contrary  vices. 


but  pei'verseness  therein  is  a  Lreach  in  the 
Bpirit. 

5  A  fool  deapiseth  his  father's  instniction: 
but  he  that  regardeth  reindof  is  {irudeiit. 

6  In  the  house  of  the  risrhteous  is  much 
treasure:  but  in  the  revenuts  of  the  wicked 
is  tiouble. 

7  The  lips  of  the  wise  disperse  knowledge: 
but  the  heartof  the  foolisli  dveih  not  so. 

8  The  *  sacrifice  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomi- 
nation to  the  Lord:  *  but  the  prayer  of  the 
DpriL'ht  is  his  deliKht. 

9  The  way  of  the  wicked  is  an  abomina- 
tion unto  the  Lord:  but  he  loveth  him 
that  <*  followeth  after  righteousness. 

lOSCoiTection  is  grievous  uniu  him  that 
forsaketh  the  way:  and  he  that  hateth  re- 
prool  shall  die. 

11  Hell  and  destruction  are  before  the 
Lord:  how  much  more  then  *  the  hearts  of 
the  children  of  men? 

Li  A  scorner  lovetli  not  one  that  reproveth 
bim;  neither  will«he  tjounto  the  wise. 

13  A  merry  heart  maketh  a  cheerful  coun- 
tenance: but  by  sorrow  of  the  heart  the 
Bphit  is  broken. 

14  The  heart  of  him  that  hath  understand- 
ing seek  eth  knowleiltre:  Ijut  the  mouth  of 
fools  feedeth  on  foolishness. 

15  All  the  days  of  the  atilicted  are  e\i\: 
l).ut  he  that  is  of  a  meny  heart  hoth  a  con- 
tinual feast. 

16  Ketter/ is  little  with  the  fear  of  the 
Lord,  than  great  treasure,  and  trouble 
therewith. 

17  Better  is  a  dinner  of  herbs  where  love 
Is.  than  a  stalled  ox  and  hatred  there- 
with. 

18  A  wrathful  man  stireth  up  strife:  but 
he  that  is  slow  to  anper  rtppcuseth  strife. 

19  The  way  of  the  slnthiul  man  is  ns  an 
hedge  of  tliorns:  but  the  way  otthe  righte- 
ous ♦  J5  made  plain. 

VO  A  wise  sou  maketh  a  glad  father:  but  a 
foolish  man  despiseth  his  mm  i.^r. 

21  Folly  iajoy  to  himUud  i*- 6  destitute  of 
wisdom: Shut  a  man  of  understanding 
walketli  uprightly. 

SW  Without  counsel  purposes  are  disap- 

Jiointed:  but  in  the  multitude  of  counsel- 
ors they  are  established. 

ii3  A  man  hath  joy  by  the  answer  of  his 
mouth ;  and  a  word  spoken  c  in  due  sea- 
son, how  good  is  if.' 

'2i  The  ^  way  of  life  is  above  to  the  wiee, 
that  he  may  depart  from  hell  beneath. 

26  The  Lord  will  destroy  the  Imuse  of  the 
proud:  but  he  will  establish  the  border  of 
the  widow. 

26  The  thoughts  of  the  wicked  are  an 
abomhiation  to  the  Lord:  but  the  tvords 
of  the  pure  are  'pleasant  words. 

27  He  « that  is  greedy  of  gain  troubleth 
his  own  house:  out  he  that  hateth  t;irt8 
shall  live. 

28  The  heart  of  the  righteous  J  studieth  to 
answer:  but  the  mouth  of  the  wicked 
pciireth  out  evil  things. 

2!)  The  Lord  is  *  lar  Irom  the  wicked:  but 
he  '  heareth  the  prayer  of  the  righteous. 

bo  The  light  of  tne  eyes  reiniceth  the 
heart;  and  agood  report "maketn  the  bones 
fet. 

31  The  ear  that  he.treth  the  reproof  of 
life  ni)ideth  among  thi-  wise. 

o'2  J  le  that  refuseth  8  Distinction  despiseth 
his  own  soul:  but  he  that "  heaieth  re- 
prouf  io  gettetli  uuderstaudiiig. 

4a& 


CHAP.  16. 

b  Is.  61.  8. 

Jer.  6.  no. 

Jer.  7.  22. 

Amoe  5. 22 
«  Lu.  18.  11. 
d  1  Ti.  6.  U 
'i  Ur,  In- 

(truction. 
«  John  2  24. 

Acts  1.  24. 
fEccl.i.6. 

1  Tim.  6.6 
4  is  raised 


U.  .^  8. 
void  of 


i  I..  5.  8. 
>  1  let.  3.1 
*  Hrh    'J.  1 
I  Ko.n.  8.  2 

9  Or, 
oLeyelh. 

'  ['Obseas- 


M»t.  1IM9. 
b  1  6a.  IC.  7. 

Dan.  5.  27. 
2  Kcll. 


Phil.  4.  6. 

1  f  et.  5.  7. 
e  la.  4a.  7. 

Rom.  11.36. 
d  J.^blil.  »). 

Kom.  9.22. 
6  held 

innocent. 

Dan.  4.  27. 
Lu.  11.  41. 
f  Col.  1.  10. 
g  Jer.  10.  23. 
■lDi«in»tion. 
Ii  Lev.  19.30, 
6  >U  tba 

•tones. 
i  Is.  36.  8. 

Acta  2-1. 16. 
G  Or,  Ho 


l6  J  I.  18. 
Jer.  17.  7. 
Ps.  S7.  3(1. 
SiHt.  12.34. 
n,<,keth 

J'lie  »oul  of 
hiu  th&t 
laboiirclb. 

9  boweth 
unto  bim. 

10  A  ffiUJi  of 
Belial. 

11  lendeth 
fortli. 


33  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  instruction 
of  wisdom;  and  before  honour-  is  humQity. 

CHAPTER  XVL 
T'HE  1  preparations  of  the  heart  in  man, 

-*■  and  ^  the  answer  of  the  tongue,  is  hum 
the  Lord. 

2  All  the  ways  of  a  man  are  cletm  in  his 
own  eyes:  but  the  *  Lord  weigheth  the 
gpuits. 

3  -  Commit  thy  works  onto  the  Lord,  and 
thy  thoughts  shall  be  estaldished. 

4  The "  Lord  hath  made  all  tldnas  for 
himself;  <*  yea,  even  the  wicked  for  the  day 
of  evO. 

5  Every  one  that  is  proud  in  heart  is  nn 
abomination  to  the  Lord:  thovah  bai.d 
join  in  hand,  he  shall  not  be  =*  unjauiishta. 

6  By  •  mercy  and  truth  iniquity  is  purged; 
and  by  the  fear  of  the  Lord  men  depart 
from  enl. 

7  When  a  man's  ways/ please  the  Lord, 
he  njaketh  even  his  enemies  to  be  at  peace 
with  him. 

8  iifctter  is  a  little  with  righteousness, 
than  great  revenues  without  right, 

9  A  man's  heart  deviseth  his  way: «'  but 
the  Lord  directeth  his  steps. 

10*  A  divine  sentence  is  ui  the  lips  of  the 
king:  his  mouth  transgresselh  not  m  judg- 
ment. 

11  A '» just  weight  and  balance  are  the 
Lord's  ;o  all  the  w  eights  of  the.bag  are  his 
work. 

12  It  is  an  abomination  to  kings  to  com- 
mit wickedness:  for  the  throne  is  estab- 
hshed  by  ri^'hteousness. 

13  Righteous  lips  are  the  delight  of  kings; 
and  they  love  him  thatspeakelh  right, 

14  The  wrath  of  a  king  i.s  as  messengers 
of  death:  but  a  wise  man  will  jiaciiy  it, 

15  In  the  light  of  the  king's  countenance 
is  life;  and  his  favour  is  as  a  cloud  of  the 
latter  rain, 

16  How  much  better  is  it  to  get  wis- 
dom  than  gold?  and  to  get  understanding 
rather  to  he  chosen  than  silver? 

17  The  »  highway  ol'  the  upright  is  to  de- 
part Irom  evil:  he  that  keepeth  his  way 
presen'eth  his  soul, 

18  rride  goeth  before  destruction,  and  an 
haughi  ^  spirit  before  a  fall. 

Id  Better  it  is  to  be  of  an  humble  spuit 
with  the  lowly,  than  to  divide  the  spoil 
with  the  proud. 

2(1  *<  He  that  handleth  a  matter  wisely 
shall  tind  good;  and  whoso >  trusteth  in 
the  Lord,  happy  is  he. 

21  The  wise  m  heart  shall  be  called  pru- 
dent; and  the  sweetness  of  the  hps  mcreas- 
eth  learning. 

22  Uiidcistarding  is  a  well-spring  of  life 
unto  him  that  hath  it:  but  the  instruction 
of  fools  is  folly. 

23  The  *  heart  of  the  wise  1  teacheth  hia 
mouth,  and  addeth  learnuig  to  his  lips. 

24  Pleasant  words  are  as  an  honeyconih, 
sweet  to  the  soul,  and  health  to  the 
bones. 

25  There  is  a  way  that  seemeth  right  unto 
a  man;  but  the  end  thereof  are  the  wa>a 
of  death. 

26  8  He  that  laboureth,  lahoureth  for  him- 
self; for  his  mouth  "  craveth  it  of  him. 

_  27  1*'  An  ungodly  man  diggeth  up  evil;  and 
in  his  lips  there  is  as  a  burning  tire. 

28  A  ii-oward  man  ^  soweth  striie;  and  a 
whisperer  separateth  chief  friends. 

29  A  violent  man  enticeth  his  ueighboor. 


Moral  Virlues,  and 


PROVERBS,  xni,  xrv. 


their  Contrary  Vices. 


^Ly  sootliiriK  and  gentle  language.  19. 
Words  of  trutii  are  consistent  -ind  stand  all 
tests,  while  lies  are  soon  discovered  and  ex- 1 
posed.  20.  tiiac  im;  giue— or,  plan  (ch.  y.  2'J.). 
They  de.-ign  a  deceitful  course,  to  which, 
■witli  all  its  evils  and  dangers  to  others  and  | 
themselves,  the  happiness  of  peace-makers  i 
is  (n^posed  (cf.  Mat.  5.  y;  Rom.  12.  18.1.  21.  j 
no  evil— (as  Ps.  91. 10,),  under  God's  wise  limi- 1 
tations  iRom.  8. 28.).  miscnief— as  penal  evil. 
22.  deal  truly— or,  faithfully,  i.e.,  according 
to  promises  icf.  tlohn.  3.  21.).  23.  couceaieth 
—by  his  modesty  .:ch.  10.  14;  11.  13.).  heart 
. . .  proc  aimetu— as  his  lips  speak  his  thoughts 
(cf.  EccL  10.  3.).  24.  slotliiul— icf.  Marg.,),  so 
called  because  he  fails  to  meet  his  prouiises. 
uuder  uibuic— not  denoting  legal  taxes,  but 
the  obligation  of  dependence.  25.  a  good 
Wi:rd— one  of  comfort. .  26.  more  exce  lent— 
(cf.  Marg.,),  or,  more  successful,  while  the 
wicked  rail;  or.  we  may  read  it:  "The  riMht- 
eous  guides  his  friend,  but,"  &c.,  i.e..  The 
ability  of  the  righteous  to  aid  others  is  con- 
trasted with  the  ruin  to  which  the  way  of 
the  wicked  leads  themselves.  27.  (Cf.  v.  24.). 
took  in  liuniiug— or,  his  venison.  He  does 
not  improve  his  advantages,  tiie  substance 
.  . .  precious  —  or,  the  wealth  of  a  man  of 
honour  is  being  diligent,  or  diligence,  pre 
cijxia— lit.,  honour  (Eccl.  10.  l.j.  2i.  iCf.  ch. 
8.  8,  20,  <tc.;.  A  sentiment  often  stated;  here 
first  afhrmatively,  then  negatively. 
CHAtTEK  Xiil. 
Ver.  1-25.  1.  (Uf.  ch.  6.  1-5;  10.  1,  17.).  2. 
shall  e  >t— i.e.,  obtam  ch.  12. 14.).  transgres-^ors 
—as  cli.  2. 22.  Violeuce— or,  mischief  to  them- 
selves. 3.  He  . .  .  mouth  . . .  liie  —  Because 
evil  speeches  may  provoke  violence  from 
others.  On  last  clause  cf.  ch.  10.  14.  4.  iCf. 
ch.  12. 11,  27.;.  5.  loaUisome . . .  sU:-,mt;— better, 
causeth  shame  and  reproach  (cf.  ch.  V.k  20,  , 
by  slander,  &c.,  which  the  righteous  hales. 
6.  A  sentiment  of  frequent  recurrence,  that 
piety  benetiis,  and  sin  injures.  7.  In  opposite 
ways  men  act  hypocritically  for  gain  o.  hon- 
our, or  wealth.  8.  Riches  save  some  from 
punishment,  while  others  suffer  because  they 
will  not  heed  the  rebuke  of  sloth,  which 
makes  and  keeps  them  poor.  9.  li^nt  [an  :] 
lamp— prosperity;  the  first,  the  greater,  and  it 
rejoi'jttli  — or,  burns  brightly,  or  continues, 
while  the  other,  at  best,  small,  soon  tails. 
10.  ihe  obstinacy  which  aitends  self-conceit, 
produces  contention,  which,  the  well  advised, 
thus  evincing  modesty,  avoid.  11.  by  va.nty 
—or,  nothingness,  i.e.,  which  is  vain  or  use- 
less to  the  public  as  card  playing  and  similar 
vices.),  gatherelk  .  .  .  labjur— (cf.  Manj.,], 
little  by  little,  laboriously.  12.  desire  coinem 
—is  realised,  a  tree  of  lite— or,  cause  of  hap- 
piness. 13.  tlie  word— i.e.,  of  advice,  or  in- 
struction cf.  ch.  10.  27;  11.  31.).  14,  (Cf.  ch. 
10.11.,.  fountain— or,  source ot  life,  to  depart 
—(of.  ch.  1.  2-4,),  or,  for  departing,  &c.,  and  so 
gives  live.  15.  Right  perception  and  action 
secures  good-will,  while  evil  ways  are  diffi- 
cult as  a  stony  road.  The  wicked  left  of  God 
find  punishment  of  sin  in  sinning,  hard— 
or.  harsh  (cf.  [Hib.',  Deut.  2l.  4;  Jer.  5.  15.). 
16.  (ie^iSih— acts  with  foresight,  a  fool... 
loUy— f'  r  want  of  caution.  17.  A  wicked— 
[or,  untaithful]  messenger  fal'.eih  into— or,  by 
mischief,  or  evil,  and  so  his  errand  fails. 
Contrasted  is  the  character  of  the  faithful, 
whose  laithfulness  benefits  others.  18.  Cf. 
ch.  10.  17;  12. 1.).  19.  Sell-denial,  which  fools 
will  not  eudure,  is  essential  to  success.  20, 
438 


The  benefits  of  good  and  evils  of  bad  society 
are  contrasted  21.  ,Cf.  ch.  11.31./.  good... 
repaid— or.  He  (God)  will  repay  good.  22. 
wealth  .  .  .  just  — while  good  men's  e-tates 
remain  in  their  families,  God  so  oniers  that 
the  gains  of  sinners  enure  to  the  just  (cf.  ch. 
28.  8;  Fs.  ^7.  18,  22,  26,  &c.i.  23.  'ihe  labour- 
ing poor  prosper  more  than  those  who  inju- 
diciously or  wickedly  strive,  by  fraud  and 
violence,  to  supersede  the  necessity  of  lawful 
labour.  24.  bp.uetii  — or,  withholds,  rod— 
of  correction,  hateih— or,  acts  as  if  he  hated 
him  icf.  ch.  3.  12;  8. 36.).  chasieneth . . .  betimes 
—or,  diligently  seeks  for  him  all  use!  ul  dis- 
cipline. 25.  The  comparative  tempoi al  la-os- 
perity  of  the  righteous  and  wicked,  rather 
than  contentment  and  discontent,  is  noted. 
CHAPTER  XIV. 
Ver.  1-35.  1.  Every  wise,  &c.  —  ht..  The 
vnsdoms  (cf.  ch.  9.  1)  ofxoomen,  plural,  a  dis- 
tributive form  of  speech,  buildei h . . .  h .use- 
increases  wealth,  which  the  foolish,  by  mis- 
management, lessens.  2.  uprigi.tnjss- is  the 
fruit  of  fearing  God,  as  falsehood  and  ill- 
nature  (ch.  2.  15;  3.  32)  of  despising  Him  and 
His  law.  3.  rLd  of  pride— i.e.,  the  i.uiu>linient 
01  pride,  which  they  evince  by  tlieir  words. 
The  words  of  the  wise  procure  good  to  them. 
4.  crib  is  clean— or,  empty;  so  "cleanness  of 
teeth"  denotes  want  of  food  (cf.  Amos,  4.  G.). 
Men  get  the  proper  iruit  of  the.r  doings 
(Gal.  u.  7.).  5.  A  faithful  witness,  <iic.— One 
testad  to  be  such,  utter  [or,  breathe  out]  lies 
—i.e.,  habitually  lies  (ch.  0.  19;  cf.  Acts,  9.  1.). 
Or  the  sense  is.  that  habitual  trutlilulness, 
or  lying,  will  be  evinced  in  witness-bearing. 
I  6.  An  humble,  teachable  spirit  succeeds  iii 
seeking  (ch.  8.  9;  John,  7.  17;  Jam.  l.  5,  6.). 
7.  Avoid  the  .society  of  those  who  cannot 
'  teach  you.  8.  Appearances  deceive  the 
'  thou'Jitless,  but  the  prudent  discriminate. 
;  9.  ioo.s  . . .  sin— or.  Sin  deludes  fools,  rig-hi- 
;  eous  .  .  .  iavour— i.e.,  of  God,  instead  of  the 
punishment  of  sin.  10.  Each  one  best  knows 
his  own  sorrows  or  joys.  11.  (Cf.  ch.  12.  7.). 
;  Ihe  contrast  of  the  «hole  is  enhanced  by 
:  that  of  house  and  tabernacle,  a  permanent 
;  and  a  temporary  dwelling.  12.  tud  liierer.f— or, 
reward,  what  results  (cf.  ch.  6.  4.).  ways  of 
;  cieaiii— leading  to  it.  13.  The  preceding  sen- 
1  timent  illustrated  by  the  disappointments 
j  of  a  wicked  or  untimely  joy.  14.  filltd . . .  v/ays 
i  —receive  retribution  (ch.  1.  31.).  a  gcod  man 
I .  .  .  uiiLSsii—lU.,  is  away  from  such,  will  not 
i  associate  with  him.  15.  Tne  simple  . . .  wtrd 
I  —He  IS  credulous,  not  from  love,  but  heed- 
I  lessness  (ch.  13.  16.  .  16.  Cf.  ch.  3.  7;  28.  14.). 
'  ragetu— acts  proudly  and  conceitedly.  17. 
'  Ktf  .  .  .  angry  —  lit.,  short  of  anger  icf.  v.  29. 
■  opposite  idea.),  man  . . .  hated— i.e.,  the  deli- 
j  berate  evil-doer  is  more  hated  than  tlie  rash. 
18.  inherit  — as  a  portion  (ch.  3.  3,).).  are 
!  crowned- ?ii.,  are  surrounded  with  it,  aiiound 
Jin  it.  19.  describes  the  humbling  of  the 
wicked  by  the  punishment  their  sins  incur. 
20.  This  sad  but  ti'ue  picture  of  Imiu^ui  na- 
ture is  not  given  approvingly,  bui  only  as 
a  fact.  21.  For  such  contempt  of  the  poor 
is  contrasted  as  sinful  with  the  virtuous 
compassion  of  the  j40od.  2i.  As  usuil.  the 
interrogative  negative  strengthens  the  utfix- 
mative.  meicy  and  truth— i.e.,  God's  (I'f.  57. 
3;  (1.  7.).  23.  labour— or,  painful  d  ligence. 
ta  k  .  . .  penury— idle  and  vain  pro:iii>,es  and 
plans.  24.  iCf.  ch.  3.  16.).  I'lolishnesj  . . .  fuiiy 
—folly  remains,  or  produces  folly,  has  uo 
benefit.    35.  Life  often  depends  on  truth 


JHoral  Vivtvei 


PROVERBS,  XVII-XIX. 


and  emtrary  rices. 


SkTiA  h'adeth  him  into  the  way  that  is  not 
g-<'<>i(. 
:Vt  He  shutteth  his  eyes  tode%ise  frowiird 
tliiiiKs:  moving  his  lips  he  briuseth  evil  to 
p:iss. 

31  'i'he  hoary  head  is  a  cro^vn  of  glory,  if 
it  be  found  in  the  way  of  riKhtennsness. 

32  He  that  is  slow  to  anirer  is  better  than 
the  mii,'hty;  and  he  that  nileth  his  spirit 
than  he  that  taketh  a  city. 

33  The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap-  but  the 
whole  disposiiit'  thereof  is  of  the  Loed. 

CirAl'TEIl  XVII. 
■PETTER  is  a  dry  morsel,  and  quietness 
■*-*  therewith,  than  an  house  full  of  i  sacri- 
fices tviih  strife. 

2  A  wise  servant  shall  have  rule  over  a 
Bon  that  causeth  shame,  and  shall  have  part 
of  the  inheritance  among  the  brethren. 

3  The  "  fining  pot  is  for  silver,  and  the 
fimiace  for  gold:  but  the  Lobd  trieth  the 
hearts. 

4  A  wicked  doer  giveth  heed  to  false  lijis; 
and  a  liar  giveth  ear  to  a  naughty  tonsrue. 

5  Whoso  niocketh  the  poor  reproaclieth 
his  Maker ;  and  ^  he  that  is  glad  at  calami- 
ties shall  not  be  2  unpunished. 

6  Children's  children  are  the  crown  of  old 
men;  and  the  glory  of  children  are  their 
fathers. 

7  y  Excellent  speech  beconieth  not  a  fool; 
much  less  do  *  lying  lips  a  prince. 

8  A  gift  is  as  5  a  precious  stone  in  the 
eyes  of  him  that  hath  it:  whithersoever  it 
tunieth,  it  '^  prospereth. 

9  He  that  covereth  a  transgression  ^  seek- 
■eth  love:  but  he  that  repeateth  a  matter 
separateth  verv  friends. 

10 '  A  reproof  entereth  more  into  a  wise 
man  than  a  hundred  stripes  into  a  fool. 

11  An  evil  man  seeketh  only  rebellion; 
therefore  a  cruel  messenger  shall  be  sent 


?ainst  hi  in. 

elps 

ratlier  than  a  fool  in  his  lolly. 


Let  a  bear  robbed  of  her  whelps  meet  a 


13  Whoso  '^  rewardeth  evil  for  good,  evil 
shall  not  depart  troin  his  house. 

14  The  beiimning  of  stri'.e  is  as  when  one 
letteth  out  water;  therefore  *  leave  off  con- 
tention, before  it  be  nie<ldlcd  with. 

15  lie  that  /justifieth  the  wicked,  and  he 
that  condeinneth  the  jiist,  even  they  both 
are  abomination  to  the  Lord. 

16  Wheretore  is  there  a  price  in  the  hand 
of  a  fool  to  get  wisdom,  seeing  he  hath  no 
heart  (o  it? 

17  A  friend  loveth  at  all  times,  and  a 
brother  is  born  for  ailversity. 

18  A  man  void  of  8nn(i<rstiin(HngEtriketh 
hands,  -/)( 7  becometh  surety  in  the  presence 
of  his  tViuiid. 

19  He  loveth  transgression  that  loveth 
strife:  ami  he  that  exalteth  his  gate  seek- 
eth destruction. 

20  8  He  that  hath  a  fro  ward  heart  findeth 
no  good;  atid  he  that  hath  a  pen-erse 
tongue  falleth  into  mischief. 

21  lie  that  begetteth  a  fool  doeth  it  to  his 
Borrow;  and  the  father  of  a  fool  hath  no  joy. 

22  A  merry  heart  doeth  good  t"  Uk-e  a  med- 
icine: but  ii  broken  snirit  drieth  the  bones. 

23  A  wicked  man  taketb  a  u'ili  out  of  the 
bosom  "  to  pervert  the  ways  of  judgment. 

^  Wisdom  "  is  before  hini  that  bath  un- 
derstanding: but  the  eyes  of  a  fool  are  in 
the  ends  ot  the  earth. 

25  A  1'ooli.sh  son  is  a  giief  to  bis  father, 
aiid  bitttniess  to  her  that  bare  him. 


CHAP.  17. 

1  Or,  good 

a  Jer.  17. 10. 

M:.l.  3.  3. 

6  Job  81.  29. 

Obau.  12. 

2  held 
innocent. 

3  a  lip  of 
exeellcncy. 

4  a  lip  of 
lying. 

5  a  alone  of 

CGon.aa.21. 
Gen.  41.  as. 
Dao.  6.  3. 

6  Or, 
prccureth. 

7  Or.  a 
reproof 


•trike  a 

fool  an 

hundred 

times. 
d  Jer.  18. 20. 

Ho.  12. 17. 
e  1  Theai.  4. 


froward  of 

10  Or,  to  a 
medicine. 

g  Ex.  23.  8. 
h  Eccl.2. 14. 
i  Jam.  1.  ly.« 

11  Or,  a  cool 


o  Ps.  78,  2. 
6  Lev.  19. 16. 
Deu.16. 19. 
2  Or, 


wounded. 

4  chaniberg. 
c  Ps.  18.  2. 

5  ia  set 
aloft. 

ti  returneth 

d  Eph.  1.1 7. 


,  Kr.m.  10.2. 

211.8*8.1.8. 

:  Po.  ^7.  7. 


26  Also  to  punish  the  just  is  not  good, 
nar  to  strike  princes  for  eipiity. 

27  He  i  ihnt  hath  kno\vlt'(i-:e  sjmrcth  his 
words:  and  a  man  of  understan>liug  is  of 
11  HU  exrellent  spirit. 

28  E\en  a  fool,  when  heholdeth  his  peace, 
is  counted  wise;  arid  he  that  shutteth  his 
lips  is  est£.em€d  a  inati  of  understanding. 

^  CHAl'TEU  XV IH. 
'piIHOlIGH  1  desire  a  man,  having  separ- 
■^  ated  himself.seeketh  and intemieddleth 
witli  all  wisdom. 

2  A  fool  hath  no  delight  in  imderstaiiding, 
but  that  his  heart  may  discover  itself. 

3  When  the  wicked  cometh,  then  cometh 
also  contempt,  andwith  ignominy  reproach. 

4  The  words  of  a  man's  mouth  are  as  deep 
waters,  "  and  the  well-spring  of  wisdom  as 
a  flowing  brook. 

5  /f  *  is  not  good  to  accept  the  person  ot 
the  ^^icked,  to  overthrow  the  righteous  in 
judgment. 

6  A  fool's  lips  enter  mto  contention,  ana 
his  mouth  calleth  for  strokes. 

7  A  fool's  mouth  is  his  destruction,  and 
his  liiis  are  the  snare  of  his  soul. 

8  The  words  of  a  "  talebearer  are  3  aa 
wounds,  and  they  go  down  into  the  *  in- 
nermost parts  of  tlie  belly. 

9  He  also  that  is  slothful  in  his  work  ia 
brother  to  him  that  is  a  great  waster. 

10  Tlie  "  name  of  the  Lord  is  a  stron" 
tower:  the  righteous  runueth  iuto  it,  and 
6  is  safe. 

11  The  rich  man's  wealth  is  his  strong  city, 
and  as  an  liigh  wall  in  his  owu  conceit. 

12  Htfore  destruction  the  heart  of  man  ia 
haughty,  and  before  honoiu-  is  humiiity. 

13  lie  that  ^  answereth  a  matter  before  he 
heaieth  if,  it  is  folly  and  shame  unto  him. 

14  The  spirit  of  a  man  will  sustain  his  infir- 
mity: but  a  wounded  spirit  who  can  bear: 

15  The  "^  heart  of  the  prudent  getteth 
knowledge;  and  the  ear  of  the  wise  seek- 
eth knowledge. 

16  A  '  man  s  gift  maketh  room  for  him, 
and  britigeth  him  before  great  men. 

17  Hk  that  is  first  in  Ids  own  cause  seemeth 
just;  but  his  neighbour  cometh  and  search- 
eth  him. 

18  The  lot  causeth  contentions  to  cease, 
and  parteth  between  the  mighty. 

19  A  brother  otlendcd  is  harder  to  be  won 
than  a  strong  city;  and  «/<eir  contentions 
are  like  the  bars  of  a  castle, 

20  A  man's  belly  shaU  be  satisfied  with 
the  fruit  of  his  mouth;  and  with  the  iu- 
creasH  of  his  lips  shall  he  be  filled. 

•Jl  lii'uth  /and  life  are  in  the  power  of 
the  totiL'ue:  and  they  that  love  it  shall  eat ' 
the  fruit  thereof. 

■-'2  \S'hij.<o  findeth  a  wife  findeth  a  good 
(/(iiiy,  and  obtaineth  favour  of  the  Lord. 

23  the  i)oor  iiseth  entreaties;  but  the  rich 
answereth  "  loughly. 

24  A  man  that  hath  friends  must  sho^y 
himself  triendly:  and  there  is  a  friend  thai 
sticketh  closei-  than  a  brother. 

CIIAl'TEU  XIX. 
"DETTER  "  «.■;  tb.e  poor  that  walketh  in 
^   his  integiitv,  tiian  he  that  is  pei-verse 
in  his  lips,  and  is  a  fcol. 

2  Also,  that  the  *  soul  be  without  .know- 
ledge, it  if  not  2ood ;  and  he  that  liasteth 
with  his  feet  sinncth. 

3  The  foolishness  of  man  peiTerteth  his 
way:  "^  and  his  heart  irettetn  agaii^st  the 

LOHD. 


Moral  Virtues,  arid 


PiiOVERBS,  XV,  XVI. 


their  Contrary  Vices. 


telling,  a  aeceitful .  .  .  lies- 
out  lies  is  deceit,  not  to  be  trusted  [v.  o.',. 
26.  The  blessings  of  piety  descend  to  cliildren 
(ell.  13.  22;  20.  7;  Ex.  20.  0.).  27.  ^U'.  ch.  Vo.  14.). 
lear  ol  tue  Lord— or,  law  oftJiewise,  is  wisdom 
(Ps.  111.  10.).  28.  The  teaching  of  a  true 
poutical  economy.  29.  slow  . . .  uuderstanoiug 
— vCf.  V.  17.).  hasty— (cf. -r.  17.j.  exaltetli  foliy 
—makes  it  conspicuous,  as  if  delighting  to 
honour  it.  bO.  A  souuq  heart— Both  literally 
and  liguratively,  a  source  of  health;  in  the 
latter  sense,  opposed  to  the  known  eflect  oi 
evil  passions  on  health.  31.  reproiichetu  Ins 
Maker— who  is  the  Ood  of  such,  as  well  as  of 
the  rich  (ch.  22.  2;  Job,  31.  15;  and  specially 
lteani.2.  8;Ps.  113.  (.).  32.  driven— or, thrust 
out  violently  icf.  Ps.  36.  5,  6.).  hatu  hopt— 
or,  trusteth  (ch.  10.  2;  11.  4;  Ps.  2.  12,),  imply- 
ing assurance  of  help.  33.  restetn- preserved 
in  quietness  for  use,  while  fools  blazon  their 
folly  (ch.  12.  23;  13.  16.).  34.  EiglUeousness— 
J  ust  principles  and  actions,  exaltetli— raises 
to  honour,  is  a  repioacU— or,  brings  on  ihem 
the  iii-will  of  others  (cf.  ch.  13.  G.;.  35.  wise 
—discreet,  or  prudent,    causeih  shame— (ch. 

10.  6;  12.  4)  acts  basely. 

UHAPTEE  XV. 
Ver.  1-33.  1.  soit  —  tender,  or  gentle, 
turuetli .  .  .  wratn— from  any  one.  siir  up- 
as a  smouldering  lire  is  excited.  2.  usetu . . . 
ariglit— coiumends  knowledge  by  its  proper 
use.  poureiii  out— utters  abundantly  ;ch.  12. 
23,),  and  so  disgusts  others.  3.  beiiLlduig— 
watching  ,cf.  ch.  6.  21;  Ps.  ou.  7.J.  4.  A  whole- 
some tongue  —  (cf.  Marg.,),  pacilying  and 
soothing  language,  tree  of  life— >ch.  3.  18;  11. 
30.).  pavcrseneos  therein— cross  ill-natured 
language,  breach  .  .  .  spirit—  cf.  Isa.  65.  14, 
Het>.,],  grieves,  instead  of  appeasing.  5.  (Cf. 
ch.  4.  1;  10.  17;  13. 1-18. j.  is  prudeiu— acts  dis- 
creetly. 6.  treasure— imply  ing  utility,  trouble 
—vexation  and  affliction.  7.  .Cf.ch.  10.20, 21.). 
heart ...  not  so— not  right,  or  vain,  b,  9. 
The  sacrifice  Land]  prayer— are  acts  of  worship, 
way  [andj  loiioweta  .  .  .  righteousness- denote 
conduct.  God's  regard  for  the  worship  and 
deeds  of  the  righteous  and  wicked  respec- 
tively, so  stated  Ps.  60.  17;  isa.  1.  11.  10.  (Of. 
ch.  10.  17.).  the  way— that  in  which  God 
would  have  him  to  go  (ch.  2.  13;  Ps.  119.  1.). 

11.  Hell— (fs.  16.  10.1.  dtsirucuon — or,  abad- 
don,  tiie  place  of  the  destroyer.  Ail  the 
unseen  worid  is  open  to  Goa,  much  more 
men's  hearts.  12.  iCf.  ch.  9.  8.;.  go  uuto  the 
wise— to  be  instructed.  13.  m.  ketii . . .  coun- 
tenauce— or,  benefits  the  countenance,  spirit 
is  broken  — and  so  the  countenance  is  sad. 
14.  (Uf.  ch.  10.  21.  22.  .  The  wise  grow  wiser, 
the  fools  moreioolish  ich.  9.  9.;.  15.  The  state 
of  the  heart  governs  the  outward  condition, 
evil— sacJ,  contrasted  with  the  cheerfulness 
of  a  least.  16.  trouble— agitation,  implying 
the  anxieties  and  perplexities  attending 
wealth  held  by  worldlings  vch.  16. 18;  1  llui. 
6.  6.].  17.  dinner  [or,  allowance  (2  Ki.  25.  30,J 
(ol  heibsj— and  that  the  plainest,    and  natred 


he  that  breathes  (Cf.  Col.  3.  2.).  Holy  purposes  prevent  sai- 
ning, and  so  its  c  viis.  25.  The  most  desolate 
who  have  God's  aid  have  jnore  permanent 
good  than  the  sell-reiiant  sinner  ch.  2.  -j^; 
12.  7.).  border— or,  boundary  for  possessions  . 
(Ps.  78.  54.).  26.  are  pleasant,  worus  — /.c, 
plea.sing  to  God  (ch.  S.  8,  o.i.  27.  (Cf.  ch.  il. 
17.;.  Avarice  brings  trouble  to  him  and  Ins. 
hateth  gifiS— or,  bribes  iPx.  23.  8;  Ps.  16.  5,], 
and  is  not  avaricious.  25.  Cf.  r.  14;  cli. 
10.  11.).  Caution  is  the  fruit  of  wisdom; 
rashness  of  lolly.  29.  tar  . . .  wicked— in  11  is 
love  and  favour  (Ps.  2  .  11;  119.  155.;.  30. 
Ligiitof  the  lyes— (ch.l3. 9.).  Wnat  giveslignt 
rejoiceth  the  heart,  by  relieving  from  anxit-ty 
as  to  our  course,  so  gcoa  rtpoit— or,  doctrine 
(Isa.  28.  9,  63.  1./.  niakeih  .  .  .  lat— t.r,  gives 
prosperity  (ch.  3. 13-17 ;  9. 11).  The  last  clause 
is  illustrated  by  the  tirst.  3i,  3^.  Cf.  ch. 
10.  17.).  reproof  of  life— which  leads  to  life, 
abideth  .  .  .  wise— is  numbered  among  them, 
reluseth  —  or,  neglects,  passes  by  (ch.  1.  25; 
4.  15.).  despiseth . . .  soul— so  acts  as  il  esteem- 
ing its  interests  of  no  value.  33.  The  .ear  . . . 
v/isdom  — Wisdom  instructs  in  true  piety. 
before  .  . .  humility— ,cf.  Luke,  24.  26;  1  Pet. 
1.  11;);  opposite  (cf.  cli.  lu.  i.s.j. 
CHAPTER  XVI. 
Ver.  1-33.  1.  prepaiaiions  —  or,  schemes, 
in  man— or  lit.,  to  man,  Oeionging,  or  pertain- 
ing to  him.  the  answer . . .  Lcra— the  efficient 
ordering  i3  from  God:  "Man  proposes;  God 
disposes."  2.  clean— or,  faultless,  wdgheta 
—or,  tries,  judges,  implymg  that  they  are 
faulty  (Ch.  21.  2;  24.  12.].  3.  iCf.  Marg.). 
Eeiy  on  God  lor  success  to  your  la\\ful  pur- 
poses. 4.  for  hiniseif— or,  '  for  its  answer, 
or  purpose,"  i.e.,  according  to  God's  plan; 
the  wicked  are  for  the  day  of  evil  (Ps.  49.  5; 
Jer.  17.  is;);  sinning  and  sulfering  answer  to 
each  other,  are  indissolubly  rmited.  5.  ^Cf. 
ch.  3.  32.).  6.  By  mercy  and  truth  —  i.e., 
God's  (Ps.  85.  10,),  He  effects  the  atonement, 
or  covering  of  sin;  and  the  principles  of  true 
piety  incline  men  to  depart  Irom  evil;  or, 
mercy  and  truth  may  be  man's,  indicative  of 
the  gracious  tempers  which  work  instrumen- 
tally  in  procuring  pardon,  purged— expiated, 
as  Lev.  16.  33;  Isa.  27.  9,  Uth.  .  7.  Persecu- 
tions, of  course,  excepted.  8.  (Cf.  ch.  1.).  6, 16, 
17.,.  9.  (Cf.'y.3.).  diiLCieth— establisheth.  10. 
The  last  clause  depends  on  the  first,  express- 
ing the  importance  of  equity  in  decisions, 
so  authoritative.  11.  are  the  Lord's  .  .  .  his 
worn— i.e.,  what  He  has  ordered,  and  hencei^ 
sliould  be  observed  by  men.  12.  Pulers  are 
rightly  expected,  by  their  position,  to  Jiate 
evil;  for  their  power  is  sustained  by  right- 
eousness. 13.  A  specification  of  the  general 
sentiment  of  v.  12.  14, 15.  This  wrath,  so 
terrible  and  certain,  like  iLessengers  of  de  itii 
(1  Ki.  2.  25,),  can  be  appeased  by  the  wise. 
Ught  of . . .  comiteuance— favour  (Ps.  4.  6.).  life 
— preserves  it,  or  gives  blessings  v\liich  make 
it  valuable,  tiie  latter  raiu—feLl  ja.st  before 
harvest,  and  matured  the  crop;  hence  spe- 


— (cf.  ch.  10.  12,18.).  18.  ,Cf.  ch.  14.  29;  16.  cially  valuable  (Deut.  11.  14.).  lb.  (Cf.  ch 
32.).  19.  The  difficulties  of  the  slothful  re-  3.  16;  4.  6.).  17.  ihe  highway— A  common, 
suit  Irom  want  of  energy;  the  righteous  find  plain  road,  represents  the  habitual  course  of 
a  plain  [and  open]  v,a,y—lit.,  a  htghvay,  by  the  righteous  in  departing  from  evil,  kiepetu 
diligence  (1  Sam.  10.  7;  Ps.  1.  3..  20.  (Cf.  —  or.  observes.  18,  lb.  (Cf.  ch.  15.  .,3.). 
ch.  10.  1.  .  21.  walketh  uprightly  —  and  so  Haughtiness  and  pride  imply  self-confidence, 
finds  his  joy  (ch.  3.  6;  10.  23.).  22.  Witnciit !  which  produces  carelessness,  and  hence  the 
(ouiisel  — or,  deliberation,  implying  a  wise i fall— iit.,  sliding,  div.de  ti.e  spiil— (.e.,  con- 
defeieuce  to  the  opinions  of  tne  wise  andquer.  Avoid  the  society  of  the  proud  (Jam. 
good,  contrasted  with  rashness.  23.  Good!  4.'.).  20.  handieth  a  matter— or,  wisely  con- 
advice  blesses  the  giver  and  receiver.  24. 1  aiders  t/ie  uorci,  i.e.,  of  God  (cf.  ch.  io.  i3.J. 
437- 


Jifbrffll  virtues 


PROVERBS.  XX. 


and  contrary  vices.' 


4  Wealth  niaketh  many  fiieiids:  but  the 
poor  is  separated  from  his  neighbour. 
6  A  <*  false  witness  shall  not  be  i  unpun- 
L<!htd,  and  he  that  speaketh  lies  shall  not 
•     escape. 

6  Many  will  entreat  the  favour  of  the 
piince:  and  every  man  is  a  friend  to  2  him 
that  dveth  eifts. 

7  All  the  brethren  of  the  poor  do  hate 
him ;  how  much  more  do  his  friends  go  far 
from  himi  he  pursueth  them  with  words, 
yH  they  are  wanting  to  him. 

8  i  le  that  getteth  3  wisdom  loveth his  o-\\ti 
Boul:  he  that  keepeth  understanding  shall 
find  good. 

9  A  *  false  witness  shall  not  be  unpunish- 
ed, and  he  that  speaketh  lies  shall  perish. 

V)  Delight  is  not  seemly  for  a  fool ;  much 
less  /  for  a  servant  to  have  rule  over 
piinces. 

11  The  *  discretion  of  a  man  deferreth  his 
an.rer;  ^  and  it  is  iaa  glory  to  pass  over  a 
transgression. 

12  The  king's  wrath  is  as  the  roaring  of  a 
lion;  but  his  favour  is  as  dew  upon  the 
grass. 

Ki  A  foolish  son  is  the  calamity  of  his 
father:  and  the  contentions  of  a  wife  are  a 
C'liiiinual  dropping. 

11  House  ''  and  riches  are  the  inheritance 
ol'  fathers:  and » a  prudent  wife  is  from  the 

LoKD. 

lu  Slothfulness  casteth  into  a  deep  sleep; 
and  an  idle  soul  shall  suffer  hunger. 

16  lie  }  that  keepeth  the  commandment 
kcept'th  his  own  soul ;  but  he  that  despiseth 
his  ways  shall  die. 

:  17  He  *  that  hath  pity  upon  the  poor 
lendeth  unto  the  Lord;  and  &that  wnich 
he  hath  given  will  he  pay  him  again. 

18  Ch;xsten  thy  son  while  there  is  hope, 
and  let  not  thy  soul  spare  ^  for  his  crying. 

19  A  man  of  great  wrath  shall  suffer  pun- 
ishment: for  if  thou  deliver  him,  yet  thou 
niust  7  do  it  again. 

•JO  Hear  counsel,  and  receive  instruction, 
tliat  thou  mayest  be  wise  in  thy  latter  end. 

•Jl  Tliere  '  are  many  devices  in  a  man's 
heart ;  nevertheless  the  counsel  of  the 
Loud,  that  shall  stand. 

2"2  The  dtsu'e  of  a  man  is  his  kindness: 
and  a  poor  man  is  better  than  a  liar. 

■3  The  "*  i'ear  of  the  Lord  tendtth  to  life; 
and  he  that  hath  it  shall  abide  satisfied;  he 
l^ehall  not  be  \isited  with  evil. 

24  A  slothful  mati  hideth  his  hand  in  his 
bosom,  and  will  not  so  much  as  bring  it  to 
his  mouth  again. 

25  Smite  a  scorner,  and  the  simple  »  will 
beware;  and  reprove  one  that  hath  under- 
Btandiug,  and  he  will  imderstaud  know- 
ledge. 

2G  He  that  wasteth  his  father,  and  chaseth 
away  his  mother,  is  a  son  that  causeth 
shame,  and  bi-ingeth  reproach. 

27  Ociwe,  my  son,  to  "hear  the  uistruetion 
that  causeth  to  err  from  the  words  of  know- 
ledge. 

26  9  An  ungodly  mtness  scoraeth  judg- 
ment; and  the  mouth  of  the  wicked  de- 
voureth  ini(iuity. 

'JU  Judgments  are  prepared  forsconiers, 
and  stiipes  for  the  back  of  fools. 

CHAPTElt  XX. 
"VyiNE  "  is  a  mocker,  strong  drink  is 
raging;  and  whosoever  is   deceived 
theiT'hy  is  not  wise. 

H  lilt  fear  cf  a  king  is  as  the  roaiing  of  a 
13S      . 


CHAP.  19. 
d  Ex.  23.  1. 

1  held 
uinooent. 

2  B  man  of 
gifts. 

3  an  be&rt. 
«  Dan.  6.  24. 
/  Eccl.  10.  8. 
i  Or, 

pruJenee 

Jam.  1. 19. 
g  Mat.  5.  a. 

Eo.  12.  19. 
ft  2  Cor.  12. 

14. 
i  ch.  18.  22. 
:  Lu.  W.  28. 

Lu.  11.28. 

Rom.  2.  7. 
*  Eccl.  11. 1. 

2  Cor.  9.  6. 

Heb.  6.  10. 
6  Or,  hii 

deed. 

6  Or,  to  his 
des  true- 
to  cauae 
him  to  die* 

7  add. 

I  Job  23.  13. 

18.14.  2C. 

Hob.  6. 17. 
mi  Tim.  4.8. 

8  win  be 


Deu.13.11. 
I  Eph.  4. 14. 
2  John  10. 
A  witness 
of  Belial. 


CHAP.  20. 

0  Gen.  9.  21. 

Is.  28.  7. 

Hos.  4.  11. 

b  Gen.  13.  7. 

1  Or,  winter, 
e  IMat.  6.  2. 

2  Or,  bounty. 
J  Lu.  IS.  B. 
e  1  Ki.  8.  40. 

1  Johji  1.  8. 

3  A  stons 


4  an  epltah 

ephah 
/  Mai.  7.  IG. 
y  £i.  4.  11. 

Ko.  11.  St>. 
ft  Ro.  12.  11. 
6  Eread  of 


6  Or, 
enticeth. 
Ro.  16.  18. 

i  Lev.  20.  9. 

7  Or, 

j  Hab  2.  6. 

ft  Dau.  32.35. 

Rom.  12.17. 

1  I'et.  3.  9. 

8  balances  o( 
deceit. 

I  Jer.  10.  23. 
Ron,.  «.  2U. 

2  Cor.  3.  6. 

9  Or,  lamp. 


lion :  ivhoso  provoketh  him  to  anger  sinneth 
auainst  his  own  soul. 
i  It  is  an  *  honour  for  a  man  to  cease 
from' strife:  but  every  fool  will  be  meddling, 

4  The  sluggard  will  not  plow  by  reason  of 
the  1  cold- f/iere/ore  shall  he  beg  in  har- 
vest, and  have  nothing. 

5  Counsel  in  the  heart  of  man  is  like  deep 
water:  but  a  man  of  understanding  will 
draw  it  out. 

6  Most  "  men  will  proclaim  every  one  his 
own  2  goodness:  but  <*  a  faithful  man  who 
can  find? 

7  The  iust  man  walketh  in  his  integrity: 
his  chUdren  are  blessed  after  him. 

8  A  king  that  sitteth  in  the  throne  of 
judgment  scattereth  away  all  evil  with  his 
eyes. 

9  Who  »  can  say,  I  have  made  my  heart 
clean,  I  am  pure  from  my  sin? 

10  ^  Divers  weights,  and  *  divei-s  measures, 
both  of  them  are  alike  abomination  to  the 
Lord. 

11  Even  a  child  is  /  known  by  his  doings, 
whether  his  work  be  pure,  and  whether  it 
be  right. 

12  The  B  hearing  ear,  and  the  seeing  eye, 
the  Lord  hath  made  even  both  of  them. 

13  Love  '» not  sleep,  lest  thou  come  to 

Eoverty:  open  thine  eyes,  and  thou  shalt 
e  satisfied  with  bread. 

14  It  is  naught,  it  is  naught,  saith  the 
buyer:  but  when  he  is  gone  his  way,  then 
he  boasteth. 

15  There  is  gold,  and  a  multitude  of 
rubies:  but  the  lips  of  knowledge  are  a 
precious  jewel. 

16  Take  his  garment  that  is  surety /or  a 
stranger;  and  take  a  pledge  of  him  for  a 
strange  wom.in. 

17  6  Bread  of  deceit  is  sweet  to  a  man;  but 
afterwards  his  mouth  shall  be  filled  with 
gravel. 

18  Every  purpose  is  established  by  coun- 
sel ;  and  with  good  ad\ice  make  war. 

li>  He  that  goeth  about  as  a  talebearer 
revealeth  secrets ;  therefore  meddle  not 
with  him  that  ^  flattereth  with  his  lips. 

20  Whoso  *  curseth  his  father  or  his 
mother,  his  7  lamp  shall  be  put  out  in  ob- 
scure darkness. 

21  An  iiihentAnce  may  he  gotten  hastily 
at  the  begiiiuiiig;  >  but  the  end  thereo'f 
shall  not  be  blessed. 

22  Say  *  not  thou,  I  will  recompense  evil; 
hut  wait  on  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  save 
thee. 

23  Divers  weights  are  an  abomination 
unto  the  Lord  ;  and  8  a  false  balance  is  not 
good. 

24  Man's  '  goings  are  of  the  Lord  ;  how 
can  a  man  then  understand  his  own  way? 

25  It  is  a  snare  to  the  man  who  devoureth 
tliat  which  is  holy,  and  after  vows  to  make 
enquiry. 

2<j  A  wise  kino;  scattereth  the  wicked,  and 
biingeth  the  wheel  over  them. 

27  The  spirit  of  man  is  the  9  candle  of 
the  Loud,  searching  all  the  inward  parts 
of  the  belly. 

28  Mercy  and  truth  preserAe  the  king; 
and  his  throne  is  uiiholden  by  mercy. 

29  The  glory  ot  yomig  men  is  their 
strength ;  and  the  beauty  of  old  men  is  the 
gi'ey  head. 

30  The  blueness  of  a  wound  lo  cleanseth 
away  evil:  so  do  stripes  the  inward  ports  of 
the  beiiy. 


Moral  Virhies,  and 


pR0VEi?Bs,  xvn,  xvm. 


their  Contrary  Vices. 


•rnsteth— (cf.  Ps.  2.  12;  118.  s,  9.).  21.  wise 
n  heart— who  rightly  consider  duty,  s-eei- 
aessct  the  lips— eloquent  discourse,  persuades 
ind  instructs  otliers.  22.  Underbtiuaiug— 
ox,  discretion,  is  a  constant  source  oi  bless- 
ing ich.  13.  14,),  benetitins  others;  but  tools' 
best  cftorts  are  folly.  23.  The  heart  is  the 
source  of  wisdom  flowing  from  the  mouth. 
2 1.  (,,'1.  ch.  15.  26.).  Gentle,  kind  words,  by 
soothing  the  mind,  give  the  body  health. 
25.  (CV.  ch.  14.  2.  .  26.  Diligence  is  a  duty 
due  to  one's  self,  for  his  wants  require  labour. 
27.  ungodly  n.aii— (cf.  ch.  6.  12.).  diggetii  up 
evil— labours  for  it.  in  his  lips  .  .  .  fire— his 
words  are  calumniating  (Jam.  3.  6.).  28.  Cf. 
ch.  6.  14;  10.  31.).  whisperer— prater,  tale- 
bearer iCh.  18.  8;  26.  20.).  29.  vioieut-  man- 
or, man  of  mischief  (ch.  3.  31.).  enticeth— 
(ch.  1.  10.).  30.  lie  shutteth  bis  eyes— denot- 
ing deep  thought  (Ps.  64.  6.).  moving  [or, 
biting]  his  lips— a  determined  purpose  (ch.  6. 
13.).  31.  (Cf.  ch.  20.  29.).  if— or,  \ddch  may 
be  supplied  properly,  or  without  it;  the 
sense  is  as  ch.  3. 16;  4. 10,  that  piety  is  blessed 
with  long  life.  32.  (Cf.  ch.  14.  29.  .  takech  a 
city— i.e.,  by  fighting.  33.  Seemingly  the 
most  fortuitous  events  are  ordered  by  God. 
CHAPIER  XVII. 
Ver.  1-28.  1.  sacrifices— or,  feasts  made 
with  part  of  them  (ch.  7.  14;  Lev.  2.  3;  7.  31.,, 
Willi— or.  Id.,  of.  strite— its  product,  or  at- 
tendant. 2.  (Cf.  ch.  14.  35.).  causeth  siiame 
— (ch.  10. 5.).  shall . . .  inheritance— i.e.,  share 
a  brother's  part  (cf.  Num.  27. 4,  7.).  3.  God 
only  Icnows,  as  He  tries  (Ps.  12. 6;  66.  10,),  the 
heart.  4.  "Wicked  doers  and  speakers  alike 
delight  in  calumny.  5.  (Cf.  ch.  14.  31.  .  glaa 
at  calamiues— rejoicing  in  others'  evil.  Such 
are  rii.htly  punished  by  (iod  who  knows  their 
hearts.  6.  Prolonged  posterity  is  a  blessing, 
its  cutting  off,  a  curse  ch.  13.  22;  Ps.  100.  1,3- 
15,),  hence  children  may  glory  m  a  virtuous 
ancestry.  7.  Excellent  speech  —  (Cf.  Marg.). 
Such  language  as  ill  suits  a  fool,  as  lying 
(ought  to  suiti  a  prince  (ch.  16.  12,  13.).  8. 
One  so  corrupt  as  to  take  a  bribe  evinces  his 
high  estimate  of  it  by  subjection  to  its  in- 
fluence (ch.  18.  16;  19.  6.).  9.  steketh  love— 
(cf.  Maw.).  The  contrast  is  between  the 
peace-maker  and  tale-bearer.  10.  Peproof 
more  affects  the  wise,  than  severe  scourging 
fools.  11.  Such  meet  just  retribution  i  Ki. 
2.26.).  a  cruel  messeuger— one  to  inflict  it. 
12.  They  are  less  rational  in  anger  than  wikl 
beasts.  13.  (Cf.  Ps.  7. 4;  35.  12.).  evii— injury 
to  another  ich.  13.  21.).  14.  letteth . .  .water- 
as  a  breach  in  a  dam.  before . . .  meddled  with 
—before  strife  has  become  sharp,  or  by  an 
explanation  better  suiting  the  figure,  before 
it  ro'ls  on,  or  increases.  15.  abomination  .  .  . 
Lord— as  reversing  His  method  of  acting  ch. 
3.  32;  12.  2.).  16.  Though  wealth  cannot  i.iiy 
wisdom  for  those  who  do  not  love  it,  yet 
wisdom  procures  wealth  (ch.  3.  10;  14.  24.). 

17.  To  the  second  of  these  parallel  clause.;, 
there  is  an  accession  of  meaning,  i.e.,  that  a 
bvothei-'s  love  is  specially  seen  in  adversity. 

18.  (Cf.  ch.  6.  1-5;  11.  15.. .  ill  the  presence,  &c. 
—i.e.,  he  either  fails  to  consult  his  friend,  or 
to  follow  his  advice.  19.  strile— or,  conten- 
tion is,  and  leads  to,  sin.  he  that  exali  eth  1  is 
gate— gratities  a  vain  love  of  costly  buildmg. 
seoketh  —  or,  findeth,  as  if  he  sou-ht  (cf. 
** loveth  dpath,"  ch.  8.  36.).  20.  Ihe  seoond 
clause  adva):ces  on  the  first.  The  ill-natured 
t  lil  of  good,  and  the  cavilling  and  fanlt-lind- 
i..^  inciu-  evil.    21.  (Cf.  ch.  23. 24.)    Different 

438 


words  are  rendered  by  fool,  both  denoting 
stupidity  and  imijiety.  22.  (Ct.  ch.  14.  ;;0;  15< 
li.  .  The  effect  oi  the  mind  on  the  Louy  ia 
well  known,  ddeth— as  if  the  marrow  were 
exhausted,  n.f  ciicine— or,  fvod;/,  «luch  better 
corresponds  with  bone.  23.  a  K'lft .  .  .  b  sum 
— nuiuey  and  other  valuables  were  borne  in 
a  fold  01  the  garment,  called  the  bo.som.  to 
pervert- i.e.,  by  bribery.  24.  Wisclom . . .  him 
—ever  an  object  of  regard,  while  a  fool's  affec- 
tions are  unsettled,  25.  a  gnef— or,  cross, 
vexition  iCt.  v.  21;  ch.  10. 1.).  26.  Also— i.e.. 
Equally  to  be  avoided  are  other  sins,  punish- 
ing good  subjects,  or  resisting  good  rulers. 
27,  28.  Prudence  of  speech  is  commended, 
an  excellent,  or  calm  spirit,  not  excited  to 

1  vain  conversation. 

I  CHAPTEE  XVIII. 

I  _  Ver.  1-24.     1.  Thrnigli  desire  . ..  seeketh— 

!  i.e.,  seek.?  selfish  gratification,  intermeddleth 
...  wisiom— or,  rushes  on  (i-h,  17.  14)  against 
all  wisdom,  or  what  is  valuable  (ch.  2.  7.). 
2.  tliat  ids  heart . . .  itself— i.e.,  takes  pleasure 
in  revealing  his  lolly  cf.  ch.  12.  23;  15.  2.  .  3, 
So  surely  are  sin  a;  d  punishment  connected 
(ch.  16.  4.).     Wickrd,  for  icickcdncss,  answers 

I  to  ioitominv,  or  the  state  of  such;  and  con- 

I  tem%it,  the  feeling  of  others  to  them;  and  to 

\reiiroach,  a  n  anifestation  of  contempt.  4. 
\V  ise  speech  is  like  an  exhaustless  stream  of 

;  benefit.    5.  accept,  the  person— (cf.  Ps.  82.  2.). 

;  "It  is  not  good"  is  to  be  supplied  before  to 
overthrovK  6,  7,  The  quarrelsome  bring 
trouble  on  themselves.  Their  rash  language 
ensnares  them  (ch.  6.  2.).  8.  (Cf.  ch.  16.  28.). 
as  wounds— not  sustained  bytheHe6.;  better, 
as  "swce<morsck,"whichniengladly swallow, 

'  innermost . . .  belly— or,  the  mind,  or  heart  (cf. 
ch.  20.  27-30;  Ps.  22.  14.).     9.  One  by  failing 

\  to  get,  the  other  by  wasting  wealth,  grows 
poor,  waster— iit,,  master  of  wusting,  a  pro- 
digal. 10.  name  of  the  Lord— manifested  per- 
fections (Ps.  8.  1;  20.  2,),  as  faithfulness, 
power,  mercy,  &c.,  on  which  men  reJy.  is  safe 

I  —lit.,  set  011  liifih,  out  of  danger  (Ps.  18.  2;  91. 

1  4.;.    11.  contrasts  with  v.  lo  (cf.  ch.  10. 15.). 

:  Such  is  a  vain  trust  (cf.  Ps.  73.  6.;.  12.  Cf. 
ch.  15.  33;  16.  18.1.  13.  Hasty  speech  evinces 
self-conceit,  and  insures  shame  !ch.  26.  12.). 
14.  infirmity— bodily  sickness,  or  outward 
evil.  The  spirit,  which  sustains,  being 
wounded,  no  support  is  left,  except,  as  im- 
plied, in  <;od.  15.  (Cf.  ch.  1.  5,  15,  31.).  16. 
(Cf.  ch.  17.  8,  23.).  Disapproval  of  the  fact 
stated  is  implied.  17.  One-sided  statements 
are  not  reliable.  searc'ietli  —  thoroughly 
(ch.  17.  9,  19./.  18.  The  lot  — whose  disposal 
is  of  God  (ch.  16.  33,),  may,  properly  used,  be 
a  right  mode  of  settling  disputes.    19.  No 

j  feuds  so  difficult  of  adjustment  as  those  of 

I  relatives;  hence  great  care  should  be  used 
to  avoid  them.  20.  (Cf.  ch.  12.  14;  13.  2.). 
Men's  words  are  the  fruit,  or  increase  oj 
lips,  and  when  .good,  benefit  them,  satisfied 
with— ,Cf.  ch.  1.  31;  14.  14.).  21.  Death  and 
life— or.  The*  greatest  evil  and  good,  that 
love  it— i.e.,  the  tongue,  or  its  use  for  good 
or  evil,  eat .  .  .  friut— (cf.  v.  19;  Jam.  1.  19.). 
22.  The  old  versions  supply  "  good"  before 
the  "wife,"  as  the  last  clause,  and  ch.  19.  14, 
imply  (cf.  ch.  31.  lo.  i.  23.  the  rich  . . .  r.jughly 
—he  is  tolerated  because  rich,  implying  that 
the  estimate  of  men  by  wealth  is  wrong.  24. 
A  man  . . .  iriendiy— better,  "  Aman  ...  ds)  r,o, 
or  may  triumph  (Ps.  10^.  9,),  or  shout  lor  joy 

iiPs.5. 11.,  i.e.,  may  congratulate  himself," 

!  Indeed,  there  is  a  friend  who  is  belter  than 


Moral  virtuet 


PROVERBS,  XXI,  XSII. 


CHAP.  21. 
a  John  2. 24. 
Kev.  2.  23. 
fr  Ho3.  6.  6. 
1  Haughti- 


of  conten- 
tions. 
6  an  house 
of  aockty. 


e  Eom.  2.  8. 
/  Mat.  7.  2. 
7  Or,  sport. 
flr  Is.  43. 3, 4 


ft  Mat.  25.  3 
i  1  Cor.  15. 

68. 
g  in  the 
wrath  of 

10  in  Tficked. 


^  CHAPTER  XXI.  I  B.  c.  luw). 

■THE  king's  heart  is  in  the  hand  of  the 
Lord,  as  the  rivers  of  water:  he  turn- 
eth  it  whithersoever  he  will. 

2  Every  way  of  a  man  is  ri^ht  in  his  own 
eyes:  "  but  tne  Lord  pondoreth  the  hearts. 

3  To  *  do  justice  and  judf,nnent  is  more 
acceptahle  to  the  Lord  than  saciilice, 

4  1  An  hiirh  look,  and  a  proud  heart,  and 
*  the  pi(i\viii?  of  the  wicked,  is  sin. 

5  The  thoughts  of  the  diligent  tend  only 
to  pleiiteousuess;  but  of  every  one  that  is 
hasty,  only  to  want. 

6  The  getting  of  treasures  by  a  hing  tongue 
is  a  vanity  tossed  to  and  fro  of  them  tliat 
seek  death. 

7  The  robbery  of  the  wicked  shall  3  de- 
stroy them;  because  they  refiiae  to  do 
judL'ment. 

8  The  way  of  man  is  froward  and  strange: 
but  as  for  the  pure,  his  work  is  right. 

9  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  corner  of  the 
house-top.  than  with  *  a  brawling  woman 
in  *  a  wide  house. 

10  The  "  soul  of  the  wicked  desheth  evil: 
his  neighbour  <*  fiudeih  no  favour  in  his 
eyes. 

11  When  the  scomer  is  punished,  the  sim- 
ple is  mnde  wise:  and  when  the  wise  is 
instructed,  he  receiveth  knowledge. 

12  The"*  righteous  man  wisely  considereth 
the  liouse  of  the  wicked:  but  God  over- 
throweth  'the  wicked  for  their  wicked- 
ness. 

1:3  Whoso  /stoppeth  his  ears  at  the  cry  of 
the  poor,  he  also  shall  cry  himself,  but 
shall  not  be  heard. 

1-t  A  gift  in  secret  pacifieth  anger,  and  a 
reward  in  the  bosom  strong  wrath. 

15  R  is  joy  to  the  just  Ui  do  judgment: 
but  destmction  shatl  be  to  the  workers  of 
iniquity. 

16  The  man  that  wandereth  ont  of  the 
way  of  understanding  shall  remain  in  the 
congregation  of  the  dead. 

17  He  that  loveth  7  pleasure  shall  be  a 
poor  man;  he  that  loveth  wine  and  oil 
ehall  not  be  rich. 

18  The  "  wicked  shall  be  a  ransom  for  the 
righteous,  and  the  transgressor  for  the  up- 
right. 

19  It  is  better  to  dwell  8  in  the  wilderness, 
than  with  a  contentious  and  an  angry 
woman. 

20  There  '^  is  treasure  to  be  desired  and 
oil  in  the  dwelling  of  the  wise:  but  a  foolish 
man  sptndeth  it  up. 

21  He  *  that  followeth  after  righteousness 
and  mercy  findeth  life,  righteousness,  and 
honour. 

22  A  wise  man  scaleth  the  city  of  the 
mighty,  and  casteth  down  the  strength  of 
the  confidence  thereof. 

23  Whoso  keejieth  his  mouth  and  his 
tongue  keepeth  his  soul  from  troubles. 

24  Proud  and  haughty  scomer  is  las  name 
who  dealeth  9  in  proud  wrath. 

25  The  desire  of  the  slothful  killeth  him; 
for  his  hands  refuse  to  labour. 

26  He  coveteth  greedily  all  the  dav  long: 
but  the  righteous  giveth  and  spaieth  not. 

27  The  saeriiice  of  the  wicked  is  abomi- 
nation; how  much  more  when  he  bringeth 
it  w  with  a  wicked  mind? 

28  '1  A  false  witness  shall  perish:  but  the 
man  that  heareth  speaketh  constantly. 

29  A  wicked  man  liardeneth  hi.s  face:  but 
asjor  the  apiight,  he  12  dixecteih  hia  way. 

i39 


and  contrary  vices. 


30  Hitre  is  no  wisdom  nor  understanding 
nor  cdUiisel  H-iin-^t  the  Loud. 

31  The  horse  is  piepared  aLtainst  the  day 
of  battle:  but  13  safety  is  of  the  Lord. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
A   GOOD  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen 
■^  ^    than  great  riches,  and  1  loving  favour 
rather  tlian  silver  and  gold. 

2  The  rich  and  poor  meet  together:  the 
Lord  is  the  maker  of  them  aU. 

3  A  prudent  ma7i  foreseeth  the  e^al,  and 
hideth  himself:  but  the  8imi)le  pass  on, 
and  are  punished. 

4  By  2  humility,  and  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
are  riches,  honour,  and  life. 

5  Thorns  and  snares  are  in  the  wav  of  the 
froward:  «  he  that  doth  keep  his  soul  shall 
be  far  from  them. 

6  3  Train  up  a  child  *  in  the  way  he  should 
go ;  and  when  he  is  old,  he  will  not  depart; 
fn>ni  it. 

7  The  rich  ruleth  over  the  poor,  and  the 
borrower  is  servant  5  to  the  lender. 

8  He  that  soweth  iniqnitv  shall  reap 
vanity:  6  and  the  rod  of  his  auger  shall  fail. 

i)  7  He  that  hath  a  bountiful  eye  shall  be 
blessed;  for  he  giveth  of  his  bread  to  the 
poor. 

10  Cast  out  the  scomer,  and  contention 
sh.ill  go  out;  yea,  strife  and  reproach  shall 
cense. 

11  He  that  loveth  pureness  of  heart,  ^for 
the  grace  of  his  lips  the  king  shall  be  hia 
friuiid 

1'-'  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  preserve  know- 
ledge ;  and  he  overthroweth  9  the  words  ol 
the  transgressor. 

13  The  slothful  man  saith.  There  is  a  lion 
without,  I  shall  be  slain  in  the  streets. 

14  The  mouth  of  strange  women  is  a  deep 
pit:  he  that  is  abhorred  of  the  Lord  shall 
fall  therein. 

15  Foolishness  is  bound  in  the  heart  of  a 
child ;  but  the  rod  of  correction  shall  drive 
it  far  from  him. 

16  He  *  that  oppresseth  the  poor  to  in- 
crease  his  riches,  and  he  that  giveth  to 
the  rich,  shall  surely  come  to  want. 

17  IT  Bow  down  thine  ear,  and  hear  the 
words  of  the  wise,  and  apply  thine  heart 
unto  my  knowledge: 

18  For  it  is  a  pleasant  thing  if  thou  keep 
them  10  within  thee;  they  shall  withal  be 
fitted  in  thv  lips. 

19  That  thy  trust  may  be  in  the  Lord,  I 
have  made  known  to  thee  this  day,  n  even 
to  thee. 

20  Have  not  I  written  to  thee  excellent 
things  in  coiuisels  and  knowledge; 

21  That  I  might  make  thee  know  the  cer- 
tainty  of  the  words  of  truth;  "  that  thou 
mightest  answer  the  words  of  truth  12  to 
them  that  send  unto  thee? 

2  Rob  not  the  poor,  because  he  is  poor; 
neither  <i  oppress  the  afflicted  in  the  gate: 

23  For  the  Lord  will  plead  their  cause,  and 
spoil  the  soul  of  those  that  spoiled  them. 

24  Make  no  friendship  with  an  angiy  man; 
and  with  a  furious  man  thou  shall  not  go; 

25  Lest  thou  learn  his  ways,  and  get  a 
snare  to  thy  soul. 

26  Be  not  thou  one  of  them  that  strike 
hands,  or  of  them  that  are  sureties  for 
debts. 

d  Mai  3  5       -^^  ^'  ^^°'"-  hast  nothing  to  pay,  why  should 
13 Or,'  '  '     he  takeaway  thy  bed  from  under  thee? 

bound.         28   Kemove  not  the  ancient  1^  landmark, 

D*.  19.  li.  which  thy  fathera  have  aeU 


of  lies. 
12  Or,  con- 
sidereth. 
Or, 
Tictory. 


CHAP.  22. 

1  Or,  favour 
is  better 
than,  etc. 

2  Or,  The 
reward  of 
humility, 

01  John  5.18. 
8  Or, 

Catechise. 

4  in  his  way. 

5  to  tlie  mEUi 
that 
lendeth. 

6  Or,  and 
with  the 
rod  of  his 
anger  tie 
shall  be 
consumed. 

7  Good  of 


liath  gracg 
in  his  lips. 

9  Or,  the 
matters. 

6  James  2.13. 

10  in  thy 
beUy. 

11  Or,  trust 
thou  also. 

e  1  Pet.  3. 


Moral  Vlriues,^nd 


PROVERBS,  XIX-XXI, 


their  Contrary  Vices, 


a  brother;  such  is  the  "Friend  of  sinners,"  spicins  wine  (cf.  Isa,  5.  11,  22;);  and  ii 
V  ho  may  have  been  before  the  writer's  may  include  wine,  deceived— ?(7.,  a-rimi,  or 
mind.  heeling.    2.  ((Jf.  ch.  19.  12.).  JNitn  wlio  resist 

CHAPTER  XIX.  I  authority  injure  themselves  (itom,  l:;.  2.;.  3, 

Ver.  1-29.  1.  ;Cf.  ch.  28.  6.  "Eich"  for  to  csase  ...  stiile— or  better,  "  to  dwell  trom 
"fool"  liere.).  Integrity  is  better  than  riches  |  or  without  striic,"  denotmt;  the  Jiabit  of  life, 
(ch.  15.  lU,  17;  16.  8.).  k!.  The  last  illustrates  lool , . .  n  eddliiig— (ch.  17,  14,].  4.  snail . . .  Ueg 
the  tirst  clause.  Rashness,  the  result  of  |—ii<.,a*fc  (in  this  sense,  Ps.  1^9. 10.).  6.  Counsel 
ignorance,  bnnfejs  trouble.  3.  pe.verietn  . .  .  .  .  ,  water— ^.e.,  deeply  hidden  [ch.  18.  4; 
w.y— ttirns  him  back  from  right  ch.  13.  6;  IPs.  13.  2.,).  The  wise  can  discern  well.  6, 
Jam.  1.  I3;i;  and  he  blames  God  for  his  |  Boasters  are  unreliahle.  gcouness— or,  kind 
laiiuies,  4.  (Cf,  ch.  14.  20.).  feuch  facts  i  disposition.  7.  Ihe  conduct  ot  sood  men 
are  often  adduced  with  implied  disap-  { proclaims  their  sound  principles.  God's 
probation.  5.  Cf.  u.  9,  where  "ptriilo'  ex- [Covenant  and  their  gooa  examitJe  secure 
plains  '-7iot  escape"  here  (cf.  Ps.  88.  9,  10.).  blessing  to  tlifeir  children  (ch.  4.  26;  I's.  112.  1, 
8.  iCf.  Marii.;  ch.  15.  S2.).  loveth  .  .  .  soul—  2.).  8.  As  ch.  14.  b5;  16.  10,  15,  this  ;s  the 
or,  himself,  which  be  evinces  by  regarding  |  character  of  a  good  king,  not  of  ;ill  kings, 
his  best  interests,  keepetb—or,  regards.  10.  j  9.  ihe  interrogation  in  the  affirmative 
(Cf.  ch.  17.  7.).  The  fool  is  as  incapable  of  strengihens  the  implied  negation  icf.  Job, 
properly  using  pleasure  as  knowledge,  yet  1 15.  14;  Eccl.  7.  20.;.  10,  Various  measures, 
for  him  to  have  it  is  less  incinigruous  than  iii  plying  that  some  are  wrong  icf.  ch.  11. 1; 
the  undue  elevation  of  servants.  Let  each  1 16.  11.;.  11.  The  conduct  of  children  even 
abide  in  his  calling  (1  Cor.  7.  20.).  11.  lis  the  best  test  of  principle  cf,  Mat.  7.  16.). 
(Cf.  ch.  14.  29;  16.  32.).    This  inculcation  ol  a  1 12.  Hence,  of  course,  God  will  know  all  you 


forgiving  spirit  shows  that  true  religion  is 
always  the  same  (Mat.  5.  22-24.)  li.  (Cf,  en.  16. 
14,  15;  20.  2.).  A  motive  to  submission  to 
lawful  authority.  13.  calamity— /it.,  calami- 
ties, varied  and  many,  continual  dropping — a 
perpetual  annoyance,  wearing  out  patience. 
14.  A  contrast  of  men's  giits  and  God's,  who, 
though  author  of  both  blessings,  confers  the 
latter  by  His  more  si  ecial  providence,  and 
—or,  but,  implying  that  the  evils  of  v.  13 
are  only  avoided  by  His  care,  15.  a  ceep 
sleep- a  state  of  utter  indiflerence.  idle  soul— 
or  person  (cf.  ch.  10.  4;  12.  24.).    16.  (Cf.  ch. 

10.  17;  13.  13.).  acspiseili .  .  .  wuy— opposed  to 
keeping  or  observing,  neglects  ich.  16.  17)  las 
unworthy  of  regard)  his  moral  conduct.  17. 
(Cf.  ch.  14.  21;  Ps.  37.  26.  .  hath  pity— shown 
by  acts  icf.  Marg.).  18.  (Cf.  ch.  13.  24; 
23.  13.).  let  not .  .  .  spare— H<.,  do  7tot  lift  uv 
thy  soul  (Ps.  24.  4;  25.  1,),  i.e.,  do  not  de- 
sire to  his  death;  a  caution  to  passionate 
parents  against  angry  chastisement.  19. 
Repeated  ettorts  of  kindness  are  lost  on 
ill-natured  persons.  20.  iCf.  ch.l3. 18-20.).  lat- 
ter end— vch.  5. 11.).  In  youth  prepare  for  age. 
21.  (Cf.  ch.  10. 1,  9;  Ps.  33.  10, 11.).  The  lailure 
of  man's  devices  is  implied.  22.  desire— i.e., 
to  do  good,  indicates  a  kind  disposition  ch. 

11.  23 ;r,  and  the  poor  thus  affected  are  better 
than  liars,  m-Iio  say  and  do  not.  23.  The  fear 
.  .  .  life— icf.  ch.  3.  2.1.  abide— or,  remain  con- 
tented 1  Tim.  4.  8.).  notvisiied  ,  .  .evil— ch. 
10.  3;  Ps.  37.  25,),  as  a  judgment,  in  which 


do  (Ps.  94.  9.,'.  13.  Activity  and  diligence 
contrasted  with  sloth  (ch.  6.  9;  10.;  11.).  lest 
.  .  .  poveuy — lit.,  be  deprived  of  inlieritance, 
14.  when  ...  his  way— implying  that  he  goes 
about  boasting  of  his  bargains.  15.  The 
contrast  denotes  the  greater  value  of  know- 
ledge (cf.  ch.  3.  14-10.).  16.  To  take  the  gar- 
ment implies  severe  exaction,  justified  by 
the  surety's  rashness,  a  strange  woman- by 
some  readings,  strangers,  but  the  former 
here,  and  ch.  27.  13,  is  allowable,  and 
strengthens  the  sense.  The  debauchee  is 
less  rehable  than  the  merely  careless.  17. 
Bread  .  .  .  swett— either  as  unlawfully  ch.  9. 
17,),  or  easily  obtained,  mcuth  .  .  ,  gravel- 
well  expresses  the  pain  and  grief  given  at 
last.  18.  iCf.  ch.  15.  22.).  Be  careiul  and  con- 
siderate in  important  plans.  19.  Those  who 
love  to  tell  news  will  hardly  keep  secrets, 
flattereth  .  .  .  lips— (cf.  Mam.;  ch.  l.  lo.).  med- 
dle ..  .  him—lit.,  joi7i,  or  associate  irith.  20. 
his  lamp— (cf.  ch.  13.  9;  24.  20.).  21.  gotten 
hastily— contrary  to  God's  providence  (ch, 
28.  20,),  implying  its  unjust  or  easy  attain- 
ment; hence  the  man  is  punished,  or  spends 
freely  what  he  got  easily  icf.  v.  17.  .  22.  (Cf, 
Ps.  27.  14;  Bom.  12.  17-19.).  23.  (Cf.  v.  10; 
ch.  11.  1.1.  24.  Man's  goiv.gs— lit..  Stately 
steppinys  of  a  strong  man.  a  man— any  com- 
mon man.  nndersiaud— [or,  perceive]  his  .  .  . 
way.  25.  devcureth  .  .  .  noly— or,  better,  who 
rashly  speaks  promises,  or  devotes  what  is 
holy,   consecrating  any  thing.     This   suits 


sense  r.isit  is  often  used  (i's.  89.  32;  Jer.  6.  ( better  the  last  clause,  which  expresses  a 
15.;.  24.  bosom— Jzi.,  a  wide  dish  in  trWc/t  simdar  view  of  the  results  of  rashly  vowing, 
the  hand  was  plunged  in  eating  iMsii.  26.126.  (Cf.  v.  8.).  bringetii  ...  over  them— the 
23.).  Ct.  ch.  26.  15,  the  sentiment  expressed  i  wlieel  was  used  for  threshing  grain.  The 
with  ec]ual  irony  and  less  exaggeration.  26.  j  figure  denotes  severity  (cf.  Amos,  l,  3.), 
Such  is  the  benetit  of  reproof,  even  the  ;  27.  The  spirit  .  ,  .  Lord— men's  minds  are 
sill  pie  profit,  much  more  the  wise.  26.  !  God's  gifts,  and  thus  able  to  search  one 
Untilial  conduct  often  condemned  (ch.  !  another  icf.  w.  6;  ch.  18.  8,  17;  1  Cor.  2.  11,). 
17.    2125;    20.    20;    Deut.    21.    18.    21.).      ''''   ' ''«    '^  '^^    "^  q- ift  k  i9      oq    i<"Qf.ii  Q,rt>  Uo^ifo 


Avoid    whatever    leads   from   truth.      28, 
ungodly  witness— (cf.  Marg.,},  one  false  by  bad 
principles  cf.  ch.  6.  12.).  fcCorntthJLidgn.ent— 
sets  at  nought  the  dictates  of  justice,    de- 
vo\ueih—lit.,  swalloweth,  as   something  de- 
lightful.    29.    Their  punishment   is    sure, 
fixed,  and  ready  cf.  ch.  3.  34;  lo.  13.). 
CHAPTEB  XX. 
Ver.  1-30.    1.    mcckei— or,  scorner.    Stich 
men  are  made  by  wine,    raging— or,  boister- 
ous, as  a  drunkard,    strong  drink— made  by 
438 


28.  iCf.  ch.  3.  3;  1*6. 6,*12.'.  29.  Each  age  lias  its 


eculiar  excellence  ch.  16.  31.).  30.  blue- 
nest— /ii.,joi?mig,  the  process  of  uniting  the 
edges  of  a  wound  throws  off  purulent  mat- 
ter, stripes  .  .  .  belly— so  punishment  pro- 
vides healing  of  soul  (ch.  18.  8,),  by  deterring 
from  evil  courses. 

CHAPTEE  XXI. 

Ver.  1-31. 1.  rivers— irrigating  channels  (Ps. 
1.  3,),  whcse  course  was  easily  turned  (cf. 
Deut.  11.  10.).  God  disposes  even  kings  as 
He  pleases  ich.  16.  9;  Jfs.  33. 16.J.    2.  (Cf.  cli. 


Moral  f)h-tit^ 


PROVERBS,  sxm.  xxrv. 


29  Seest  thon  a  man  *  diligent  in  hiss  busi- 
ness? lie  shall  stand  before  kings;  he  shall 
Dot  stand  before  i*  mean  vien. 
ClIAlTKll  XXIII. 
'W'llEN  thou  sittest  to  eat  with  a  mler, 
coiisidei-  diligeTitly  what  is  before  thee ; 

2  And  put  a  knife  to  thy  thioat,  if  thou  he 
a  nan  eiven  to  ajipetjte. 

3  He  nt)t  desirous  of  his  dainties;  for  they 
tre  fifi-eiti'ul  meat. 

4  Labour"  not  to  be  rich; 6 cease  from 
thine  own  wisdom. 

6  1  Wilt  thou  set  thine  eyes  npon  that 
which  is  not?  for  rickes  certainly  make 
themselves  wings ;  they  fly  away  aS  an  eagle 
toward  heaven. 

6  f:at "  thou  not  the  bread  of  Idm  that 
hathd a.n  ev\l  eye,  neither  desire  thou  his 
dainty  meata; 

7  For  as  he  thinketh  in  his  heart,  so  is  he: 
Eat  and  drink,  saith  he  to  thee;  but  his 
heart  is  not  with  thee. 

8  The  morsel  which  thou  hast  eaten  shalt 
thou  vomit  up,  and  lose  thy  sweet  words. 

9  Speak '  not  in  the  ears  of  a  fool:  for  he 
will  despise  the  wisdom  of  thy  words. 

10  Remove  not  the  old  2  landmark;  and 
enter  not  into  the  fields  of  the  fatherless: 

11  For/ their  Redeemer  is  mighty;  he 
Shall  plead  their  cause  with  thee. 

12  A  pply  thine  heart  unto  instruction,  and 
thine  ears  to  the  words  of  knowledge. 

13  Withhold  not  correction  from  the 
child ;  for  if  thou  beatest  him  with  the  rod, 
he  shall  not  die. 

14  Thou  shalt  beat  him  with  the  rod,  and 
Bhalt  <'  deliver  his  soul  from  hell. 

15  My  son,  if  thine  heart  be  wise,  my  heart 
shall  rejoice,  3  even  mine  ; 

16  Yea,  my  reins  shall  rejoice  when  thy 
lips  speak  nght  things. 

17  Let  not  thine  heart  envy  sinners:  but 
be  thm  in  the  fear  of  the  Lokd  aD  the  day 
long. 

18  For  ''»  surely  there  is  an  ♦  end  •  and 
thine  expectation  shall  not  be  cut  oft. 

19  Hear  thou,  my  son,  and  be  wise,  and 
guide  thine  heart  m  the  way. 

20  [ie  » not  among  wine-bibbers;  among 
riototis  eaters  of  5  flesh: 

21  For  the  drunkard  and  the  glutton  shall 
come  to  poverty;  and  drowsiness  shall 
clothe  a  man  with  rags. 

22  Hearken  >  unto  thy  father  that  begat 
thee,  and  despise  not  thy  mother  when  she 
is  old. 

23  Ruy  *  the  truth,  and  sell  it  not;  also 
wisdom,  and  iustruction,  and  understand- 
ing. 

24  The  father  of  the  righteous  shall 
gi-eatly  rejoice;  and  he  that  begetteth  a 
wise  child  shaU  have  joy  of  hira. 

25  Thy  father  and  thy  mother  shall  be 
glad,  and  she  that  bare  thee  shall  rejoice. 

26  My  son,  give  me  thine  heart,  and  let 
thine  eyes  observe  my  ways. 

27  For  a  whore  is  a  deep  ditch;  and  a 
strange  woniati  is  a  narrow  pit. 

28  She  also  lieth  in  wait  6  as  for  a  prey, 
and  increaseth  the  transgressors  among 
men. 

29  Who  '  hath  woe?  who  hath  sorrow? 
who  hath  contentions?  who  hath  babbling? 
who  hath  wounds  without  cause?  who  hath 
redness  ol  ejes? 

30  I'hej  that  taiTy  long  at  the  wine;  they 
that  go  to  seek  mixed  w  me. 

81  Loyk  not  thou  uiiuu  liie  wine  when  it 


and  contrary  vices. 


CflAP.  22. 
e  1  Kin.  11. 

23. 

cli.  12.  24. 

Rom.  12.11 
14  obscure 


CHAP.  23. 
a  1  Tim.  0.9. 
6  Ro.  12.  16. 

1  Wilt  thou 
cause  thine 
cyea  to  fiy 
ti,ion. 

cps.  141.4. 
d  Dow.  15.  9. 
e  Mat.  7.  6. 

2  Or, 
bound. 

/Job  31.  21. 

Jer.  6(1.  34. 

gi  Ccr.  5.5. 

3  Or,  even  1 
will 
rejoice. 

ft  Lu.  10.26. 

4  Or, 
reward. 

i  Ii.  6.  22. 
Mat.  24.  49. 
Lu.  21.  34. 
Rom.  13.13. 
Eph.  5.  18. 


)  Eph.  0. 1 

A  Mat.  13.44. 

6  Or,  a»  « 

robber. 


heart  of 
the  Boa. 

»»  Jor.  6.  3. 

9  1  knew  it 

Eph.  4. 19 

«  Dcu. 29.19 

I«.  60.  12. 

2  Pe.  2.  22. 


CHAP.  24. 
1  iain 

strcnfrth. 
2«trer.gthen- 

■   miijht. 

o  Mat.  15.19. 

Acts  8  22. 

Is.  68.  6,  T. 

1  John  3.16. 

e  Rom.  2.  6. 

Rov.  2.  23. 

4  upon  thy 

palate. 
d  Ps.  34. 19. 

Mic.  7.  8. 

it  be  evil 

in  hi> 

eyea. 

6  Or,  Keep 
not 

company 
with  the 
wicked. 

«  Pa.  11.  6. 
It.  3.  11. 

7  Or,  lamp. 
/Rom.  13.7. 

1  Pet.  2  17. 

changers. 
0  Deu.  1. 17. 

John  ;.  24. 
A  U.  6.  28. 


is  red,  when  it  giveth  his  colour  in  the  cup, 
whni  it  moveth  itself  aright: 

3:;  At  the  last  it  biteth  like  a  serpent,  and 
stiii'vth  like  'i  an  adder. 

3y '!  l.iiiee.\cs  shall  behold  strange  wompn, 
and  I  bine  heart  shall  utter  perverse  things 

34  Yea,  thon  shalt  be  as  he  that  licth 
down  8  in  the  midst  of  the  sea,  or  as  he 
tliai  licth  upon  the  top  of  a  mast. 

35  They  "*  have  stiirken  me,  shalt  thou 
say.  and  I  was  not  sick ;  they  have  beaten 
me,  and^l  felt  it  not: "when  shall  I 
awake?  I  will  seek  it  yet  again. 

CHAi'TER  XXIV. 
T^E  not  thon  envious  against  evil  men, 
■^  neither  desire  to  be  with  them; 

2  For  their  heart  studieth  destruction, 
and  their  lips  talk  of  mischief. 

3  Through  wisdom  is  an  house  builded, 
and  by  understanding  it  is  established. 

4  And  by  kiiowk<lge  shall  the  chambers  be 
filled  with  all  prei  ious  and  pleasant  riches. 

5  A  wise  man  i  is  strong;  yea,  a  ni.nn  of 
knowledge  2  incrensctli  strength. 

6  For  by  wise  cdnnsel  thou  shalt  make 
thy  war:  and  in  multitude  of  counsellors 
there  is  safety. 

7  Wisdom  is  too  high  for  a  fool:  he  open- 
eth  not  his  mouth  in  the  gate. 

8  He  that  deviseth  to  do  evil  shall  be 
called  a  mischievous  person. 

9  The  "  thought  of  loolishness  is  sin:  and 
the  sconier  is  an  abomination  to  men. 

10 //thon  faint  in  the  day  of  adversity, 
thy  strength  is  3  small. 

11  If  6  thou  forl)ear  to  deliver  them  that 
are  drawn  unto  death,  and  those  that  are 
ready  to  be  slain; 

12  If  thou  sayest.  Behold,  we  knew  it  not; 
doth  not  he  that  pondereth  the  heart  con- 
sider  t(.?and  he  that  keepeth  thy  soul,  doth 
not  he  know  it?  and  shall  not  he  render  to 
every  man  '  according  to  his  works? 

13  My  son,  eat  thou  honey,  because  it  is 

food:  and  the  honey-comb,  which  is  eweet 
to  thy  taste: 

14  So  shaU  the  knowledge  of  wisdom  be 
unto  thy  soul:  when  thou  hast  found  it, 
then  thtire  shall  be  a  reward,  and  thy  ex- 
pectation shall  not  be  cut  otf. 

15  Lay  not  wait,  O  wicked  man,  ag^ainst 
the  dwelling  of  the  righteous;  spod  not 
his  resting  place: 

16  For  "  a  just  man  falleth  seven  times, 
and  riseth  up  again:  but  the  wicked  sh;ill 
fall  into  mischief. 

17  Rejoice  not  when  thine  enemy  falleth, 
and  let  not  thine  heart  be  glad  when  he 
stumbleth; 

18  Lest  the  Lord  see  it,  and  6  it  displease 
him,  and  he  turn  away  his  wrath  from  liiio. 

19  6  Fret  not  thyseU  because  of  evil  nitn, 
neither  be  thou  envious  at  the  wicked; 

20  For  *  there  shall  be  no  reward  to  the 
enl  m.an;  the  T  candle  of  the  wicked  shall 
be  put  out, 

21  My  son,  /  fear  thou  the  Lord  and  the 
king^  and  meddle  not  with  6  them  that 
are  given  to  change: 

22  For  their  calamity  shall  rise  suddenly; 
and  who  knoweth  the  ruin  of  them  both? 

23  These  things  also  belang  to  the  wise. 
Jt"  is  not  gooa  to  have  respect  of  persona 
in  judgment. 

24  lie  f>  that  saith  unto  the  wicked,  Thoa 
art  righteous;  him  sbiill  the  people  curse, 
nations  shall  abhor  huii: 

25  i$ut  to  them  that  rebuke  him  shall  be 


Moral  Virtues,  and 


PROVERBS,  xxn,  xxm. 


their  Contrary  Vices. 


14,  2;  16.  2  25.).  3.  (Cf.  Ps.  50.  7-15;  Isa.  1. 
11,  17.).  4.  high  look  — (cf.  Marg.;  Ps. 
131.  1.).  proud  heart— or,  heart  of  breadth, 
one  tliat  is  swollen  (cf.  Ps.  lOl.  5.1.  plowing 
—better  lamp,  a  frequent  figure  for  pros- 
pei-ity  (ch.  20.  20,),  hence  joy  or  delisht.  5. 
The  contrast  is  between  steady  industry  and 
rashness  (cf.  cli.  19.  2.).  6.  Tiie  getting 
—or,  what  is  obtained  (cf.  Job.  7.  2  ;  Jer. 
22.  13,  Heb.).  vanity  ...  to  and  fro— as  fleet- 
ing as  chaff  or  stubble  in  the  wind  (cf.  ch. 
20.  17-21;  Ps.  62.  10.}.  Suchgeti'  i-s  are  un- 
satisfactory, them  .  .  .  deatli— act  as  if  they 
did(ch.  8.  36;  17.  19.).  7.  robbery— or.  destruc- 
tion, especially  oppression,  of  which  they 
ire  authors,  shall  destroy — lit.,  cut  vnth  a 
saw  (1  Ki.  7.  9,),  i.e.,  utterly  ruin  them.  Their 
sins  shall  be  visited  on  them  in  kind,  to  do 
judgment— what  is  just  and  riKht.  8.  cf 
man— any  one,  his  way  is  opposed  to  truth 
and  also  estranged  from  it.  Tlie  pure  proves 
himself  such  by  his  right  conduct.  9.  corner 
—a  turret,  or  arbour  on  the  roof,  brawl- 
i)),g— or,  contentious,  wide  bouse— Ki..  house 
of  fellowship,  or  larae  enouqh  for  several 
fa/mUies.  10.  So  strongly  does  he  desire  to 
do  evil  (Ps.  10.  3;  Eccl.  8. 11,),  that  he  will  not 
even  spare  his  friend  if  in  his  way.  11. 
(Cf.  ch.  19.  25.).  That  which  the  simple  learn 
by  the  terrors  of  punishment,  the  wise  learn 
by  teacMng.  12.  (Cf.  Ps.  37.  35-38;  73.  17, 
20.).  house  —  family,  or  interests,  over- 
throweth — either  supply  God  (cf.  ch.  10.  24,), 
or  the  word  is  used  impersonally.  13.  The ' 
principles  of  retribution,  often  taught  (cf. 
Ps.  18.  26;  Mat.  7.  1-12.>.  14.  The  effect  of 
bribery  (ch.  17.  23)  is  enhanced  by  secrecy,  as 
the  bribed  person  does  not  wish  his  motives 
made  known.  15.  But  the  just  love  right,  and 
need  no  bribes.  The  wicked,  at  last,  meet ! 
destruction,  though  for  a  time  happy  in  con- 
cealing corruption.  16.  the  way  of  under- 
stand ing—(cf.  ch.  12.  26;  14.  22.).  remain— i.e., 
rest  as  at  a  journey's  end  ;  death  will  be  his 
unchanging  home.  17.  Costly  luxuries  im- 
poverish. 18.  (Cf.  ch.  11.  8.).  By  suffering 
what  they  had  devised  for  the  righteous,  or 
brought  on  them,  the  wicked  became  their 
ransom,  in  the  usual  sense  of  substitutes  (cf. 
Josh.  7.  26;  Esth.  7. 9.).  19.  (Cf.  v.  9.).  wilder- 
ness—pasture, though  uninhabitable  ground 
(Ps.  65.  12.).  20.  The  wise,  by  diligence  and 
care,  lay  up  and  increase  wealth,  while  fools 
speiid,  lit.,  swallow  it  up,  greedily.  21.  He 
who  tries  to  act  justly  and  kindly  (Ps.  34.  14) 
will  prosper  and  obtain  justice  and  honour. 
22.  "Wisdom  is  better  than  strength"  (Eccl. 
7. 19;  9. 15.).  strength . .  .thereof— that  in  which 
they  contide.  23.  (Cf.  ch.  13.  2,  3;  Jam.  3. 
6-10.).  24.  The  reproachful  name  is  deserved 
by  those  who  treat  others  with  anger  aud 
contempt.  25.  desire— i.e.,  of  ease  and  idle- 
ness, brings  him  to  starvation.  26.  The  sin 
of  covetousness  marks  the  sluggard,  as  the 
virtue  of  benevolence  the  righteous.  27. 
God  regards  the  heart,  and  hypocrisy  is  more 
odious  than  open  inconsi-t  ncy.  wicked 
iiiincc— or,  design  (ch.  1.  4.).  28.  (Cf.  ch.  19. 
6.).  that  heareth  — or,  heeds  instruction, 
and  so  gi-ows  wise,  speaketh  constantly— 
or.  sincerely  (cf.  Hab.  1.  5,),  and  hence  is 
believed  (ch.  12. 19;  Jam.  1.  19.}.  29.  hardeu- 
etii  his  face— is  obstinate,  directeth  . . .  way- 
considers  it.  and  acts  advisedly.  30,  31. 
Men's  best  de\aces  and  reliances  are  vain, 
compared  with  God's,  or  without  His  aid  (ch. 
19.  21;Ps.  20.  7;33. 17.). 
440 


CHAPITIR  XXII. 

Ver.  1-29.  1.  A  good  name  —  (Job,  30.  8, 
Heh.).  Good  is  supplied  here  from  Eccl.  7.  1. 
luving  favour— kind  regard,  i.e.,  of  th-'  wise 
and  good.  2.  Before  God  all  are  on  the  same 
footing  (ch.  14.  31;  17.  5.).  3.  are  pniiished— 
i.e.,  for  their  temerity;  for  the  evil  is  not 
necessa^ly  punitive,  as  the  prudent  might 
otherwise  be  its  objects.  4.  humility  and  the 
fear  of  tiie  Lord— are  in  apposition;  one  pro- 
duces the  otlier.  On  the  results  cf.  ch.  3. 16; 
8.  18.  5.  he  that .  .  .  them— those  who  pro- 
perly watch  over  their  own  souls  are  thus 
preserved  from  the  dangers  wliich  attend 
the  way  of  perverse  men  (ch.  16.  17.).  6. 
Train— Initiate,  or  early  instruct,  the  way— 
lit.,  his  way,  that  selected  for  him,  in  which 
he  should  go;  for  early  training  secures  habi- 
tual walking  in  it.  7.  The  influence  of  wealth 
sets  aside  moral  distinctions  is  implied, 
and.  of  course,  disapproved  (cf.  ch.  19.  6;  21. 
14,  &c.).  8.  (Cf.  ch.  11.  18;  Ps.  109. 16-::0;  Gal. 
f».  7,  8.).  the  rod  . . .  fail— his  power  to  do  evil 
will  be  destroyed.  9.  a  bountiful  eye— i.e., 
a  beneficent  disposition,  for  he  giveth. .  .poor 
—his  acts  prove  it.  10.  Cast  out— or,  Diive 
away.  Scorners  foster  strife  by  taunts  and 
revilings.  11.  (Cf.  Margr.).  jureness  oi  heart 
—and  gentle,  kind  words  wm  favour,  even 
from  kings.  12.  preserve— or,  guard,  know- 
ledge—its principles  and  possessors,  over- 
throw eth— utterly  confounds  and  destroys  the 
wicked.  13.  Erivolous  excuses  satisfy  the 
indolent  man's  conscience.  14.  The  mouth- 
er, flattering  speeches  (ch.  6.  3;  7.  5)  ensnare 
man,  as  pits,  beasts.  God  makes  their  own 
sin  their  punishment.  15.  is  bound— or,  firmly 
fixed.  Chastisement  deters  from  crime,  and 
so  leads  to  reformation  of  principle.  16. 
These  two  vices  pertain  to  the  same  selfish 
feeling,  and  are  both  deservedly  odious  to 
God,  and  incur  punishment.  17.  Here  be- 
gins another  division  of  the  book,  marked 
by  those  encouragements  to  the  pursuit  of 
wisdom,  which  are  found  in  the  earlier  chap- 
ters. It  will  be  observed,  that  from  v.  22,  to 
ch.  24.  12,  the  proverbs  are  generally  ex- 
pressed in  two  verses  instead  of  one  (cf.  Intr.). 

18.  These  lessons  must  be  laid  up  in  the 
mind,  and  Jitted,  or  better,  fixed  in  the  lips, 
so  as  to  be  ever  ready.  19.  That .  .  .  Lord— 
This  is  the  design  of  the  instruction.  20. 
excellent  things-orprobably.of  former  times, 
counsels  and  knowledge— both  advice  and  in- 
struction. 21.  Specially,  he  desires  to  secure 
accuracy,  so  that  his  pupil  may  teach  others. 
22, 23.  Here  follow  ten  precepts  of  two  verses 
each.  Though  men  fail  to  defend  the  poor, 
God  will  (ch.  17.  5;  Ps.  12.  5.).  in  the  gaie— 
place  of  public  gathering  (Job,  5. 4;  Ps.  09. 12.). 
24,  25.  (Cf.  ch.  2.  12-15;  4. 14.!.  a  snare. . .  soul 
—the  unsuspecting  are  often  misled  by  bad 
company.  26.  27.  (Cf.ch.6. 1;  17. 18.).  should 
he  take,  &c.—i.e.,  the  creditor.  28.  (Cf.  ch. 
23.  10.).    Do  not  entrench  on  others  (Deut. 

19.  14;  27. 17.).  29.  Success  rewards  diligence 
(Ch.  10.  4;  21.  5.). 

CHAPTER  XXin. 
Ver.  1-35.  1-3.  Avoid  the  dangers  of  glut- 
tony, put  a  knife— an  Eastern  figure  for  put- 
ting restraint  on  the  appetite,  are  deceitfid 
meat— though  well  tasted,  injurious.  4,  5. 
(Cf.  1  Tim.  6.  9,  10.).  thine  own  wisdom— 
which  regards  riches  intrinsically  a  blessing. 
Wilt .  .  .  eycs— As  the  eyes  fly  after,  or  seek, 
riches,  they  are  not,  i.e.,  either  become  tran- 
sitory, or,  imsatisfying;  fully  expressed  by 
3M 


Maxims  and  observations 


PROVERBS,  XXV,  XXVI. 


of  Solomon. 


delight,  and  9  a  good  blessing  shall  come 
upon  them. 

26  Every  man  shall  kiss  his  lips  lo  that 
giveth  a  neht  answer. 

27  Prepare  thy  work  without,  and  make 
it  fit  for  thyself  in  the  field;  and  afterwards 
build  thine"  house. 

28  Be 'not  a  witness  against  thy  neigh- 
bour without  cause;  and  deceive  ttot  with 
thy  lijis. 

29  Say  >  not,  I  will  do  so  to  him  as  he  hath 
done  to  me;  I  mil  render  to  the  man  ac- 
cording to  his  work. 

80 1  went  by  the  field  of  the  slothful,  and 
by  the  vineyard  of  the  man  void  of  under- 
Btanding; 

31  And,  lo,  *  it  was  all  grown  over  with 
thorns,  and  nettles  had  covered  the  face 
thereof,  and  the  stone  wall  thereof  was 
broken  down. 

82  Then  I  saw,  and  "  considered  it  well ; 
I  looked  upon  it,  and  received  instruction. 

33  Yet  a  little  sleep,  a  httle  slumber,  a 
little  folding  of  the  hands  to  sleep: 

3i  So  shall  thy  poverty  come  as  one  that 
travelleth;  and  thy  want  as  12  an  axmed 
man. 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

1  Ofkingif  8  of  avoiding  q%uirreU,  and  sundry 

eaiues  thereof. 

rPHESE  are  also  proverbs  of  Solomon, 
■•-  which  the  men  of  Hezekiah  king  of  Ju- 
dah  copied  out. 

2  If  is  the  glory  of  God  to  conceal  a 
thing:  but  the  honour  of  kings  is^  to  search 
out  a  matter. 

3  The  heaven  for  height,  and  the  earth  for 
depth,  and  the  heart  of  kings  1  is  unsearch- 
able. 

4  Take  away  the  dross  from  the  silver,  and 
there  shall  come  forth  a  vessel  for  the  finer. 

5  Take  away  the  wicked  from  before  the 
tog,  and  his  throne  shall  he  established  in 
righteousness. 

6  2  Put  not  forth  thyself  in  the  presence  of 
the  king,  and  stand  not  in  the  place  of 
great  men: 

7  For  better  it  is  that  it  be  said  unto  thee. 
Come  up  hither,  than  that  thou  shouldest 
be  put  lower  in  the  presence  of  the  prince 
whom  thine  eves  have  seen. 

8  Go  "  not  forth  hastily  to  strive,  lest  thou 
know  not  what  to  do  in  the  end  thereof, 
when  thy  neighbour  hath  put  thee  to  shame. 

9  Debate  <*  thy  cause  with  thy  neighbour 
himself,  and  ^  discover  not  a  secret  to  an- 
other; 

10  Lest  he  that  heareth  it  put  thee  to 
shame,  and  thine  infamy  turn  not  away. 

11  A  word  *  fitly  spoken  is  like  apples  of 
gold  in  pictures  of  silver. 

12  As  an  earring  of  gold,  and  an  ornament 
of  fine  gold,  so  is  a  wise  reprover  upon  an 
obedient  ear. 

13  As  the  cold  of  snow  in  the  time  of  har- 
vest, soisA  faithful  messenger  to  them  that 
Bend  him;  for  he  refresheth  the  soul  of 
his  masters. 

14  Whoso  boasteth  himself  &  of  a  false  gift 
is  like  *  clouds  and  wind  without  rain. 

15  By  long  forbearing  is  a  prince  persua- 
ded and  a  soft  tongue  breaketh  the  bone. 

16  Hast  thou  found  honey?  eat  so  much 
as  is  sufficient  for  thee,  lest  thou  be  filled 
therewith,  and  vomit  it. 

17  '^  Withdraw  thy  foot  from  thy  neigh- 
bom's  house;  lest  he  be  I  weary  of  thee, 
•ud  so  hate  thee. 


B.  c.  1000. 


CHAP.  24. 

1  a  blessing 

of  good. 
10  that 
answereth 
fight 
words. 
Eph.  4.25. 
;■  Mat.  5.  39. 
k  Gen.  3.  18. 


my 


CHAP.  25. 
a  Ko  11.  33. 
b  Job  29.  16. 

1  there  is  no 

2  Set  not  oat 
thT  glory. 

c  Slat.  5.  25. 
d  Mot.  D.  26. 

3  Or,  dis- 
cover not 
tho  secret 


6  Or,  Ut 

H:j-  foot  be 
soMom  in 
thy  neigh- 
bour's 

7  fuU  of 
thee. 

/  Mat.  5.  44. 
9:iSa.l6.12. 

8  Or.  The 
north  wind 
brinjeth 
forth  rain; 
so  doth  a 
backbiting 


CHAP.  28. 

1  his  own 
eyes. 

2  Or, 
Tiolence. 

3  Bze  Ufted 
up. 

4  Or,  As  h« 
that 

putteth  a 
precious 
stone  in 
an  heap  of 
stones. 

6  Or,  A 
great  man 
grieveth 
all,  and  he 
hijeth  the 
fool,  he 
hireth  also 
trans- 
gressors. 

6  iterateth 
his  folly. 

7  Or,  he  is 


18  A  man  that  beareth  false  witness 
against  his  neighbour  is  a  maul,  and  a 
sword,  and  a  sharp  arrow. 

lit  Contidence  in  an  unfaithful  man  in 
time  of  trouble  is  like  a  broken  tooth,  and 
a  loot  out  of  joint. 

20  As  he  that  taketh  away  a  garment  in 
cold  weather,  and  as  Ainegar  upon  nitre,  so 
is  he  that  singeth  songs  to  an  heavy  heart. 

21  If/  thine  enemy  be  hungry,  give  him 
bread  to  eat;  and  if  he  be  thirsty,  give  him 
witter  to  drink: 

2.'  For  thou  shalt  heap  coals  of  fire  upon  his 
head,  ^  and  the  Lord  shall  reward  thee. 

23  8  The  north  wind  driveth  away  rain; 
so  doth  an  angry  comitenauce  a  backbiting 
tongue. 

-4  It  is  better  to  dwell  in  a  comer  of  the 
house-top.  than  with  a  brawling  woman 
and  in  a  wide  house. 

2.5  As  cold  waters  to  a  thirsty  soul,  so  is 
good  news  from  a  far  country. 

26  A  righteous  ''man  falling  down  before 
the  wicked  is  as  a  troubled  fountain,  and 
a  corrupt  spring. 

27  It  is  not  good  to  eat  much  honey ;  bo  for 
men  to  searcn  their  own  glory  is  not  glory. 

28  He  that  hath  no  rule  over  his  own 
spirit  is  like  a  city  that  is  broken  down, 
and  without  walls. 

CHAPTER  XX VL 

1  Of  fools,  13  sluygarda,  17  and  busybodies. 

A  S  snow  in  summer,  and  as  rain  in  har- 

■'^  vest;  so  honour  is  not  seemly  for  a  fooL 

2  As  the  bird  by  wandering,  as  the  swallow 
by  flying,  so  the  curse  causeless  shall  not 
come. 

3  A  whip  for  the  horse,  a  bridle  for  the 
ass,  and  a  rod  for  the  fool's  back. 

4  Answer  not  a  fool  according  to  his 
folly,  lest  thou  also  be  like  unto  him, 

5  Answer  a  fool  according  to  his  folly, 
lest  he  be  wise  in  i  his  own  conceit. 

6  He  that  sendeth  a  message  by  the  hand 
of  a  fool  cutteth  off  the  feet,  and  drmketh 
2  damage. 

7  The  legs  of  the  lame  8  are  not  equal;  so 
is  a  parable  in  the  mouth  of  fools. 

8  *  As  he  that  bindeth  a  stone  in  a  sling, 
so  is  he  that  giveth  honour  to  a  fooL 

9  As  a  thorn  goeth  up  into  the  hand  of  a 
drunkai'd,  so  is  a  parable  in  the  mouth  of 
fools. 

10  6  The  great  God,  that  formed  all  things, 
both  rewardeth  the  fool,  and  rewardetn 
transgressors. 

11  As  a  dog  retumeth  to  hia  vomit,  so  a 
fool  6  retumeth  to  his  folly. 

12  Seest  thou  a  man  wise  in  his  own  con- 
ceit? there  is  more  hope  of  a  fool  than  of 
him. 

13  The  slothful  man  saith.  There  is  a  Hon 
in  the  way ;  a  lion  is  in  the  streets. 

14  As  the  door  tumeth  upon  his  hinges, 
so  doth  the  slotWul  upon  his  bed. 

15  The  slothful  hideth  his  hand  in  his  bo- 
som ;  ^  it  grieveth  him  to  bring  it  again  to 
his  mouth. 

16  The  pluggard  is  wiser  in  his  own  con- 
ceit than  seven  men  that  can  render  a 
reason. 

17  He  that  passeth  by,  and  Smeddleth 
with  strife  belonging  not  to  him,  is  like 
one  that  taketh  a  dog  by  the  ears. 

18  As  a  madman,  who  casteth  Bfire- 
brands,  arrows,  and  death, 

19  So  is  the  man  that  deceiveth  his  neigh- 
bour,  and  saith,  Am  not  I  in  sport! 


Moral  Virtues,  and 


PEOVERBS,  XXIV.  XXV. 


their  Contrary  Vices. 


their  fly.ng  away.  6-8.  Beware  of  deceitful  retributive  justice  cannot  be  avoided  by  pro- 
men,  whose  courtesies  even  you  will  repent  fessed  ignorance.  13, 14.  As  delicious  Jood 
of  having  accepted,  evil  eye— or.  purpose  whets  the  appetite,  so  should  the  rewards  of 
(eh.  22.  9;Deut.  15.  9;Mat.  C.  23.).  Theiucisel  wisdom  excite  US  to  .seek  it.  r^^ward— iit., 
...  words— i.e.,  disgusted  with  his  true  cha,-  ajter  part,  the  proper  result  (cf.  ch.  23.  18; 
racter,  all  pleasant  intercourse  will  be  de-  Ps.  37.  37,  38.).  15,16.  The  plots  of  the 
stroyed.  9.  (Cf.  ch.  9.8.).  "Cast  not  your,  wicked  against  the  good,  though  partially, 
pearls,"  &c.  (Mat.  7.  6.).  10, 11.  (Cf.  ch.  22.  sliall  not  be  fully  successful  (Ps.  37.  24;) ;  while 
23.).    Redeemer— or.  Avenger  (Lev.  25.  25,  the  wicked,  falling  under  penal  evil,  find  no 


26;  Isum.  35. 12,),  hence  Advocate  (J  ob,  19. 


help,  seven  times — often,  or  niany  (ch.  6. 16, 31; 


plead ...  thee— (cf.  Job,  31.  21;  Ps.  35.  1;68.  6.).  :9.1.).  17,18.  Yet  let  none  rejoice  over  the  late 
12.  Here  begins  another  series  of  precepts,  of  evil  doers,  lest  God  punish  their  wrong 
13, 14.  While  there  is  little  danger  that  the  spirit  by  relieving  the  sufierer  (cf.  ch.  17.  6; 
u^e  of  the  "divine  ordinance  of  the  rod"  will.  Job,  31.  29.).  19,  20.  (Ps.  37.1,  38;  18.  28.). 
produce  bodily  harm,  there  is  great  hope  of  caudle— or,  prosperity,  it  shall  come  to  an 
spiritual  good.  15, 16.  The  pleasure  afforded  end  (ch.  13.  9;  20.  2(i.).  21,  22.  A  warning 
the  teacher  by  the  pupil's  progress  is  a  mo-  ai^ainst  impiety  and  resistance  to  lawful  rule 
tive  to  diligence,  my  reins— (cf.  Ps.  7.  9.).  (Rom.  13.  1-7;  1  Pet.  2.  17.).  mecdle  ...  chaBge 
17,18.  (Ci.Marg.i.  The  prosperity  of  the\—{cL  Marg.,),lit.,mtn(ile  yourself,  avoid  the 
wcked  is  short,  an  end  —  or.  hereafter, :  society  of  restless  persons,  their  calamity, 
another  time,  when  apparent  inequalities  &c.  — either  what  God  and  the  king  inflict, 
shall  be  adjusted  (cf.  Ps.  37.  28-38.  .     19-21.   or  what  changers  and  their  company  suffer: 


guide .  .  .  way— or,  direct  thy  thoughts  to  a  better  the   first.     23.  These 


right  course  of  conduct  (cf.  ch.  4.  4;  9.  6.) 


of  the  wise. 


lit.. 


riotous  .  . .  flesh  —  prodigal,  or  eating  more  |  of  David,"  Heb.) 
than  necessary.  Instead  of  their  flesh,  (cf. !  lowing,  to  ch.  25 
Mary.,),  better,  "flesh  to  them" 


autliors  (cf.   "  Psalms 

These  are  the  verses  fol- 

to  have  respect— /vi.,  to 

i.e..  used  discern  faces,  show  partiality,    24,  25.,   of 


for  pleasure,  drowsiness— the  dreamy  sleep:  which  ah  example  is  justifying  the  wicked, 
of  the  slothful.  22.  Hearken— i.e..  Obey  (ch.  to  which  is  opposed,  rebuking  him,  which 
1.  8;Eph.  6.  1.).  despise...  old— adults  revere  i  has  a  bles.stng.  26.  kiss  his  lips— love  and 
the  parents  whom,  as  children,  they  once  obey,  do  homage  (Ps.  2.  12:  Sol.  Song  8.  1.). 
obeyed.  23.  Buy— ^^<.,  Get  (ch.  4.  5.).  truth  'rigiit  answer— hi.,  plaiii.  (en.  8.  9)  words,  op- 
— generally  and  specially  as  oppcsed  to  errors  posed  to  deceptive,  or  obscure.  27.  Prepare 
of  all  kinds.  24,  25.  iCf.  ch.  10.  1;  17.  21,  25.].  lin  the  field— i.e..  Secure,  by  diligence,  a  pro- 
26-35.  A  solenm  warning  against  whoredom  per  supiiort,  and  then  build;  piovide  neces- 
and  drunkenness  (Hos.  4.  11.).  26.  give.  .  .  saries,  then  comforts,  to  which  a  house  rather 
heart— This  is  the  address  of  that  divine  lertained,  in  a  mild  climate,  permitting  the 
Wisdom  so  often  presented  (ch.  8. 1;  9. 3,  (fee),  use  of  tents.  28.  L)o  not  speak  even  truth 
-confidence,    observe- 


.  keep,    my  needlessly  against  any,  and  never  falsehood, 
such  as  I  teach  you  (ch.  3.  17;  9.  6.).   29.  Especially  avoid  retaliation  (Mat.  6.  43- 


heart 

ways  .  .  .  . _ 

27.  28.  deep  ditch— a  narrow  pit,  out  of  which  45;  Rom.  12.  17.).  30,  31.  A  striking  picture 
it  is  hard  to  climb,  lieth  in  wait- to  ensnare  of  the  effects  of  sloth.  32-34.  From  the  folly 
men  into  the  pit,  as  hunters  entrap  game  (cf.  of  the  sluggard  learn  wisdom  (ch.  6. 10, 11.). 
ch.  1.2.  14.).    iiicreaseth  . . .  transgressors— (ch.  CHAPTER  XXV. 

6.  8-10.).  The  vice  alluded  to  is  peculiarly  Ver.  1-28.  1.  The  character  of  these  pro- 
hardening  to  the  heart.  :.9,  30.  This  picture  verbs  sustains  the  title  (cf.  Intr.].  also— refers 
is  often  sadly  realised  now.  mixed  wine—  to  the  former  part  of  the  book,  copied  cut— 
(cf.  ch.  9.  2;  Isa.  5.  11.).  31.  when . . .  red— the  lit.,  transferred,  i.e.,  from  some  other  book  to 
colour  denoting  greater  strength  'cf.  Gen.  i  this;  not  given  from  memory.  2.  God's  un- 
49.  ll;Deut.  32.  14.).    giveth... cup— Ki.,gfii'yes  |  sear chableness  impresses  us  with  awe  (cf. 


its  eye,  i.e.,  sparkles,    moveth . 


But  kings,  being 


.  aright— per-  Isa.  45.  16;  Rom.  11.33. 
haps  its  foaming  is  meant.  32.  The  acute  |  finite,  should  confer  with  wise  counsellors"; 
miseries  resulting  from  drunkenness  con-  3.  Yet  wisely  keeping  state  secrets,  which  to 
trasted  with  the  temptations.  33,34.  The  !  common  men  are  as  inaccessible  heights  and 
moral  effects:  it  inflames  passion  (Gen.  19.  j  depths.    4,6.  As  separating  impurities  from 


31,  35,  ,  lays  open  the  heart,  produces  insen 
sibility  to  the  greatest  dangers,  and  debars 
from  reformation,  under  the  severest  sufter- 
ings.  35.  awake  —  i.e.,  from  drunkenness 
(Gen.  9.  24.).  This  is  the  language  rather  of 
acts  than  of  the  tongue. 

CHAPTER  XXTV. 
Ver.  1-34.  1,  2.  (Cf.  ch.  23.  3, 17;  Ps.  37.  1.). 
studieth- meditateth.  talk . . .mischief— their 
expressed  purposes  are  to  do  evil.  3,  4.  (Cf. 
ch.  14.  1;  Isa.  54.  14.).  house— including  the 
family,  by  knowledge  .  .  .  riches— (ch.  8.  18; 
21.  20.).  5,  6.  The  general  statement  (Eccl. 
9.  16, 18'  is  specially  illustrated  (cf.  ch.  21.  22; 
Ps.  144.  1.).  7.  (Cf.  ch.  14.  16.).  in  the  gate— 
(Cf.  ch.  22.  22.).  8.  So  called  even  if  he  fails 
to  do  evil.  9.  Same  thought  varied.  10. 
Ltt.,  If  thou  fail  in  the  day  of  straits  [aclver- 
sity,],  strait  lor  small)  is  thy  strength,"  which 
is  then  truly  tested.  11,  12.  Neglect  of 
known  duty  is  sin  (Jam.  4.  17.).    ready  [lit. 


ore  leaves  pure  silver,  so  taking  from  a  king 
wicked  counsellors  leaves  a  wise  and  bene- 
ficent government,  before— or,  in  presence 
of,  as  courtiers  stood  about  a  king.  6.  7.  Do 
not  intrude  into  the  presence  of  the  king,  for 
the  elevation  of  the  humble  is  honourable, 
but  the  humbling  of  the  proud,  disgraceful 
(Luke.  14.  8-10.).  8.  (Cf.  ch.  3.  30.).  lest .  .  . 
shame— lest  you  do  what  you  ought  not,  when 
shamed  by  defeat,  or  "  lest  thou  art  shut  out 
from  doing  any  thing."  9,  10.  (Cf.  Mat.  5. 
25;  Marg.).  secret— i.e.,  of  your  opponent, 
for  his  disadvantage,  and  so  you  be  disgraced, 
not  having  discussed  your  difficulties  ■«  ith 
him.  11.  a  word  fitly— tti.,  giucfci?/,  as  wheels 
roll,  just  in  time.  The  comparison  "  as  apples 
. . .  s'ilver"  gives  a  like  sense,  apples,  ic— 
either  real  apples  of  golden  colour,  in  asiher 
net-work  basket,  or  imitations  on  silver  em- 
broidery. 12.  Those  who  desire  to  know, 
and   do   rightly,  most  highly  esteem  good 


bowwi»c<otw]  to  be  slain— i.e..  unjustly.  God's  1  counsel  (ch.  9.  9;  15.  31.).    The  listening  ear 
441 


JfaieimB  and  ohtervationt       PROVERBS.  XXVn,  XXVm. 


cf  Solomon, 


20  1"  Where  no  wood  is,  there  the  fire 
goeth  out;  so  where  there  is  no  n  tale- 
bearer, the  strife  12  ceaseth. 

21  -4s  coals  are  to  burning  coals,  and  wood 
to  fire ;  so  i»  a  contentious  man  to  kindle 
strife. 

22  The  words  of  a  talebearer  are  as 
wounds,  and  they  go  down  mto  the  13  inner- 
most parts  of  the  helly. 

23  Burning  lips  and  a  wicked  heart  are 
like  a  potsherd  covered  with  silver  dross. 

24  He  that  hateth  i*dissombleth  with  his 
lips,  and  la\eth  up  deceit  within  him; 

25  When  he  i^speaketh  fair,  believe  him 
not :  for  there  are  seven  abominations  in  his 
heart. 

26 16  Whose  hatred  is  covered  by  deceit, 
his  wickedness  shall  be  showed  before  the 
whole  congregation. 

27  WTioso  disceth  a  pit  shall  fall  therein ; 
and  he  that  rolleth  a  stone,  it  will  return 
upon  him. 

28  A  lying  tongue  "  hateth  those  that  are 
afflicted  by  it;  and  a  flattering  mouth 
worketh  nun. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 
1  Self-love,  6  true  love.  1 1  eare  to  avoid  offences, 

23  and  the  household  care. 
■POAST  "  not  thyself  of  1  to-morrow;  for 
•^  thou  knowest  not  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth. 

2  Let  another  man  praise  thee,  and  not 
thine  own  mouth ;  a  stranger,  and  not  thine 
own  lips. 

3  A  stone  is  2  heavy,  and  the  sand  weighty ; 
but  a  fool's  wrath  is  heavier  than  them 
both. 

'4  3  Wrath  is  cruel,  and  anger  is  outrage- 
ous; but  *who  is  able  to  stand  before 
*envy? 

5  Open  *  rebuke  is  better  than  secret  love. 

6  Faithful  are  the  wounds  of  a  friend:  but 
the  kisses  of  an  enemy  are  6  deceitful. 

7  The  full  soul  6 loatheth  an  honey-comb: 
but  to  the  hungry  soul  every  bitter  thing 
is  sweet. 

8  As  a  bird  that  wandereth  from  her  nest, 
BO  i?  a  man  that  wandereth  from  his  place. 

9  Ointment  and  perfume  rejoice  the  heart; 
80  doth  the  sweetness  of  a  man's  friend  7  by 
heartj'  counsel. 

10  Thine  own  friend,  and  thy  father's 
friend,  forsake  not;  neither  go  into  thy 
brother's  house  in  the  day  of  thy  calamity : 
for  better  is  a  neighbour  that  is  near,  than 
a  brother  far  off. 

11  My  son,  be  wise,  and  make  my  heart 
glad,  <*  that  I  may  answer  him  that  re- 
proacheth  me. 

12  A  prudent  man  foreseeth  the  evil,  and 
hideth  himself:  but  the  simple  pass  on,  and 
are  punished. 

13  Take  his  garment  that  is  surety  for  a 
stranger,  and  take  a  pledge  of  him  for  a 
strange  woman. 

14  He  that  blesseth  his  friend  with  a  loud 
voice,  rising  early  in  the  morning,  it  shall 
be  counted  a  curse  to  him. 

15  A  continual  dropping  in  a  very  rainy 
day  and  a  contentious  woman  are  alike. 

16  Whosoever  hideth  her  hideth  the  wind, 
and  the  ointment  of  his  right  hand,  which 
bewrayeth  itself. 

17  Iron  sharpeneth  iron;  so  a  man  shar- 
peneth  the  countenance  of  his  friend. 

18  Whoso  •  keepeth  the  fig  tree  shall  eat 
the  fruit  thereof;  so  be  that  waiteth  ou bis 
master  shall  be  honoured. 

412 


CHAP.  26. 

10  Without 

wood. 
U  Or.  whia- 

perer. 
18  i>  silent. 

13  chamber!. 

14  Or,  is 


gr&cioui. 
16  Or, 

Hatred  U 
covered  in 


CHAP.  27. 

0  Lu.  12.  19. 
2  Cor.  6. 2. 
Jam.  4. 13. 

1  to-morrow 
day. 

2  iieavincts, 

3  Wrath  is 
crueltj, 
and  anger 
an  over- 
flowing. 

6  1  John  3. 
12. 

4  Or, 
jealouiy. 

c  Gal.  2.  14. 

5  Or,  ear- 


d  Pi.  127.  5. 

«  Gen.  39.4. 

1  Cor.  9.  7. 

/  Hab.  2.  6. 

8  not. 

9  «et  thy 
heart. 

10  strength. 

U  to  genera- 
tion and 
genera- 
tion. 

12  life. 


CHAP.  28. 
1  Or,  bv 


■tanding 

dom  shall 
they 

likewise  be 

prolonged. 

1  Ki.11.12, 

a  Mat.  1S.28. 

2  without 
food. 

6  1  Ki.  18.18. 
e  Johti  7. 17. 

3  Or, 
ieedeth 
gluttons. 
£ccl.  2. 26. 

4  by  in- 
crease. 

d  2  Tim.  4. 8. 
«  Ps.  66.  18. 
/  Mat.  6.  33. 

eyes. 
6  Or,  sought 

for. 
fflbt.S.16. 


19  As  in  water  face  answeretJi  to  fece,  80 
the  heart  of  man  to  man. 

20  Hell  /and  destruction  are  » never  full; 
so  the  eyes  of  man  are  never  satisfied. 

21  As  the  fining  pot  for  silver,  and  the 
fmiiace  for  gold;  so  is  a  man  to  his  praise. 

22  Though  thou  shouldest  bray  a  fool  in 
a  mortar  among  wheat  with  a  pestle,  yet 
will  not  his  foolishness  depart  from  him. 

23  Be  thou  diligent  to  know  the  state  of 
thy  flocks,  and  » look  well  to  thy  herds: 

24  For  10  riches  are  not  for  ever:  and  doth 
the  crown  endure  n  to  every  generation  ? 

25  The  hay  appeareth.and  the  tender  grass 
showeth  itself,  and  herbs  of  the  moun- 
tains  are  gathered. 

26  The  lambs  are  for  thy  clothing,  and 
the  goats  are  the  price  of  the  field. 

27  And  thou  shalt  have  goats'  mUk  enough 
for  thy  food,  for  the  food  of  thy  household, 
and/or  the  12  maintenance  for  thy  maidens, 

CHAPTER  XXVm. 
Of  impitty  and  religicms  integriii/. 

T'HE  wicked  nee  when  no  man  pursueth: 
■*■  but  the  righteous  are  bold  as  a  lion. 

2  For  the  transgression  of  a  land  many 
are  the  princes  thereof:  but  1  by  a  man  of 
understanding  and  knowledge  the  state 
t/iereq/' shall  be  prolonged. 

3  A  "  poor  man  that  oppresseth  the  poor 
is  like  a  sweeping  rain  2  which  leaveth  no 
food. 

4  They  that  forsake  the  law  praise  the 
wicked:  *  but  such  as  keep  the  law  contend 
with  them. 

5  E^il  men  understand  not  judgment:  but 
they  '  that  seek  the  Lobd  understand  all 
thinps. 

6  iJetter  is  the  poor  that  walketh  in  his 
uprightness,  than  he  that  is  perverse  iji  his 
wavs,  though  he  be  rich. 

7  v\  hoso  keepeth  the  law  is  a  wise  son: 
but  he  that  Sis  a  companion  of  riotous  wen 
shameth  his  father. 

8  He  that  by  usury  and  *  unjust  gain  in- 
creaseth  his  substance,  he  shall  gather  it 
for  him  that  will  pity  the  poor. 

9  He  <*  that  tmneth  away  his  ear  from 
hearing  the  law,  *  even  his  prayer  shaU  be 
abomination. 

10  Whoso  canseth  the  righteous  to  go 
astray  in  an  evil  way,  he  shall  fall  himself 
into  his  own  pit:  /but  the  upright  shall 
have  good  things  in  possession. 

11  The  rich  man  is  wise  6  in  his  own  con- 
ceit; but  the  poor  that  hath  understanding 
searcheth  him  out. 

12  When  righteous  men  do  rejoice,  there 
is  great  glory:  but  when  the  wicked  rise,  a 
man  is  6  hidden. 

13  He  that  covereth  his  sins  shall  not 
prosper:  but  whoso  confesseth  and  for- 
saketh  them  shall  have  mercy. 

14  Happy  is  the  man  that  teareth  alway: 
but  he  that  hardeneth  his  heart  shall  fall 
into  mischief 

15  As  a  roaring  lion,  and  a  ranging  bear; 
so  ^  is  a  wicked  ruler  over  the  poor  people. 

16  The  prince  that  wanteth  understand- 
ing is  also  a  great  oppressor:  but  he  that 
hateth  covetousness  shall  prolong /lis  days. 

17  A  man  that  doeth  violence  to  the  blood 
of  any  person  shall  flee  to  the  pit;  let  no 
man  stay  him. 

18  Whoso  walketh  nprightl;r  shall  be 
saved:  but  he  tliut  is  perverse  tn  his  waye 
shall  fall  at  once. 

19  Ue  that  tilleth  his  land  shall  hayt 


Maxims  and  Observations      PROVERBS.  XX^^:,  XXVn. 


of  Solomon. 


IS  better  than  one  hung  with  gold.  13.  Snow  thoughtless  being  ignorant  of  their  ignorance 
from  mountains  was  used  to  cool  drinks;  so  are  conceited.  17.  meddleth— as  cli.  20.  19; 
refreshing  is  a  faithful  messenger  (ch.  13. 17.).  24.  21,  as  either  holding  a  dog  by  tlie  ears  or 
14.  clouds— tt(.,  vapours  (Jer.  10.  13,),  clouds  letting  him  ko  involves  danger,  so  success  in 
only  in  appearance,  a  false  gift— promised,  another  man's  strife  or  failure  involves  a 
but  not  given.  15.  Gentleness  and  kindness  useless  risk  of  reputation,  does  no  good,  and 
overcome  the  most  powerful  and  obstinate,   may  do  us  harm.    18, 19.  Such  are  reckless 

'  "  20,  21.  The  tale-bearers  foster 
),  and  the  contentious  excite, 
22.  (Cf.  ch.l8.  8.).  23.  Warm  profes- 
sions can  no  more  ^ive  value  to  insincerity 
may,  if  excessive,  lead  your  friend  to  hate  than  silver  coating  to  rude  earthenware.  24. 
you.  18.  A  false  vntness  is  as  destructive  to  dissembleth— though  an  unusual  sense  of  the 
reputation,  as  such  weapons  to  the  body  (ch. '  word  cf.  Marg.,],  is  allowable,  and  better 
24.  28.).  beareth  . . .  vfitness—lit,  ans^vereth  suits  the  context,  which  sets  forth  hypocrisy. 
m<e6tio7ts,  as  before  a  judge,  against  his  neigh-  25.  Sentiment  of  t;.  24  carried  out.  seven.  .  . 
Dour.  19.  Treachery  annoys  as  well  as  heart— i.e.,  very  many  cf.  ch.  24.  16.).  26.27. 
deceives.  20.  IS'ot  only  is  the  incongruity  of  Deceit  will  at  last  be  exposed,  and  the 
songs  (i.e.,  joyful)  and  sadness  meant,  but  an  wicked  by  their  own  arts  often  bring  on  re- 
accession  of  sadness,  by  want  of  sympathy,  is  tribution  (cf.  ch.  12.  13  ;  Ps.  7.  16  ;  9.  17,  &c.\ 


long  for  Dear  ing— or,  slowness  to  anger  (ch.  14.  of  results. 

29;  15. 18.).    16, 17.  A  comparison,  as  a  surfeit  (ch. 

of  honey  produces  physical  disgust,  so  your  strife 
company,  however  agreeable  in  modei-ation 


impUed.    21, 22.  (Cf.  Mat.  5.  44;  Rom.  12.20.)  .  .     _       _ 

As  metals  are  melted  by  heaping  coals  upon  i  —lips  for  the  persons  (cf.  ch.  4. 24  ;  Ps.  12.  3.) 


them,  so  is  the  heart  softened  by  kindness 

23.  Better,  "As   the   north  wind  bringeth 

forth  (Ps.  90.  2)  or  produces  rain,  so  does  a  your  plans  (ch.  16, 

concealed,   or  slandering,   tongue  produce  2.  Avoid  self-praise. 


28.  Men  hate  those  they  injure,  lying  tongue 

persons  (cf.  ch.  4. 24     ^       - 

CHAPTER  XXVI J. 

Ver.  1-27,    1.  Do  not  confide  implicitly  in 

19.  21;  Jam.  4.  l:M5.). 

3.    The  literal  sense  of 


anger.    24.  (Cf.  ch.  21.  9, 19.).    25.  iCf.  v.  13.).  hmvy,  applied  to  material   subjects,  illus- 

good   news— i.e..  of  some  loved  interest  or  trates   its   figurative,   grievous,   applied   to 

absent  friend,  the  more  grateful  as  coming  moral,  a  fool's  wrath— is  unreasonable  and  ex- 

fromafar.    26.  Fi'om  troubled  fountains  and  oessive.     4.  envy — or,  jealousy,   (cf.  Marg.; 

corrupt  springs,  no  healthy  water  is  to  be  ch.  6.  34,),  is  more  unappeasable  than  the 

had,  so  when  the  righteous  are  oppressed  by  simpler  bad  passions.    5,  6.  love— not  mani- 

the  wicked,  their  power  for  good  is  lessened,  fested  in  acts  is  useless  ;  and  even,  if  its  ex- 


or  destroyed.    27.  Satiety  surfeits  {v.  16, 
men  who  are  self-glorious  find  shame. 


hibition  by  rebukes  wounds  us,  such  love  is 
is  i  preferable  to  the  frequent  (cf.  Marg..),  '    ' 


not  glory— not  is  supplied  from  the  first  clause,  hence  deceitful,  kisses  ot  an  enemy.    7.  The 
or  is  grievous,  in  which  sense  a  similar  word  luxury  of  wealth  confers  less  happmess,  than 
is  used  (ch.  27.  2.;.     28.  Such  are  exposed  to  [  the  healthy  appetite  of  laboiir.^  8.  Such  are 
the  incursions  of  evil  thoughts  and  success- 
ful temptations. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 
V»r.  1-28.    1.  The  incongruities  of  nature ! 


not  only  out  of  place,  but  out  of  duty  and  in 
daneer.  9.  rejoice  the  heart—the  organ  of  per- 
ceiving what  pleases  the  senses,  sweetness 
counsel— or,  wise  counsel  is  alsoplea.sing. 


illustrate  also  those  of  the  moral  world.  10.  Adhere  to  tried  friends.  The  ties  of  blood 
The  fool's  unworthiness  is  also  implied  (ch.  may  be  less  reliable  than  those  of  genuine 
17.  7  ;  19.  10.).  2.  Though  not  obvious  to  us.  friendship.  11.  TTie  wisdom  of  children  both 
the  hiri—lit.  s2)arrow—a,nd  swallow— have  an  reflects  credit  on  parents  and  contributes  to 
object  in  their  motions,  so  penal  evil  falls  on  their  aid  in  diflficulties.  12, 13.  (Cf.  ch.  20. 16; 
none  without  a  reason.  3.  The  rod  is  as  22.3.'.  14.  Excessive  zeal  in  praising  raises 
much  needed  by  fools  and  as  well  suited  to  suspicions  of  selfishness.  15.  (Cf.  en.  19. 13.). 
them,  as  whips  and  bridles  are  for  beasts,  very  .  .  .  day— ^i^.  a  day  oj  shoivers.  IS.hid- 
4,  5.  Answer  not— i.e,  approvingly  by  like :  eth— or,  restrains  (i.e.,  tries  to  do  it ,  is  as 
folly.  Answer- by  reproof.  6.  A  fool  fails  fruitless  an  effort,  as  that  of  holding  the  wind. 
by  folly  as  surely  as  if  he  were  maimed.  ,  the  ointment  .  .  .  right  hand— the  organ  of 
drinketti  damage— i.e.,  gets  it  abundantly  i  power  (Ps.  17.  7  ;  18.  36.).  His  right  hand  en- 
(Job,  15.16;  34.  7.1.  7.  legs ...  equal— or,  |  deavours  to  repress  perfume,  but  vainly. 
*'  take  away  the  lei^s,"  or  the  legs  . . .  are  weak.  |  Some  prefer :  "  His  right  hand  comes  on  oil. 
In  any  case  the  idea  is  that  they  are  the  oc- 1  i.e.,  cannot  take  hold."  Sucha  woman  cannot 
casion  of  an  awkwardness,  such  as  the  fool  i  be  tamed.  17.  a  man  sharpeneth  .friend, 
shows  in  using  a  parable  or  proverb  cf.  ;i.e..  conversation  promotes  intelligence. 
Intr.  ;  ch.  17.  7.).  8.  A  stone,  bound  iir  a  which  the  face  exhibits.  18.  Diligence  se- 
sling,  is  useless,  so  honour,  conferred  on  a  cures  a  reward,  even  for  the  humble  servant, 
fool,  is  thrown  away.  9.  As  vexatious  and  ,  19.  We  may  see  our  characters  in  Jie  de- 
unmanageable  as  a  thorn  in  a  drunkard's  ;  veloped  tempers  of  others.  20.  Men  s  cupi- 
haud  is  a  parable  to  a  fool.  He  will  be  as  apt  <  dity  is  as  insatiable  as  the  grave.  21.  Praise 
to  misuse  it  as  to  use  it  rightly.  10.  Various  |  tests  character,  a  man  to  r^is  praise— accord- 
versions  of  this  are  proposed  (cf.  Margr.).  I  ing  to  his  praise,  as  he  bea,rs  it  Thus  vain 
Better  perhaps—"  Much  He  injures  (or  ML,  I  men  seek  it,  wpk  men  are  inflated  by  it,  wise 
wotmds  all  who  reward,"  &c.,  i.e..  Society  is  I  men  disregard  it,  &c.  22.  f he  obstinate 
injured  by  encouraging  evil  men.  transgres-  wickedness  of  such  is  incurable  by  the 
Fors— may  be  rendered  vagrants.  The  word  heaviest  inflictions.  23  24  flocks-consti- 
God  is  improperly  supplied.  11.  retnmeth  tuted  the  staple  of  wealth.  It  is  only  by  care 
.  . .  fdly-Though  disgusting  to  others,  the  <  and  diligence  that  the  most  solid  possessions 
fool  delights  in  his  folly.  12.  The  self-con-  can  be  perpetuated  (ch.  23.  5.1.  25-27.  Ihe 
ceited  are  taught  with  more  difliculty  than  fact  that  providential  arrangements  furnish 
the  stupid.  13.  iCf.  ch.  22.  13.'.  14.  (Cf.  ch.  the  means  of  competence  to  those  who  pro- 
6. 10  ;  24.  33.).  He  moves  but  does  not  leave  perly  use  them  is  another  motive  to  dihgenctj 
his  place.  16.  (Cf.  ch.  19.  24.).  16.  The .  icf.  Ps.  65.  9-13.).  household-iit..  twu^e,  tfta 
442 


MxxiniB  of  Solomon, 


PROVERBS,  XXIX.  XXX.  Agur't  cMfessUm  and  prayer:^ 


plenty  of  bread:  but  he  that  folio weth  after 
vain  persons  shall  have  poverty  enough. 

20  A  firithful  man  shall  abound  with 
blessings:  but  he  that  maketh  haste  to  be 
rich  shall  not  be  7  innocent. 

21  To  have  respect  of  persons  t*  not  good; 
for,  for  'k  a  piece  of  bread  that  man  will 
fcranssrress. 

22  8  He  that  hasteth  to  be  rich  fiath  an 
evil  eye,  and  considereth  not  that  poverty 
phall  come  upon  him, 

23  He  that  rebuketh  a  man,  afterwards 
ehaU  find  more  favour  than  he  that  flatter- 
eth  with  the  tongue. 

24  Whoso  robbeth  his  father  or  his  mo- 
ther, and  saith,  /( is  no  transgression;  the 
Bame  is  the  companion  of  9  a  aestro3'er. 

25  He  that  is  of  a  proud  heart  stirreth  up 
Btrife : » but  he  that  putteth  his  trast  in  the 
LoBD  shall  be  made  fat. 

26  He  that  trusteth  in  his  own  Ljait  is  a 
fool:  but  whoso  walketh  i^isely,  he  shall  be 
delivered. 

27  He  }  that  giveth  onto  the  poor  shall 
not  lack:  but  he  that  hideth  his  eyes  shall 
have  many  a  curse. 

28  When  the  wicked  rise,  men  hide  thera- 
ielves:  but  when  they  perish,  the  righteous 
increase. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 
1  0/ public  QOvemment.iS  and  of  privaU.  22  Of 
anger,  pride,  theft,  eowardiee,  and  corruption. 
JJE  1  that,  being  often  reproved,  harden- 
■*■  eth  his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  de- 
gtroyed,  and  that  without  remedy. 

2  When  the  righteous  are  2  in  authority, 
the  people  rejoice:  but  when  the  wicked 
beareth  rule,  the  people  mourn. 

3  Whoso  "loveth  wisdom  rejoiceth  his 
father:  but  he  that  keepeth  company  with 
Jiarlots  spendeth  his  substance. 

4  The  king  by  judgment  establisheth  the 
land:  but  3  he  that  receive th  gifta  over- 
throweth  it. 

5  A  man  that  flattereth  his  neighbour 
Bpreadeth  a  net  for  his  feet. 

6  In  the  transgression  of  an  e\'il  man  there 
is  a  snare:  but  the  righteous  doth  sing  and 
rejoice. 

7  The  6  righteous  considereth  the  cause  of 
the  poor:  oiU  the  wicked  regardeth  not  to 
know  it. 

8  Scornful  men  *  bring  a  city  into  a  snare: 
but  wise  men  turn  away  wrath. 

9 1/&  wise  man  conteudeth  with  a  foolish 
man,  whether  he  rage  or  laugh,  there  is 
no  rest. 

10  5  The  blood-thirsty  hate  the  upright: 
but  the  just  seek  his  soul. 

11  A  fool  uttereth  all  his  mind:  but  a  wise 
man  keepeth  it  in  tiU  afterwards. 

12  If  a  ruler  hearken  to  lies,  all  his  ser- 
vants are  wicked. 

13  The  poor  and  8  the  deceitful  man  meet 
together;  *  the  Lobd  lighteneth  both  their 
eyes. 

14  The  king  that "» faithfully  judgeth  the 
poor,  his  throne  shall  be  established  for 
ever. 

15  The  rod  and  reproof  give  wisdom:  but 
a  child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his  mother 
to  shame. 

16  When  the  wicked  are  multiplied,  trans- 
gression increaseth;  'but  the  righteous 
shall  see  their  fall. 

17  Correct  /thy  son,  and  he  shall  give 
thee  rest;  yea,  he  shall  give  delight  iinto 
thy  soul. 

m 


B.  C.  TOO. 


CHAP.  28. 
7  Or,  an. 

punished. 
h  EMk.  13. 


Ml  eiil  eye 
hutetb  to 
be  rich. 

stroying. 
i  1  Tim.  6. 6. 
i  Deu.  15.  7. 


tHAP.  29. 
1  A  man  of 
reproofii. 
a  Or,  in- 


o  eh.  15.  20. 
3  s  man  of 

oblation*. 
b  Job  29.  IB. 
i  Or,  «et  a 

city  on 

fire. 
5  Men  of 

blood. 
8  Or,  the 

usurer, 
e  Mat.  5.  46. 
d  P».  73.  8. 
•  Pi.  37.  36. 
/ch.  13.  24. 

Amoa  8.11. 

7  Or,  in 
mado 
naked. 

h  John  13. 
17. 
Jam.  1. 23. 

8  Or,  in  hit 
matter!. 

i  Mat.  23.12. 
Act»12.23. 
}  Lev.  6.  1. 
k  Gen.  12.12. 

9  ehaU  be 


10  the  feco  of 
Pa.  20.9. 


CHAP.  80. 

a  Pi.  73.  22. 

1  know. 

6  John  3.  13. 
c  Job  38.  4. 
d  Pa.  12.  8. 

2  purified. 

«  P».  18.  30. 

Pi.  84.  11. 
f  Deu.  4.  2. 

Deu.  12. 32. 

Eev.  22. 18. 


me. 
0  Mat.  8.  U. 

4  of  my 
allowance. 

h  Deu.  8. 13. 
Neh.  9.  25. 
Ho«.  1.3.  6. 

5  belie  thee. 

6  Hurt  not 
with  thy 
tongue. 

{  Luke  18. 

11. 
}  Job  29. 17. 
k  Pa.  14.  4. 

Amos  8.  4. 

7  WMlCh. 


18  Where  "  there  is  no  vision,  the  people 
7  perish:  but  >*  he  that  keepeth  the  law, 
happy  is  he. 

19  A  servant  will  not  be  corrected  by 
words;  for  though  he  understand  he  will 
not  answer. 

20  Seest  thou  a  man  that  is  hasty  8  in  hia 
words?  there  is  more  hope  of  a  fool  thaa 
of  him. 

21  He  that  delicately  bringeth  up  his  ser- 
vant from  a  child  shall  have  him  become 
his  son  at  the  length. 

22  An  angry  man  stirreth  up  strife,  and  a 
furious  man  aboundeth  in  transgression. 

23  A  ♦  man's  pride  shall  bring  him  low: 
but  honour  shall  uphold  the  humble  in 
spirit. 

24  Whoso  is  partner  with  a  thief  hateth 
his  own  soul:  >  he  heareth  cursing,  and  be- 
wrayeth  it  not. 

25  The  *  fear  of  man  bringeth  a  snare:  but 
whoso  putteth  his  trust  in  the  Loao  ^  shall 
be  safe. 

26  Many  seek  lo  the  ruler's  favour:  but 
every  man's  judgment  cometh  from  the 

LOKD. 

27  An  unjust  man  is  an  abomination  to 
the  just;  and  he  that  is  upright  in  the  way 
is  abommation  to  the  wicked. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 
7Vk«  eonfession  and  tTUtructions  of  Agur. 
'PHE  words  of  Agur  the  son  of  Jakeh, 
•*•    even  the  prophecy:  the  man  spake  un- 
to Ithiel,  even  unto  Ithiel  and  Ucal, 

2  Surely  <•  I  om  more  brutish  than  an^^ 
man,  and  have  not  the  understanding  of  a 
man. 

3  I  neither  learned  wisdom,  nor  i  have  the 
knowledge  of  the  holy. 

4  Who  5  hath  ascended  up  into  heaven,  or 
descended?  "Vho  hath  gathered  the  wind  in 
his  fists?  who  hath  bound  the  waters  in  a 
garment?  who  hath  established  all  the 
ends  of  the  earth?  what  is  his  name,  and 
what  is  his  son's  name,  if  thou  canst  tell? 

5  Every  <*  word  of  God  is  2  pure:  he  '  is  a 
shield  unto  them  that  put  their  trust  in 
him. 

6  Add  /  thou  not  unto  his  words,  lest  he 
reprove  thee,  and  thou  be  found  a  liar. 

7  Two  things  have  I  required  of  thee; 
3  deny  me  them  not  before  I  die: 

8  Remove  far  from  me  vanity  and  lies; 
give  me  neither  poverty  nor  riches;  *  feed 
me  with  food  *  convenient  for  me: 

9  Lest  'i  I  be  full,  and  6  deny  thee,  and 
say,  Who  is  the  Lord?  or  lest  I  be  poor, 
and  steal,  and  take  the  name  of  my  God  in 
vain. 

10  6  Accuse  not  a  servant  unto  his  master- 
lest  he  curse  thee,  and  thou  be  found 
guilty. 

11  There  is  a  generation  that  cnrseth 
their  father,  and  doth  not  bless  their 
mother. 

12  There  is  a  generation  *  that  are  pure 
in  their  ovra  eyes,  and  yet  is  not  washed 
from  their  filthiness. 

13  There  is  a  generation,  0  how  lofty  hre 
their  eyes!  and  their  eyelids  are  lifted  up. 

14  There  i  is  a  generation  vihose  teeth 
are  as  swords,  and  their  jaw-teeth  as 
knives,  *  to  devour  the  poor  from  otf  the 
eartk,  and  the  needy  from  among  men. 

15  The  horse-leach  hath  two  a:aughters, 
crying.  Give,  give.  There  are  three  things 
that  are  never  satisfied,  yea,  four  tiiing$ 
say  not, "!  Itis  enough: 


Mcujdms  and  Observations     PEOA^'ERBS,  XXVITI-XXX. 


of  Solomon. 


family  (Acts,  16. 15;  1  Cor.  1.  16.).  The  hay 
appeareth-Mi.,  Grass  appeareth  (Job,  40.  15; 
Ps.  104.  14.J, 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
Ver.  1-28.    1.  Abadconscience  makes  men 
timid;  the  righteous  are  alone  truly  bold  -ch. 
14.  L'O;  Ps.  L'7. 1.).    2.  Anarchy  producing  con- 
tendmg  rulers  shortens  the  reign  ot  each, 
but  by  a  n.an  . .  .  prolonged— or,  'by  a  man  of 
understanding— I.e.,  a  good  ruler,— he  who 
knows  or  regards  the  right,  i.e.,  a  good  citi- 
zen, shall  iirolong  (his  days) ."    Good  rulers 
are  a  blessing  to  the  people.  Bad  government 
as  a  punishment  for  evil  is  contrasted  with 
good  as  blessing  to  the  good.    3.  A  poor  man 
....  &c.— Such,  in  power,  exact  more  severely, 
and  so  leave  subjects  bare.    4.  They  that  for- 
Siike  .  .  .  wicked— Wrong  doers  encourage  one 
another.    5.  (Cf.  John,  7.  17.).    Ignorance  of 
nioral  trtttli  is  due  to.  unwillingness  to  know 
it.    6.  (C't.  ch.  10. 6.).    Eiches  cannot  compen- 
sate for  sin,  nor  the  want  of  them  afi'ect  in- 
tegrity.    7.  (Cf.  ch.  17.  25.).    riotous  men— or. 
gluttons  (ch.  23.  20,  21.).    8.  usury  .  .  .  unjust 
g;un— (cf.  Marg.,),  tlie  two  terms,  meaning 
nearly  the  same,  may  denote  excessive  inte- 
rest.    God's  providence  directs  the  proper 
use    of  wealth.      9.    (Cf.  ch.  15.  8;  21.  27.). 
hearing— i.e.,  dbcyinq.    God  reauires  sincere 
worshippers  (Ps.  C6. 18;  John,  4.  24.).    10.  iCf. 
ch.  26.  27.).    11.  A  poor  but  wise  man  can 
discover  (and  expose)  the  rich  and  self-con- 
ceited.   12.  great  glory— or,  cause  for  it  to  a 
people,  for  tlie  righteous  rejoice  in  good,  and 
righteousness  exalts  a  nation  ich.  14.  34.) 
man  .  . .  hidden— i.e.,  the  good  retire,  or  all 
kinds  try  to  escape  a  wicked  rule.    13.  (Cf. 
Ps.  32.  3-5.).     Concealment  of  sin  delivers 
none  from  God's  wrath,  but  He  shows  mercy 
to  the  humble  penitent  (I's.  51.  4.).    14.  fear- 
eth— i.e.,  God,  and  so  repents,    haideneth  his 
heart— makes  himself  insensible  to  sin,  and 
so  will  not  repent  ch.  14. 16;  29. 1.).    15.  The 
rapacity  and  cruelty  of  such  beasts  well  re- 
presents some  wicked  men  (cf.  Ps.  7. 2;  17. 12.). 
16.    The  prince  .  .  .  understanding,   i.e..   He 
does  not  perceive  that  oppression  jeopards 
his  success.    Covetousness   often  produces 
oppression,  hence  the  contrast.     17.   doeih 
violence  .  .  .  blood,  &c.— or,  "  that  is  oppressed 
by  the  blood  or  life  (  Gen.  9.  6,),  which  he  has 
taken— pit— to  or  even  to  the  jAt,  the  grave  or 
destruction  fch.  1. 12;  Job,  33. 18-24; Ps.  143.  7.). 
stay  him— sustain  or  deliver  him.  18.  (Cf.  ch. 
10.  9;  17.  20.).    Double  dealing  is  eventually 
fatal.     19.  (Cf.  ch.  10.  4;  20.  4.).     vain  per- 
sons—idle,  useless   drones,   implying  that 
they  are  also  wicked  (ch.  12.  11;  Ps.  2(5.  I4.j. 
20.  maketh  haste  .  .  .  rich— implying  deceit  or 
fraud  (ch.  20.  21,),  and  so  opposed  to  faithful 
or  reliable.   21.  respect  of  ptrsons— (ch.  24. 23.;. 
Such  are  led  to  evil  by  the  slightest  motive. 
22.  -,Cf.  V.  20.).    evil  eye— in  the  general  sense 
of  ch.  23.  6,  here  more  specific  for  covetous- 
ness (cf.  ch.  22.  9;  Mat.  20. 15.).  poverty  . . .  him 
—by  God's  providence.    23.  (Cf.  9.  8, 9;  27.  5.;. 
I'hose  benefited  by  reproof  will  love  their 
monitors.     24.    (Cf.   Mat.    15.    4-6.'.     Stith, 
though  heirs,  are  virtually  thieves,  to  be 
ranked  with  highwaymen.    25.    of  a  proud 
he  r— //if.,  or  juffed  up  of  soul— i.e.,  self-con- 
fident, and  hence  overbearing  and  litigious. 
3n:de  iai— or,  prosperous  (ch.  11.  25;  16.  20.'. 
26.  iCr.  ch.  3.  6-8.).  walkethwiseiy— i.e.,  trust- 
ing in  God  ch.  22.  17-19.  .    27.  ,Cf.  ch.  11.  24- 
26.  .    hideth  his  i  yes— as  the  face  Ps.  27. 9;  C9. 
17,).  denotes  inattention.    28.  The  elevation 
443 


of  the  wicked  to  power  drives  men  to  seek 
refuge  from  tyranny  (cf.  v.  12;  ch,  ll.  lO;  Ps. 

12.  8.). 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Ver.  1-27.  1.  hardeneth  .  .  .  neck— obsti- 
nately refuses  counsel  (2  Ki.  17.  14;  Neh.  9. 
16.).  destroyed — lit,  .shivered  or  utterly  broken 
to  pieces.  Without  remedy— Wif.,  without  heal- 
iiiU  or  revairing.  2.  (Cf.  ch.  11.  10;  28.  •z8.). 
in  autliority—(cf.ikfarsr,,),  increased  in  power. 
3.  (Cf.  ch.  4.  6,  7;  10.  1,  &c.).  4.  byjtidgment— 
ie.,  righteous  decisions,  opposed  to  those  pro- 
cured by  gifts  (cf.  ch.  28.  tl,),  by  which  t:ood 
government  is  perverted,  land— for  nation. 
5.  iCf.  ch.  26.  28.).  spreadeth  .  .  .  feet— by  mis- 
leading him  as  to  his  real  character,  the 
flatterer  brings  him  to  evil,  prepared  by  him- 
self or  others.  6.  In  :or.  By)  the  transgres- 
sion—he is  brought  into  difiiculty  (ch.  12.  13,), 
but  the  righteous  go  on  prospering,  and  so 
sing  or  rejoice.  7.  consider eth—M/..,ifcr(OWS,  as 
Ps.  1.  6.  the  cause— i.e.,  in  courts  of  justice 
(cf.  V.  14.).  The  voluntary  neglect  of  it  by  the 
wicked  (ch.  2%.  27)  occasions  oppression.  8. 
Sccrntul  men— Those  who  contemptuously 
disregard  God's  law.  bring— (cf.  Marg,,), 
kindle  strife,  turn  away  [i.e.,  abate]  wrath. 
9.  contendeth— i.e.,  in  law.  whether ...  laugh 
—The  fool,  whether  angry  or  good  humoured, 
is  unsettled,  or  referring  the  \Aords  to  the 
wise  man,  the  sense  is,  that,  all  his  efforts, 
severe  or  gentle,  are  unavailing  to  pacify  the 
fool.  lO.biood-thirsty— (cf.  Ahin/.,],  munierers 
(Ps.  5.  C;26.  9.).  hate,  &c.—  oh.  1.  11;  Gen.  3. 
4.).  seek  .  .  .  soul— i.e.,  to  preserve  it.  11. 
(Ci'.  ch.  12.  16;  16.  32.).  mind— or,  spirit,  for 
anger  or  any  ill  )vission  which  the  righteous 
restrain.      12.    His   servabts   imitate  him. 

13.  (Cf.  ch.  22.  2.).  deceitful  luD.u  —  lit., 
man  of  vexations,  ar  exactor,  the  Lcrd... 
thfcir   eyes  —  sustains   their   lives    (l    Sam. 

14.  27- Ps.  13.  3J,  i.e.,  Both  depend  on  Him. 
and  He  will  do  justice.  14.  (Cf.  ch.  20.  28;  25. 
5.).  Such  is  the  character  of  the  King  of 
kingSiPs.  72.  4, 12.).    16.  iCi.cb.l3.  24;  23.13.). 

16.  (Cf.  V.  2, 12;  Ps.  12.  1-8.).  shall  see  .  .  .  fall 
—and  triun;ph  in  it  (Ps.  37.  34-38;  58.  10, 11.). 

17.  (Cf.  V.  3, 15;  ch.  19.  18.;.  give  thee  rest- 
peace,  and  quiet  icf.  v.  9.;.  18.  no  visicn— 
instruction  in  God's  truth,  which  was  by  pro- 
phets, throui;h  visions  (1  Sam.  3.  1.).  people 
perish— (cf.  Marg.  ],  are  deprived  of  moral 
restraints,  keepeth  the  law— has.  and  ob- 
serves, instruction  (ch.  14.  11,34;  Ps.  19.  11.). 
19.  A  servant— who  lacks  good  principle, 
corrected— or,  discovered,  will  not  answer- 
obey.    20.  (Cf.  ch.  21.  5.!.    hasty  in .  .  . 

Words— implying  self-conceit  (ch.  26.  12.).  21. 
btcome  his  son— assume  the  place  and  privi- 
leges of  one.  22.  iC;f.  ch.  15.  18.).  Such  are 
delighted  by  discord  and  violence.  23.  (Cf. 
ch.  16.  18;  18. 12.).  honour  . .  .  spirit— or.  such 
shall  lay  hold  on  honotir  (ch.  11.  10.  .  24. 
hateth  .  .  .  soul- (cf.  ch.  8.  36.).  heareth  ctirs- 
irig  — (Lev.  5.  1,),  ri.sks  the  punishment, 
rather  than  reveal  truth.  25.  The  tear  .  .  . 
snare— involves  men  in  difficulty  (cf  v.  6.). 
shall  be  safe— (cf.  Marg.;  ch.  18.  10.'.  26.  (Cf. 
Marg.;  I's.  27.  8.).  Godaione  wiiland  can  do 
exact  justice.  27.  (Cf.  ch.  3.  32.).  On  last 
clause  cf.  v.  16;  Ps.  37.  12. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 
Ver.  1-33.  1.  This  is  the  title  of  this  chapter 
(cf.  Intr.).  lhe  prophecy— /ii.,  burden  (ct.  Jsa. 
13.  1;  Zech.  9. 1,),  used  for  any  divine  in.-tiuc- 
tion;  not  necessarily  a  prediction,  which  was 
only  a  kind  of  prophecy  (1  Chr.  16. 27,  a  S07ig.). 


The  sayings  of  Agur. 


16  The '  grave;  and  the baiTcn  womb:  the 
earth  that  is  not  filled  with  water;  and  the 
tu-e  that  saithnot,  It  is  enough. 

17  The  "♦eye  that  mocketh  at  his  father, 
and  despiseth  to  obey  his  mother,  the  ra- 
vens of  8  the  vaUey  shall  pick  it  out,  and 
the  young  eagles  shall  eat  it. 

18  There  be  three  things  which  are  too 
wonderM  for  me,  yea,  four  which  I  know 
not: 

19  The  way  of  an  eagle  in  the  air,  the  way 
01  a  serpent  upon  a  rock,  the  way  of  a  ship 
in  the  »  midst  of  the  sea,  and  the  way  of  a 
man  with  a  maid. 

20  Such  is  tiie  way  of  an  adulterous  wo- 
man;  she  eateth,  and  wipeth  her  mouth, 
and  saith,  I  have  done  no  wickedness. 

21  For  three  things  the  earth  is  disquieted, 
and  for  four  which  it  cannot  bear: 

Z2  For  •*  a  servant  when  he  reigneth;  and 
a  fool  when  he  is  filled  with  meat; 

•  J  '"  ^^  odious  woman  when  she  is  mar- 
ned;  and  an  handmaid  that  is  heir  to  her 
mistress. 

T,?i Jff  ^  ^tl^^  *Ml^'  ^^^<'^  «'*e  little 
npon  the  earth,  but  they  are  lo  exceeding 

25  The  »  ants  are  a  people  not  strong,  yet 
*oFrJe'"^S^re  their  meat  m  tiie  summer; 

26  The  J*  conies  arc  but  a  feeble  folk,  yet 
^Ke  they  then  houses  in  the  rocks; 
*   iu   ?,  °^"i^ts  have  no  king,  yet  go  they 
fOTthaUofthemiibybands;  ^ 

28  The  spider  taketh  hold  with  her  hands 
and  is  m  kings'  palaces. 

29  There  be  three  things  which  go  weU 
^1^'  A°V?  ,^^  '^'^^.''^y  '^  going: 
.  dO  A  12  lion,  which  is  strongest  among 
PeastB,  and  tumeth  not  away  tor  any ; 

dl  A  "greyhound;  &n  he-goat  also;  and 
*oi^#!^*Samst  whom  there  is  no  rising  up 
♦^1  If  °'^-^^*  *^°?®  loolishly  in  lifting  up 
thyself,  or  if  thou  hast  thought  evH,  Uau 
thine  hand  upon  thy  mouth. 
f^h^^ll  *^^  chimiing  of  mUk  biingeth 
lorth  butter,  and  the  wringing  of  the  nose 

w;^tfl^-f^'t^.'^^°e'i'  ««  the  forcLS  of 
wrath  brmgeth  forth  strife. 

,  ^        „    CHAPTER  XXXI. 

*  ■kV''^i?l^'J^  of  chastity  and  temrfranee.  6 
I  he  afflicted  to  be  comforted  and  defended.  10 
■T^'^^^e  and  properties  of  a  good  wife. 

Q^HE  words  of  king  Lemuel,  the  i  pro- 
o  ^^^^  that  his  mother  taught  him. 
2  What,  my  son?  and  what,  the  son  of 

my  womb?  and  what,  the  son  of  my  voavs? 
6  Orive  not  thy  strength  unto  women,  nor 

thy  ways  »  to  that  which  destroyeth  kings. 

4  It  *  IS  not  forkmgs,  0  Lemuel,  it  is  not 
Btron  'If^-ijf-  ^^^  ^™^®'  ^^^  ^^^  Pi-inces 

5  Lest "  they  drink  and  forget  the  law, 
afliictld"^^    the  judgment  3  of  any  of  the 


PROVERBS.  XXXI.  A  virhmts  woman  deseriUd. 


B. C.  700. 


CHAP.  30. 

I  H«b.  2.  6. 

"»  Gen.  9.22. 

L«».  20. 9. 

8  Or,  tha 
brook. 

9  heart. 

»»  ch.  19. 10. 
Eccl.  10. 7. 

10  wise, 
niade  wise. 

»  ch.  6.  6. 
PPs.104.18. 

11  fathered 
together. 

12  mighty 
old  lion. 

13  girt  in  the 
loins,  or, 
horse. 

J  Eccl.  8.  3. 
Mio.  7.  16. 


CHAP.  31. 
1  burden, 
ch.  30. 1. 
I«.  13.  1. 

ODeu.  17.17 

Neh.  13.26, 

ch.  7.  26. 

Hog.  4.  11, 

6  Eccl.  10.17, 

"Hob.  4.11. 

3  of  au'tho 
Bons  of 
affliction. 

d  Pb.  104. 16. 

4  bitter  of 
«oul. 
1  Sa.  1. 10. 

6  the  sons  of 
destruc- 
tion. 
e  J-ev.  19. 16. 

Deu.  1. 16. 
/Job  29.  12. 

I«.  1.  17. 

Jer.  22.  16. 
a  Roia.12.11. 
ft  Lu.  12.  42. 
6  talieth. 

She 

tasteth. 

She 

sprcadetb. 

P«.  41.  1. 

ch.  19.  17. 

Eph.  4.  28. 

Heb.13.16. 
9  Or,  double 


rfo£'^®  ^  ^  •''^°^  ^^  '^'to  "him  that  is 
Kft WeaJte'  ^'  '"'^  *^*^«^  *^^^ 
7  Let  him  drink,  and  forget  his  poverty, 
and  remember  his  misery  no  more  ^' 

^^„2P^f  nn^fi^^'l*^  ^°'"  the  dumb  in  the 
stractioi  ^  '^^  appointed  to  de- 

ftnH^?^ni'3/  !S°°*^'  *  J'^4se,  righteously, 
and/  plead  the  cause  of  the  poor  and 

Wh9  can  find  a  virtuous  woman?  for 


10' 


Deu.  16.18, 

ch.  12.  4. 

1  Tim.  6. 

14. 
..  1  Ki.  2. 19. 
10  Or,  have 
gotten 

I  P«.\l2!  1. 


ter  price  is  far  above  rubies. 

tW.J-^^^^  ?t  ^^l  liusband  doth  safely 

ofs  o£      '  ^^  ^^^  ^^^'^  ^'^  "^'"'^ 

til  f  ?®  ^^u  ^<*,.^  eood  and  not  e^'il  all 
tne  days  of  her  life. 

13  She  seeketh  wool  and  flax,  and  worketh 
WiUingly  with  her  hands, 
vit^fe  IS  like  the  merchants'  ships;  she 
brJDgeth  her  tood  from  afar. 

15  She  »  riseth  also  while  it  is  yet  night. 
and  "  giveth  meat  to  her  household,  and  a 
portion  to  her  maidens. 

it:  with  the  fruit  of  her  hands  she  planteth 
a  vineyard-  ^ 

17  She  girdeth  her  loins  with  strength, 
and  strengtheneth  her  arms.  * 

.18  '  She  perceiyeth  that  her  merchandise 
w  good:  her  candle  goeth  not  out  by  night, 
A  ?^^  J^^^^h  her  hands  to  the  spindle, 
and  her  hands  hold  the  distaff. 

20  8  She  stretcheth  out  her  hand  to  the 
poor;  yea,  she  reacheth  forth  her  hands  to 
the  needy.  "«  uo  w 

21  She  IS  not  afraid  of  the  snow  for  her 
household :  for  aU  her  household  are  clothed 
with  9  scarlet. 

22  She  maketh  herself  coverings  of  tapes- 
try :  her  clothmg  is  silk  and  purple. 

2o  lier  husband  is  known  *  in  the  gates, 
when  he  sitteth  among  the  elders  of  the 
land. 

24  She  maketh  fine  linen,  and  selleth  it, 
and  dehvereth  gii-dles  unto  the  merchant. 

25  Strength  and  honour  are  her  clothing: 
^i?^"ou    ^hall  rejoice  in  time  to  come. 

26  She  openeth  her  mouth  ivith  Tvisdom: 
^o4^o?  her  tongue  is  the  law  of  kindness. 

27  She  ^  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her 
household,  and  eateth  not  the  bread  of 
idleness. 

28  Her* children  arise  up,  and  caU  her 
blessed;  her  husband  also,  and  he  praiseth 

29  Many  daughters  lo  have  done  virtuously, 
but  thou  excellest  them  all. 

30  F-avour  is  deceitful,  and  beautyis  vain- 
&M<a  woman  that  'feareth  the  Lord,  she 
shall  be  praised. 

31  Give  her  of  the  fruit  of  her  hands;  and 
let  her  own  works  praise  her  in  the  gates. 


ECCLESIASTESj 


OR,  THE  PREACHER. 

B.  C.  977. 


.  ^   „  CHAPTER  L 

1  The  Preacher  shows  that  all  things  here 

are  vain.  . 

THl*'  ^i''',^?  ^^^^«  Preacher,  the  son  of  "w  8.  lb 
David,  king  ol  J  erusalem,  I  c  oh.  3. ». 


2  Vanity  "of  vanities, saith the  Preacher, 
CHAP.  1.     vanity  of  vanities ;  6  all  is  vanity. 
Pb.  39. 6.       3  \\  hat  \  profit  hath  a  man  of  all  his  la- 
3- 1  bom^vhich  he  taketh  under  the  sun? 
4  (Jn6  generation  passeth  away,  and 


Savings  of  Agur. 


Prophets  were  inspired  men,  who  spoke  for 
God  to  man,  or  man  to  (Jod  'vien.  liO.  7;  E\. 
7.;  14.  1.'),  10.).  Such,  also,  were  the  N.  J. 
prophets.  In  a  general  sense.  Gad,  Nathan, 
and  otliers  were  such,  who  were  divine 
teachers,  though  we  do  not  learn  they  ever 
predicted,  the  man  spake— Kf.,  the  saying  of 
the  man;  an  expression  used  to  denote  any 
solemn  and  important  announcement  (of.  2 
Sam.  23.  1;  Ps.  36.  1;  110.  1;  Isa.  1.  24,  &c.). 
Ithiel  and  Ucal  were  perhaps  pupils.  2-4. 
brutish— stupid,  a  strong  term  to  denote  his 
lowly  self-estimation;  or  lie  may  speak  of 
such  as  his  natural  condition,  as  contrasted 
with  God's  all-seeing  comprehensive  know- 
ledge and  almighty  power.  The  questions  of 
the  last  clause  emphatically  deny  the  attri- 
butes mentioned  to  be  those  of  any  creature, 
thus  impressively  strengthening  the  implied 
reference  of  the  former  to  God  (cf.  Dent.  .so. 
12-14;  Isa.  40.  12;  Eph.  4.  8.).  5.  (Of.  Ps.  12.  (i; 
119.  140.).  6.  Add  .  .  .  words— Implying  that 
his  sole  reliance  was  on  God's  all-sufficient 
teaching,  reprove  [convictj  thee— and  so  the 
falsehood  win  appear.  7-9.  A  prayer  for  ex- 
emption from  wickedness,  and  the  extremes 
of  poverty  and  riches,  the  tivo  things  men- 
tioned. Contentment  is  implied  as  desired, 
vanity— all  sorts  of  sinful  acts  (Job,  11.  il; 
Isa.  6.  18.).  be  full .  .  ,  deny— i.e.,  puffed  up 
by  the  pride  of  prosperity,  take  the  name  . . . 
vain— this  is  not  [Beh.)  the  form  (cf.  Ex.  20. 7.;. 
but  take  rather  denotes  laying  violent  hold 
on  any  thing,  i.e.,  lest  I  assail  God's  name, 
or  attributes,  as  .justice,  mercy,  &c.,  which 
the  poor  are  tempted  to  do.  10.  Accuse  not 
—Slander  not  (Ps.  10.  7.).  curse  . .  .  guilty— 
lest,  however  lowly,  he  be  exasperated  to 
turn  on  thee,  and  your  guilt  be  made  to  ap- 
jear.    11-14.  Pour  kinds  of  hateful  persons 


PROVERBS.  XXXI. The  Virtuous  Woman. 

insignificant  animals,  being  due  to 


'iieir  lusimcLive  sagacityaiid  activity,  ratha. 
than  strength,  conies- mountain  mice,  i.r 
rabbits,  sprier— tolerated,  even  in  palaces, 
to  destroy  flies,  taketh  .  . .  hands— or,  uses 
with  activity  the  limbs  provided  for  taking 
l)rey.  The  other  class  provides  si.nilcs  for 
whatever  is  majestic  or  comely,  uniting  effi- 
ciency with  gracefulness.  32.  As  none  can 
hope,  successfully,  to  resist  such  a  king, 
suppress  even  the  thought  of  the  attempt. 
lay  . .  .  hand  upon  tliy  nxouth— lay  is  well  sup- 
plied (Jud.  18.  19;  Job,  29.  9;  40.  4.).  33.  i.e., 
strife  —  or,  other  ills,  as  surely  arise  from 
devising  evil,  as  natural  effects  from  natural 
causes. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 
Ver.  1-31.  1.  Of  the  title  of  this,  the  Cth 
part  of  the  book,  cf.  Intr.  prophecy— as  ch. 
30.  1.  2.  What,  my  son?-ie.,  What  shaU  I 
say '{  repetitions  denote  earnestness,  son  . . . 
womb— as  our  phrase,  "  my  own  son."  a  term 
of  special  affection,  son  .  .  .  vows  —  as  one 
dedicated  to  God;  so  the  word  Lemuel  may 
mean.  3-9.  Succinct  but  solemn  warnings 
against  vices  to  which  kings  are  iieculiarly 
tempted,  as  carnal  pleasures  and  oppressive 
and  unrighteous  government  are  used  to 
sustain  sensual  indulgence.  3.  strength  — 
mental  and  bodily  resources  for  health  and 
comfort,  thy  ways— or,  course  of  life,  to  that 
. ..  kings— K^.,  to  the  destroying  of  kings,  avoid 
destructive  pleasures  (cf.  ch.  5.  9;  7.  22,  27; 
Hos.  4. 11.).  4, 5.  Stimulants  enfeeble  reason, 
and  pervert  the  heart,  and  do  not  suit  rulers, 
who  need  clear  and  steady  minds,  and  well- 
governed  affections  (cf.  ch.  20.  1;  22.  29.). 
pervtrt .  .  .  Bflicted  —  they  give  unrighteous 
decisions  against  the  poor.  6,  7.  The  proper 
use  of  such  drinks  is  to  restore  tone  to  feeble 


)  graceless  children,  (2)  hypocrites,  (3)  the '  bodies  and  depressed  minds  (cf.  Ps.  1U4. 15.). 


proud,  (4)  cruel  oppressors  (cf.  on  v.  14,  i 
14.  4;  52.  2,),— are  now  illustrated,  (1)  v.  16, 16, 
the  insatiability  of  prodigal  children  and 
their  fate;  v.  17,  (2;  hypocrisy,  or  the  conceal- 
ment of  real  character;  v.  18-20,  (3  and  4) 
various  examples  of  pride  and  oppression. 
15, 16.  horse-leech— supposed  by  some  to  be 
the  vampire  (a  fabulous  creature,),  as  being 
literally  insatiable;  but  the  other  subjects 
mentioned  must  be  taken  as  this,  compara- 
tively insatiable.  The  use  of  a  fabulous 
creature  agreeably  to  popular  notions  is  not 
inconsistent  with  inspiration  ,cf.  Isa.  14.; 
31.).  There  are  three  . . .  yea,  four— (cf.  ch.  6. 
16.).  17.  The  eye— for  the  person,  with  re- 
ference to  the  use  of  the  organ  to  express 
mockery  and  contempt,  and  also  as  that  by 
which  punishment  is  received,  the  ravens. . . 
eagles  . .  .  eai— either  as  dying  unnaturally, 
or  being  left  unburied,  or  both.  18-20. 
Hypocrisy  is  illustrated  by  four  examples  of 
the  concealment  of  all  methods  or  traces  of 
action,  and  a  pertinent  example  of  double 
dealing  in  actual  vice,  is  added,  i.e.,  the 
adulterous  woman,  she  eatetli  .  .  .  mouth— 
i.e.,  she  hides  the  evidences  of  her  shame, 
and  professes  innocence.  21-23.  Pride  and 
cruelty,  the  undue  exaltation  of  those  untit 
to  hold  power,  produce  those  vices  which 
disquiet  society  (cf.  ch.  19.  10;  28.  3.).  heir 
.  . .  unstress— i.e.,  takes  her  place  as  a  wife 
(Gen.  16.  4.).  24-31.  These  verses  provide 
two  classes  of  apt  illustrations  of  various 
aspects  oi  the  moral  world,  which  the  reader 
is  lelt  to  apply.  By  the  first,  diligence  and 
provideuce  are  commended;  the  success  of 
441 


I  8,  9.  Open  .  .  .  cause  —  Plead  for  those  who 
cannot  plead  for  themselves,  as  the  orphan, 
stranger,  &c.  (cf.  Ps.  72,  12;  Isa.  1.  17.). 
appointed  to  destruction— who  are  otherwise 
ruined  by  their  oppressors  (cf.  ch.  29.  14, 10.), 
10-31.  This  exquisite  picture  of  a  truly  lovely 
wife  is  conceived  and  drawn  in  accordance 
with  the  customs  of  Eastern  nations,  but  its 
moral  teachings  suit  all  cUmes.  In  Heb.  the 
verses  begin  with  tlie  letters  of  the  Hcb.  al- 
phabet in  order  [ci.Intr.  to  Poetical  liooks.). 
iO.  Who  .  .  .  woman?— The  question  impUes 
that  such  are  rare,  though  not  entirely  w  ant- 
ing (cf.  ch.  18.  22;  19.  14.).  virtuous— ^tl,  of 
strength,  i.e.,  moral  courage  (cf.  ch.  12.  4; 
Paitli,  3.  11.).  her  price,  &c.— (cf.  ch.  3. 15.). 
11.  heart . . .  trust  in  her— he  relies  on  her  pru- 
dence and  skill,  no  need  of  spoil— does  not 
lack  profit  or  gain,  especially  that  obtabied 
by  the  risk  of  war.  12.  do  .  .  .  good  —  contri- 
bute good  to  him.  13.  14.  Ancient  women 
of  rank  thus  wrought  with  their  hands,  and 
.such,  indeed,  were  the  customs  of  Western 
women  a  few  centuries  since.  In  the  East 
also,  the  fabrics  were  articles  of  merchandise. 
15.  She  diligently  attends  to  expending  as 
weU  as  gathering  wealth;  16.,  and  hence  has 
means  to  purchase  property.  17,  18.  To 
energy  she  adds  a  watchfulness  in  l)aii;ains, 
and  a  protracted  and  painful  industry.  J  ho 
last  clause  may  figuratively  denote  that  her 
prosperity  (cf.  ch.  24.  20)  is  not  short- lived. 
19.  JS'o  work,  however  mean,  if  honest,  is 
disdained.  20.  Industry  enables  her  io  b« 
charitable.  21.  sc;irin— or,  puru'r,  bv  reason 
of  the  (iyes  used,  the  best  litbrics.  as  a 


Vanitif  of  human 


ECCLESIASTES,  H. 


pleaMire  and  labour. 


znother  generation  cometh;  <*  bat  the  earth 
Ahideth  for  ever. 

5  The  *  sun  also  ariseth,  and  the  sun  goeth 
down,  and  i  hasteth  to  his  place  where  he 
arose. 

6  The  /  wind  goeth  toward  the  south,  and 
turneth  about  unto  the  north;  it  whh-leth 
about  continually;  and  the  wind  retumeth 
again  according  to  his  circuits. 

7  All'  the  rivers  run  into  the  sea;  yet  the 
Bea  is  not  fall:  unto  the  place  from  whence 
the  rivers  come,  thither  they  2  return 
again. 

8  All '» things  are  full  of  labour;  man  can- 
not utter  it:  » the  eye  is  not  satisfied  with 
eeeing,  nor  the  ear  filled  with  hearing. 

9  The  3  thing  that  hath  been,  it  is  that 
which  shall  be  •  and  th;^i.  which  is  done  is 
that  which  shall  be  done:  and  ttiere  is  no 
new  thivg  under  the  sun. 

10  Is  there  any  thing  whereof  it  may  be 
said.  See,  this  is  new?  it  hath  been  already 
of  old  tune,  which  was  before  us. 

11  There  is  no  remembrance  of  former 
things;  injither  shall  there  be  arty  remem- 
brance of  things  that  are  to  come  with 
those  that  shall  come  after. 

12  H  I  the  Preacher  was  king  over  Israel 
in  Jerasalem; 

13  And  I  gave  my  heart  to  seek  and  search 
out  by  wisdom  concerning  all  things  that 
are  done  under  heaven:  *thi3  sore  travail 
hath  God  given  to  the  sons  of  man,  3  to  be 
exercised  therewith. 

14  1  have  seen  all  the  works  that  are  done 
ander  the  sun;  and,  behold,  all  is  vanity 
and  vexation  of  spiiit. 

15  That  <■  which  is  crooked  cannot  be 
made  straight;  and  *  that  which  is  wanting 
cannot  be  numbered. 

16  I  communed  with  mine  own  heart. 
Baying,  Lo.  I  am  come  to  great  estate,  and 
have  gotten  *"  more  wisdom  than  all  thev 
that  have  been  before  nie  in  Jerusalenr; 
yea,  my  heart  5  had  great  experience  of 
wisdom  and  knowledge. 

17  And  "  1  gave  my  heart  to  know  Mdsdom. 
and  to  know  madness  and  folly:  I  perceived 
that  this  also  is  vexation  of  spirit. 

18  For  "  in  much  wisdom  is  much  grief; 
and  he  that  iucreaseth  knowledge  increas- 
eth  sorrow. 

CHAPTER  II. 
I  Vanity  of  human  courses  in  the  works  of  pleas- 
ure.    18  Vanity  of  hunian  labour,  the  fruit  of 
which  must  soon  be  left  to  others.     24  Of  the 
cheerful  use  of  what  a  man  hath. 

T  SAID  "  in  mine  heart.  Go  to  now,  I  will 
-*■  prove  thee  with  mirth;  therefore  en- 
joy pleasure:  and,  behold,  6  this  also  is 
vanity. 

2  I  said  "  of  laughter.  It  is  mad;  and  of 
mirth,  What  doeth  it? 

SI<i  sought  in  mine  heart  i  to  give  myself 
unto  wine,  yet  acquainting  mine  heart 
with  wisdom,  and  to  lay  hold  on  folly,  till 
I  might  see  what  u-as  that  good  for  the 
sons  of  men  which  they  should  do  under 
the  heaven  2  all  the  days  of  their  life. 

4  I  made  me  great  works;  I  buildedme 
houses ;  I  planted  me  vineyards ; 

6  1  made  me  gardens  and  orchards,  and 
I  planted  trees  in  them  of  all  kind  of 
fruits; 

6  1  made  me  pools  of  water,  to  water 
there wiih  the  wood  that  bringeth  forth 
trees ; 

7 1  got  ni6  Bervants  and  maidens,  and  had 
4i5 


CHAP.  I. 

d  Ps.  104.  6. 

P«.  119.90. 

2  Pet.  3.10. 
e  Ps.  19.  6. 

1  panteth. 
/  John  3.  8. 
■V  Job  38. 10. 

Pa.  104.  8. 

2  return  to 
go- 

h  eh.  3.  1. 
i  Pro.  27. 20. 
}  Gen.  8.  22. 

ch.  3.  15. 
k  Gen.  3.  19. 

ch.  3.  10. 

3  Or,  to 
afflict 
thera. 

I  ch.  7. 13. 

4  defect. 
"ilKi.3.12. 

lKi.4  30. 
1  Ki.  10.7. 
ch.  2.  9. 

5  bad  leoD 
much. 

n  ch.  2.  3. 
ch.  7.  23. 
1  ThetB.  5. 
21. 


CHAP.  2. 
a  Lu.  12. 19. 
6  Is.  60. 11 

0  Pro.  14. 13. 
ch.  7.  6. 

d  ch.  1.  17. 

1  to  draw 
mv  flesh 
with  wine 

2  thenumbe 
of  the  days 

life. 

3  sonj  of  my 

e  1  Ki.  9, 


/ch.  1.16. 
ff  ch.  9.  9. 
h  ch.  1.  17. 
6  Or,  in 


6  that  there 


in  folly. 
i  ch.  8.  1. 
}  ch.  9.  2. 

7  happeneth 


8  laboured. 
k  Pa.  49.  10. 
I  1  Ki.  12.13. 
"'  1  Ti.  6.10. 

9  give, 
"ch.  1.3. 
0  Job  5.  7. 

10  Or  .delight 
bis  si-nses. 

11  before 


'servants  bom  in  my  house;  also  I  had 
great  possessions  of  great  and  small  cattle 
above  all  that  were  in  Jerusalem  before 
me- 

81*  gathered  me  also  silver  and  gold,  and 
the  peculiar  treasure  of  kings  and  of  the 
provinces ;  I  gat  me  men  singers  and  women 
singers,  and  the  delights  of  the  sons  of 
men,  as  *  musical  instiniments,  and  that  of 
all  sorts. 

9  So  / 1  was  great,  and  increased  more 
than  all  that  were  before  me  in  Jerusalem: 
also  my  wisdom  remained  with  me. 

10  And  whatsoever  mine  eyes  desired  I 
kept  not  from  them,  1  withheld  not  my 
heart  from  any  joy;  for  my  heart  rejoiced 
in  all  my  labour:  and  'this  was  my  portion 
of  all  my  labour. 

11  Then  I  looked  on  all  the  works  that  my 
hands  had  wrought,  and  on  the  labour  that 

I  had  laboured  to  do ;  and,  behold,  all  was 
vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit,  and  there 
was  no  profit  under  the  sun. 

12  H  And  I  tm-ned  myself  to  behold  wis- 
dom, '^  and  madness,  and  folly :  for  what  can 
the  man  do  that  cometh  after  the  king? 
5  even  that  which  hath  been  aheady  done. 

13  Then  I  saw  6  that  wisdom  excelleth 
folly,  as  far  as  light  excelleth  darkness. 

M  The  '  wise  man's  eyes  are  in  his  head: 
but  the  fool  walketh  in  darkness:  and  t 
myselt'perceived  also  that>  one  event  hap- 
peneth to  them  aU. 

15  Then  said  I  in  my  heart.  As  it  happen- 
eth to  the  fool,  so  it  7  happeneth  even  to  me ; 
and  why  was  1  then  more  wise?  Then 
I  said  in  my  heart,  that  this  also  is  vanity. 

16  For  tliere  is  no  remembrance  of  the 
wise  more  than  of  the  fool  for  ever;  seeing 
that  which  now  is,  in  the  days  to  come 
shall  aU  be  forgotten.  And  how  dieth  the 
wise  man?  as  the  fool. 

17  Therefore  I  hated  life;  because  the 
work  that  is  wrought  under  the  sun  is 
giievous  unto  me:  for  all  is  vanity  and 
vexation  of  sj)iiit. 

18  H  Yea,  1  hated  all  my  labour  which  I 
had  8  taken  under  the  sun;  because*  I 
should  leave  it  unto  the  man  that  shall 
be  after  me. 

19  And  who  knoweth  whether  he  shall  be 
a  wise  manor  *  a  fool?  yet  shall  he  have 
rule  over  all  my  labour  wherein  I  have  la- 
b(^)ured,  and  wherein  I  have  showed  myself 
wise  under  the  sun.    This  is  also  "'  vanity. 

•20  Therefore  I  went  about  to  cause  my 
heart  to  desj  airof  all  the  labour  which  I 
took  under  the  smi. 

21  For  there  is  a  man  whose  labour  is  in 
wisdom,  and  in  knowledge,  and  in  equity; 
yet  to  a  man  that  hath  not  laboured  there- 
in shall  he  9  leave  it  for  his  portion.  This 
also  is  vanity  and  a  gi-eat  evil. 

22  For  "  wliat  hath  man  of  all  his  labour, 
and  of  the  vexation  of  his  heart,  wherein 
he  hath  laboured  under  the  sun? 

23  For  all  his  days  are  "  sorrows,  and  his 
travail  giief;  yoa,  his  heart  taketh  not  rest 
in  the  night.    This  is  also  vanity. 

24  M  There  w  nothing  better  for  a  man, 
than  that  he  should  eat  and  drink,  and 
tliat  he  10  should  inake  his  soul  enjoy  good 
ill  his  labour.  This  also  I  saw,  that  it  was 
from  the  hand  of  God. 

25  For  who  can  eat,  or  who  else  can  hasten 
Uireunto,  more  than  I? 

26  F<a-  God  .tfiveth  to  a  man  that  is  good 

II  in  his  Bight  wisdom,  and  knowledge. 


Introduction. ECCLESIASTE5. InfroducMoTh- 

matter  of  taste  also,  the  colour  suits  cold.  { adds  to  her  example  a  wise  mana^'enient  of 
22.  coverings  of  tapestry— or,  cowr?ete,i.f.,fortliose  under  her  control.  28.  She  is  honoured 
beds,  silk  [or.linen  (cf.  Ex.26,  l;  27.  91]  .-'nd  by  those  who  best  know  her.  29.  Thewords 
purple— i.e., the  most  costly  L'oods.  23.  in  tlielare  those  of  her  husband,  praising  her. 
gates— (cf.  ch.  22.  22.).  His  domestic  comfort  j  virtuously— (cf.  v.  10.).  30.  Favour- or,  Grace 
rromotes  his  advancement  in  public  dignity. ;  of  iiersonal  manner.  ber<uty— of  face,  or  form 
24:.  fine  linen— or,  linen  shirts,  or  the  material  i  (cf.  ch.  11.  22.).  True  piety  alone  commands 
for  them,  girdle s —were  often  costly  and  jierm.uient  respect  and  affection  (1  Pet.  3.3.). 
highly  valued  (2  Sam.  18. 11.).  delivereth— or,  ;31.  Tlie  result  of  her  labours  is  her  best 
giveth  as  a  present,  or  to  sell.    25.  Strength 'euloe;.v. 

and  honour— cr,  Strovg  and  beautiful,  is  her  [  Kothhin'  can  add  to  the  simple  beauty  of 
clothing:  or,  figuratively,  for  moral  cha-this  arimii;  iOe  prirtrait.  On  the  measnre  of 
racter,vigorous  and  honourable,  shall  rejoice  its  realisat-' n  in  tlie  I'au^liters  of  our  o^.n 
. .  .  con:p— in  confidence  of  certain  mainten-  day  rest  imu.ld  lesnis,  in  the  domestic, 
artce.  26.  Her  conversation  is  wise  and  and,  therefore,  the  civil  and  religious,  welfare 
geutie.    27.  (Cf.  1  Tim.  6. 14;  Tit.  2. 6.).   She ,  of  the  people. 


ECCLESIASTES, 

OR,  THE  PREACHER,)  THE  GREEK  TITLE  IN  THE  LXX. 
INTRODUCTION 

rHE  Hehrew  tUTe  is  Koheleth,  which  the  speaker  in  it  applies  to  himself 'ch.  1. 19,), "  I,  Koheletb, 
was  king  over  Israel."  It  means  an  Assembler  or  Convene?-  of  a  meeting,  and  a  Prencherto  such  a 
meeting.  The  feminine  form  cf  the  Hebrew  noun,  and  Its  construction  once  (ch.  7.  iJ7)  v.ith  a 
feminine  verb,  show  that  it  not  only  signifies  Solomon,  the  Preaclier  to  afttmblies  (m  which  case  itis 
construed  with  the  verb  or  noun  masculine,),  but  also  Divine  Wisdom  (femiuine  in  Hebrew)  speaking 
by  the  mouth  of  the  inspired  king.  In  six  cases  out  of  geven  It  is  construed  with  the  masculine. 
Solomon  was  endowed  with  inspired  wisdom  (1  Ki.  3.  5-14;  6. 11, 12;9.  l,&c.;  11.  9-11,),  specially  titling 
him  for  the  task.  The  Orientals  delight  in  such  meetings  for  grave  discourse.  Thus  the  Arabs  for- 
merly had  an  assembly  yearly,  at  Ocadh,  for  hearing  and  reciting  poems.  Cf.  "  Masters  of  assem- 
blies" (note,  ch.  12.  ll,  also  12.  9.).  "  The  Preacher  taught  the  people  knowledge,"  probably  viva  voce: 
1  Ki.  4.  34;  10.  2,  8,  24;  2  Chr.  9. 1,  7,  23,  plainly  refer  to  a  somewhat  public  divan  met  for  literary 
discussion.  So  "spake,"  thrice  repeated  (1  Ki.  4.  32.  33,),  refers,  uat  to  written  compositions,  iut  to 
addresses  spoken  in  assemblies  convened  for  the  purpose.  The  Holy  Ghost,  no  doubt,  signifies  also 
by  the  term,  that  Solomon's  doctrine  is  intended  for  the  "  great  congregation,"  the  Church  of  all 
places  and  ages  (Ps.  22.  25;  49.  2-4.). 

Solomon  was  plainly  the  author  (ch.  1.  12, 16;  2.  15;  12.9.).  That  the  Rabbins  attribute  it  to 
Isaiah  or  Hezekiah.is  explicable,  by  supposing  that  one  or  the  other  inserted  it  in  the  canon.  The 
difference  of  its  style,  as  compared  with  Proverbs  and  Song  of  Solomon,  is  due  to  the  difference  of 
subjects,  and  the  different  period  of  his  life  in  which  each  was  written;  the  Song,  in  the  fervour  of 
his  first  love  to  God;  Proverbs,  about  the  same  time,  or  somewhat  later;  but  Ecclesiastesin  late  old 
age,  as  the  seal  and  testimony  of  repentance  of  his  apostasy  in  the  intervenine;  period:  (Ps.  89.  30, 33,), 
proves  his  penitence.    The  substitution  of  the  title  Koheleth  for  Solomon  (that  is,  peace,),  may  im- 

Ely  that,  having  troubled  Israel,  meantime  he  forfeited  his  name  of  peace  (1  Ki.  11. 14,  23;);  but  now, 
aving  repented,  he  wishes  to  be  henceforth  a  Preacher  of  righteousness.  The  alleged  foreign  expres- 
fiions  in  the  Hebrew  may  have  been  easily  imported,  through  the  great  intercourse  there  was  with 
other  nations  during  his  long  reign.  Moreover,  supposed  Chaldaisms  may  be  fragments  preserved 
from  the  common  tongue,  of  which  Hebrew,  Syriac,  Chaldee,  and  Arabic,  were  offshoots. 

THE  SCOPE  of  Ecclesiastes  \^  to  contrast  the  vanity  of  all  mere  human  pursuits,  when  madetho 
chief  end,  as  contrasted  with  the  real  blessedness  of  true  loisdojn,  i.e.,  religion.  The  immortality  of  the 
soul  is  dwelt  on  incidentally,  as  subsidiary  to  the  main  scope.  Moses' law  took  this  truth  for  granted, 
butdrewits  sanctionsof  rewards  and  punishments  in  accordance  with  the  theocracy, which  was  under 
a  special  providence  of  God  as  the  temporal  King  of  Israel,  from  the  present  life,  rather  than  the 
future.  But  after  that  Israel  chose  an  earthly  king,  God  withdrew,  in  part,  his  extraordinary  pro- 
vidence, so  that  under  Solomon, temporal  rewards  did  not  invariably  follow  virtue,  and  punishments 
vice  (cf  ch.  2. 16;  3. 19;  4. 1;  5.  8;  7. 15;  8.  14;  9.  2, 11.).  Hence  the  need  arises  to  show  that  these 
anomalies  will  be  rectified  hereafter,  and  this  is  the  grand  •'conclusion,"  therefore,  of  the  "  whole" 
book,  that,  seeing  there  is  a  coming  judgment,  and  seeing  that  present  goods  do  not  satisfy  the  soul, 
"man's  whole  duty  is  to  fear  God  and  keep  his  commandments"  (ch.  12. 13, 14,),  and  meanwhile,  to 
use,  in  joyful  and  serene  sobriety,  and  not  abuse  the  present  life  (ch.  3. 12, 13.). 

It  is  objected  that  sensual  epicurism  seems  to  be  inculcated  (ch.  3.  12. 13,  22, 4o.;);  but  it  isa  con- 
tented thankful  enjoyment  of  God's  present  gifts  that  is  taught,  as  opposed  tea  murmuring,  anxious, 
avaricious  spirit,  as  is  proTed  by  ch.  5.  IS.  cf  with  11-15,  not  making  them  the  chief  end  of  life;  not  the 
joy  of  levity  and  folly;  a  misunderstanding  which  he  guards  ai^ainst  in  ch.  7.  2-6;  11.  9;  12.  1.  Again, 
ch.  7. 16;  9.  2-10,  might  seem  to  tea -h  fatalism  and  scepticism.  But  these  are  words  put  m  the 
moutli  of  an  objector;  or  rather,  wore  the  language  of  Solomon  himself  during  his  apostasy,  find  iig 
au  echo  in  the  heart  of  every  sensualist,  who  wishes  to  be  an  unbeliever,  and  who,  therefore,  seca 
difficulties  enough  in  the  world  around,  wherewith  to  prop  up  his  wilful  unbelief.  The  answer  is 
given  (ch.  7. 17, 18;  9.  11,  &o.;  11.  1,6;  12. 13.).  Even  if  these  passages  be  taken  as  w  rds  of  Solomon, 
thty  are  to  be  understood  as  fortndding  a  self-made  "  righteousness"  which  tries  to  constrain  (Jod  to 
grant  salvation  to  ima.cinary  good  works  and  external  strictness  with  which  it  wearies  itself;  also, 
that  speculation  which  tries  to  fathom  all  God's  inscrutable  cotmsels (ch.  8. 17,),  and  that  careluluess 
about  the  future,  forbidden  in  Mat.  8.  25. 
446 


VanihfofaU ECCTTjISIASTES.  T. Human  Courses. 

THE  CHIEF  GOOD  is  that,  the  posRession  of  which  makes  us  happy,  to  be  sousht  as  the  end, 
for  its  own  sake;  whereas,  all  other  things  are  but  means  towards  it.  Philosophers,  who  made  it 
the  great  sulject  of  inquiry,  restricted  it  to  the  present  life,  treating  the  eternal  as  unreal,  and  only 
useful  to  awe  the  multitude  with.  But  Solomon  shows  the  vanity  of  all  iiuman  things  (so-called 
philosophy  included)  to  satisfy  the  soul,  and  that  heavenly  wisdom  alone  is  the  chief  pood.  He  had 
taught  so  when  young  (Pro.  1,  20;  8.  1,  &c.;);  so  also,  in  Song  of  Solomon,  he  had  spiritualised  the 
Buliiect  in  an  allegory;  and  now,  after  having  lon^  personally  tried  the  ma'.ii.old  ways  in  which  the 
worldly  seek  to  reach  happine.-s,  he  gives  the  fruit  of  his  experience  in  old  ase. 

It  is  divided  into  two  parts,  chs.  1-6.  10,  showing  the  vanity  of  earthly  thuigs,ch.6.i0,to  oh.  12, 
the  excellence  of  heavenly  wisdom.  Deviations  from  strict  logical  method  occur  in  these  divisions, 
but  in  the  main  they  are  observed.  The  deviations  make  it  the  less  stiff  and  artificial,  and  the 
more  suited  to  all  capacities.  It  is  in  poetry;  the  hemistichal  division  is  mo-Jtly  obseived.  hut  occa- 
Bionallv  not  so.  The  choice  of  epithets,  ima^rery,  inverted  order  of  words,  ellipses,  parallelism,  or  in 
its  abseuce,  similarity  of  dictiou,  mark  versificatiuo. 


CHAPTER  I.  inadequate,  as  also,  "man  cannot  express" 

Ver.  1-18.— Introduction.  1.  the  Preacher  all  the  thinss  in  the  -w-orld  which  uik  t  it;o 
■^and  Convener  of  assemblies  tor  the  ]?urvose,  this  ceaseless,  changeless  cycle  of  vi  isst- 
See  my  Preface.  " Koheleth"  in  i/e6.,  a  sym-  tndes:  "The  eye  is  not  satisfied  with  seemg 
bolical  name  for  Solomon,  and  of  Heavenly  them,"  &,c.  But  it  is  plainly  a  return  to  ihe 
U^^isdomspeakingthroughandidentifiedwith  idea  (•».  s.),  as  toman's  "labour,"  which  is 
him.  Verse  12.  shows  that  "king  of  Jeru-  only  wearisome  and  profitless;  "no  new" 
salem"  is  in  apposition,  not  with  "David,"  good  can  accrue  from  it  -v.  9:  ;  for  as  the  sun. 
but  "Preacher."  of  Jerusalem— rather,  in  <toc.,  so  man's  laborious  works  move  in  a 
Jerusalem,  for  it  was  merely  his  metropolis,  changeless  cycle.  The  "eye"  and  "ear"  are 
not  his  whole  kingdom.  2.  The  theme  pro-  two  of  the  taskmasters  for  which  man  toils, 
posed  of  the  tirst  part  of  his  discourse.  But  these  are  never  "satisfied"  :ch.  6.  7;  i'ro. 
vanity  of  vanities— Hebraism  for  the  most  27.  20.).  Ivor  can  they  be  so  hereafter,  lor 
utter  vanity.  So  " holy  of  holies"  (Ex.  26.  ;  tiiere  will  be  nothiny  "new."  Isot  so  the 
"servant  of  servants"  (Gen.  9.  25.).  The  re-  ciiief  good,  Jesus  Christ  (John,  4. 13, 14;  Eev. 
petition  increases  the  force.  all—Hcb.  "the  21.  5.).  9.  Eather,  "  no  new  thing  at  all;"  as 
all;"  all  without  exception,  viz.,  earthly  ]Num.  11.  6.  This  is  not  meant  in  a  general 
things,  vanity— not  in  themselves,  for  God  si  nse;  but  there  is  no  new  source  of  happiiiess 
maketh  nothing  in  vain  (l  Tim.  4.  4,  6.),  but  (the  subject  in  question)  which  can  be  de- 
vain  when  put  in  the  place  of  God  and  maile  vised;  the  same  round  of  petty  pleasures, 
the  end,  instead  of  the  meaijs  Ps.  29.  5,6;  62.  cares,  business,  study,  wars,  <toc.,  being  re- 
9;  Mat.  6,  33;);  vain,  also,  because  of  the  "  va-  peated  over  and  over  again  [HoL.]  10.  old 
nity"  to  which  they  are  "subjected"  by  the  time  [Heb.  ages,]  vruich.  was— The  Heb.plur. 
fall(Eom.8.20.).  3.  what  profit...  labour— i.e.,  cannot  be  joined  to  the  verb  sing.  Therefore 
"What  profit"  as  to  the  chief  good  (Mat.  16.  transl..  "it  hath  been  in  the  ages  before; 
26.).  Labour  is  profitable  in  its  proper  place  certainly  it  hath  been  before  us."  [iloL.j  Or, 
(Gen.  2.  15;  3. 19;  Pro.  14.  23.).  uiiaer  the  sun—  as  Maue.,  "That  which  has  been  (done)  be- 
i.e., in  </i.isii/e,  as  opposed  to  the  future  world,  fore  us  (in  our  presence,  1  Chr.  16.  33,),  has 
The  phrase  often  recurs,  but  only  in  tccl.  been  (doue)  already  in  the  old  times."  11. 
4.  earth ...  for  ever— (Ps.  104.  5.).  While  the  The  reason  why  some  things  are  thought 
earth  remains  the  same,  the  generations  of  "new,"  Mhich  are  not  really  so,  is  the  imper- 
men  are  ever  changing;  what  lasting  profit,  feet  record  that  exists  of  preceding  ages 
then,  can  there  be  from  the  toils  of  one  whose  among  their  successors,  ihose  that .  .  .  came 
sojourn  on  earth,  as  an  individual,  is  so  brief?  alter— i.e.,  those  that  Uve  still  later  than  the 
The  "  for  ever"  is  comparative,  not  absolute  "things  {rather  the  persons  or  '  genenvtioas,' 
(Ps.  102.  26.).  5.  (Ps.  19.  6,6.).  Panting  is  the  v.  4,  with  which  this  verse  is  connected.  The 
/feb.  for"  hasteth;"  metaphor,  from  a  runner  six  intermediate  verses  being  me  ely  ilius- 
(Ps.  19. 5.  "  a  strong  man")  in  a  "  race."  Itap-  trations  of  t).  4,  [W^eiss])  that  are  to  come* 
plies  rather  to  the  rising  sim  which  seems  ch.  2.  16:9.  5.^  12.  Besumption  of  v.  l,  the 
toboriottsJiy  to  mount  up  to  the  meridian,  than  intermediate  verses  being  the  introductory 
to  the  setting  sun;  the  accents  too,  favour  statement  of  his  thesis.  Tlierefore,  "  the 
Maur.,  "And  (that  too,  returning)  to  his  Preaciier"  iKohelcth)  is  repe;)i:d.  was  king 
place,  where  panting  he  riseth."  6.  according  —instead  of  '  am,"  because  he  is  about  to  give 
to  his  circuits— i.e.,  it  returns  afresh  to  its  the  results  of  his  past  experience  durii!g  his 
former  circuits,  however  many  be  its  pievi-  long  reign,  in  Jerusalem— specified,  as  op 
ous  veerings  about.  The  N.  and  S.  winds  are  posed  to  David,  who  reis^ned  both  in  Hebroa 
the  two  prevailing  winds  in  Palestine  and  and  Jerusalem;  whereas  Solomon  reigned 
Egypt.  7.  By  subterraneous  cavities,  and  by  only  in  Jerusalem.  "  King  of  Israel  in  Jera- 
evaporation  forming  rain-clouds,  the  foun- :  salem,"  in  plies  that  he  reigned  over  Israel 
tains  and  rivers  are  supplied  from  the  sea,  and  J«cJa/icomf>i?ied;  whereas  David,  at  Heb- 
into  which  they  then  flow  back.  The  connec-  ron,  reigned  only  over  Jnda/i, and  not,  until 
tion  is:  Individual  men  are  contmuaily  he  was  settled  in  Jerusalem,  over  both  Israel 
changing,  whilst  the  succession  of  the  race  andJudah.  13.  this  sore  travail— ^•^z.,  that  of 
continues;  just  as  the  sun,  wind,  and  rivers  "searching  out  all  things  done  under  heaven." 
are  ever  shifting  about,  whilst  the  cycle  in  Not  hniuan  wisdom  in  general,  which  comes 
which  they  move  is  invariable;  they  return  afterwards  (ch.  2.  12,  &c.,  ,  but  laborious  in- 
to the  point  whence  they  set  out.  Hence  quiries  into,  and  speculations  about,  the 
inman,  as  in  these  objects  of  nature  which  are  works  of  men,  ex.  or.,  political  science.  As 
his  analogue,  with  all  the  seeming  changes  man  is  doomed  to  get  his  bread,  so  his  know- 
"there  is  no  new  thing"  [v.  9.).  8,  Maur.  ledge,  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow  (Gen.  3.  19.). 
iransl.t  "All  words  are  wearied  out."  t.e.,  are  LGxll.]  fcxeicisett— i,e.,cii6a2)ttn6d;  Wf.,**thai 


ECCLESIASTES,  IL 


Pleasure  and  Lolourl 


Vanity  of  Human 

they  may  thereby  chastise  or  humble  them- 
selves." 14.  The  reason  is  here  given  why  in- 
vestigation into  man's  "works"  is  only  "sore 
travail"  [v.  13,),  viz.,  because  all  man  s  ways 
are  vain  (u.  18.).  and  cannot  be  mended  (v.  16.). 
vexation  of  la  preying  upon  the]  spirit— 
Maur.  transl.,  "  the  pursuit  of  wind."  as  ch. 
6.  16;  Hos.  12.  1,  Ephraim  feedeth  on 
wind."  But  old  versions  support  the  E.  V. 
16.  Investigation  (v.  13)  into  human  ways  is 
vain  labour,  for  they  are  hopelessly  "crooked" 
and  "cannot  be  made  straight"  oy  it  ich.  7.1 
13.).  God,  the  chief  good,  alone  can  do  this 
(Isa.  40.  4;  45.  2.).  wanting— (Dan.  6.  27.). 
numbered— so  as  to  make  a  complete  number: 
so  eq\i\\a.]entto, supplied.  [Maur.]  Or  rather, 
mans  sta,xeisutterty icaiiting; -dndthsitwhich 
is  wholly  defective  cannot  be  nuni  liered  or  cal- 
culated. Ihe  investit;ator  thinks  he  can 
draw  up,  in  accurate  numbers,  statistics  of 
man's  wants;  but  these,  including  the  defects 
in  the  investigator's  labour,  are  not  partial, 
but  total.  16.  communed  with  . .  .  heart— 
(Gen.  24.  45.1.  come  to  great  estate— Rather. "  I 
have  niapnified  and  gotten,"  [lit.,  added,  in- 
creased), «fec.  all . . .  before  me  in  Jerusalem- 
Dig.,  the  priests,  judges,  and  two  kings  that 
preceded  Solomon.  His  wisdom  exceeded 
that  of  all  before  Jesus  Christ,  theanti  ypical 
Koheleth,  or  "  Gatherer  of  men"  (Luke,  13. 
34. ,  and  "  Wisdom"  incarnate  Mat.  11. 19;  12. 
42.).  had  . . ,  experience— Zit.,  had  seeit  (Jer.  2. 
31.).  Contrast  with  this  glorying  in  worldly 
wisdom  Jer.  9.  23,  24.  17.  wisciom  . .  .  mad- 
ness—i.e.,  their  effects,  the  works  of  human 
wisdom  and  folly  respectively.  "Madness," 
lit.,  vaunting  extravagance:  ch.  2. 12;  7. 25.  &c., 
support  E.  V.  rather  than  Dathe.  "  splendid 
matters."  "Folly"  is  read  by  E.  V.  with 
some  MGS.,  instead  of  the  present  Heb.  text. 
"  prudence."  If  Heb.  be  retained,  understand 
"pvudence,"  falsely  so  called  (1  lim.  6.  20,). 
"craft"  (Dan.  8.  26.).  18.  wisciom  . .  .  know- ■ 
ledge— not  in  general;  for  wisdom.  &c.,  are  I  He  had  tried  (worldly)  wisdom  (ch.  1. 12-18.), 

tnost  excellent  in  their  place;  hut  speculatire---"  '"-"--  "---'^-^  -' — '  ' ■'•  ^ 

knowkdrie  of  man's  v:ays  [v.  13.  17,).  which, 
the  farther  it  goes,  gives  one  the  more  pain 
to  find  how  "crooked" and  "wanting"  they 

are  [v.  15; ch.  12. 12.!. 

CHAPTEEH. 
Ver.  1-26.  He  next  tries  pleasure  and 
luxury,  retaining,  however,  his  worldly 
"wisdom"  (ch.  3.  9,).  but  all  proves  "vanity" 
in  respect  to  the  chief  good.  1.  I  said . . .  heart 
—(Luke,  12. 19.).  tliee— my  heart.  1  will  test 
wheiher  thou  canst  find  that  solid  good  in 
pleasure  which  was  not  in  "worldly  wisdom." 
But  this  also  proves  to  be  "vanity"  (Isa.  50. 
11.).    2.  laughter- including  ■prosperity  and 


7. 1-8;  9.  1,  19;  10. 18.  &c.).  vineyards— (Sol. 
Song  8.  11.).  5.  gardens— Hfife.,  paradises,  ft 
foreign  word;  Sanscrit,  "a  place  enclosed 
with  a  wall :"  A  nnen.  and  Arab. , "  a  pleasure- 
ground  with  flowers  and  shrubs  near  tho 
king's  house,  or  castle."  An  earthly  paradise 
can  never  make  up  for  the  want  of  the  hea- 
venly Eev.  2.  7.).  6.  pools— artificial,  for 
irrigating  the  soil  (Gen.  2. 10;  Neh.  2. 14;  Isa. 
1.  30.).  Three  such  reservoirs  are  still  found, 
called  Solomon's  cisterns,  a  mile  and  a-hali 
from  Jerusalem,  wood  that  brirgeth  forth— 
rather, ' '  the  grove  ih&t  flourisheth  ivith  trees." 
[LowTH.l  born  in  my  house  — these  were 
esteemed  more  trustworthy  sers'ants  than 
those  bought  (Gen.  14. 14;  15.  2,  3;  17. 12, 13. 
27;  Jer.  2. 14,),  called  sons  o/ one's  handmaid, 
(Ex.  23. 12;  cf.  Gen.  12. 16;  Job.  1. 3.).  8.  (1  Ki. 
10.  27;  2Chr.  1.  15;  9.  20.),  peculiar  treasure 
of  kings  and  . ,  .  provinces  —  contributed  by 
them,  as  tributary  to  him  (1  Ki.  4.  21.  24;);  a 
poor  sulistitute  for  the  wisdom  whose  "gain 
IS  better  than  fine  gold"  (Pro.  3.  14.  15.). 
singers  —  so  David  (2  Sam.  19.  35.).  musical 
instruments ...  of  all  sorts- introduced  at  ban- 
quets (Isa.  6.  12;  Am.03.  6.  6.  6;);  rather,  a 
princess  and  princesses,  from  an  Arabic  root. 
One  regular  wife,  or  queen  (Esth.  1.  9;);  Pha- 
raoh's daughter  1  Ki.  3. 1;);  other  secondary 
wives,  "princesses."  distinct  from  the  "con- 
cubines" (1  Ki.  11.  3;  Ps.  45. 10;  Sol.  Song  6.  8.). 
[Weiss;  Ges.]  Had  these  been  omitted, 
the  enumeration  would  be  incomplete.  9. 
great-opulent  (Gen.  24. 35;  Job,  1.  3;  see  1  Ki. 
10.  23.).  remained— (v.  3.).  10.  my  labour— in 
procuring  pleasures,  this— evanescent  "joy" 
was  my  only  "  portion  out  of  aU  my  labour" 
(ch.  3.  22;  6. 18;  9.  9;  1  Ki.  10.  5.).  11.  But  all 
these  I  felt  were  only  "vanity,"  and  of  no 
"profit"  as  to  the  chief  good.  "Wisdom" 
(worldly  common-sense,  sagacity.),  which  still 
"remained  with  me"  {v.  9.).  showed  me  that 
these  could  not  give  solid  happiness.    13. 


and  folly  (foolish  pleasure)  {v.  l-ll;);  he  now 
compares  them  {v.  12.).  and  finds  that  whilst 
(worldly)  wisdom  excelleth  folly  (i;.  13, 
14,),  yet  the  one  event,  death,  befalls  both 
(«.  14-16,),  and  that  thus  the  wealth  acquired 
by  the  wise  man's  "  labour"  may  descend  to 
a  "  fool."  that  hath  not  laboured  (v.  18, 19, 
21;1;  therefore  aU  his  labour  is  vanity  iv.  22, 
23.1.  what  can  the  man  do...  already  done— (ch. 
1.  9.).  Parenthetical.  A  future  investigator 
can  strike  nothing  out  "new,"  so  as  to  draw 
a  different  conclusion  from  what  I  draw  by 
comparing  "wisdom  and  madness."  Hol., 
with  less  ellipsis,  transl.,  "What,  O  man, 
shall  come   after  the  king?'   &c.     Better, 


joy  in  general  (Job,  8.  21.).    mad— i.e.,  w/i en  Grot.,  "What  man  can  come  after  icom' 


made  the  chief  good;  it  is  harmless  in  its  pro- 
per place.  What  doeth  it?- Of  what  avail  is 
It  in  giving  solid  good?  (ch.  7.  fi;  Pro.  14. 13^. 
3-11.  Illustration  more  at  large  of  v.  1,  2.  3. 
Bought- 1  resolved,  after  search  into  many 

{plans,  give  myself  unto- Jii..  to  draw  my  flesh 
iDody)  to  wine  (including  all  ban  que  tings.), 
mage  from  a  captive  drawn  after  a  chariot 
in  triumph  (Rom.  6. 16.  19;  1  Cor.  12.  2;);  or, 
one  "  allured"  (2  Pet.  2.  18. 19.].    yet  acquaint 


pete  vpith)  the  king  in  the  things  which  are 
done  V  None  ever  can  have  the  same  means 
of  testing  what  all  earthly  things  can  do  to- 
wards satisfying  the  soul;  namely,  worldly 
wisdom,  science,  riches,  power,  longevity,  all 
combined.  13, 14.  (Pro.  17.  24.).  The  worldly 
"  wise"  man  has  pood  sense  in  managing  hia 
affairs,  skill  and  ta.^te  in  building  and  plant- 
ing, and  keeps  within  safe  and  respeddbU 
bounds  in  pleasure,  whilst  the  "  *"'^"'" "  '^«'"*- 


'  fool"  is  want- 


^6  . . .  wisdom-iit.. "and  mv hearVfstiirtl'as  iiiViiThele respects:  (^  darkness,"  equivalent 
behaving,  or  guiding  itself,  with  wisdom.''  to  fatal  error  ^^"'«  ,w'/a<^*/^<'^''! /.f*  ope 
[Ges]     Maur.    transl.,    "was    weary   o/  event,  death,  happen  eth  to  both  (Job.  21. 26.), 


[Ges.] 

(worldly)  wisdom. 

firms  £.F.    "" 


But  the  end  of  v.  9  con- 
folly— «iz.,  pleasures  of  the  flesh. 


1.5.  wliy  was  I— so  anxious  to  become,  &c.  (5 
Chr.  1.  10.).    Then— Since  such  is  the  case. 


termed  "mad,"  ».  2.    aU  the  days.  &c.-(see  this-riz..  pursuit  of   (worldly)  wisdom.    It 
Morrana  ch:  6. 12;  Job.  16. 20.).    4.  (iia  can  never  M  the  place  of  the  true  wisdom 
445  i2l 


d.  season  for  every  thine;. 


ECCLESIASTES.  HI-V. 


VarMy  through  oppression. 


and  joy:  but  to  the  sinner  he  giveth  travail, 
to  gather  and  to  heap  up.  that  he  may 
give  to  him  that  is  good  before  God,  This 
alao  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit. 
CHAPTER  III. 


equally  subject  to  mortaUty:  21  their   spirits 
wMeh  go  different  ways  are  unknown. 

fro  every  thing  there  is  a  season,  and  a 
*■  time "  to  every  purpose  under  the 
heaven: 

2  A  time  i  to  be  bom,  and  &  a  time  to  die ; 
a  time  to  plant,  and  a  time  to  pluck  up 
■that  which  is  planted; 

3  A  *  time  to  Icill,  and  a  time  to  heal ;  a 
time  to  break  down,  and  a  time  to  build 
up; 

4  A  time  to  weep,  and  a  time  to  laugh;  a 
time  to  mourn,  and  a  time  <*  to  dauce ; 

6  A  time  to  cast  away  stones,  and  a  time 
to  gather  stones  together;  a  time  to  em- 
brace, and  a  time  "  to  refram  from  embrac- 
ing; 

6  A  time  to  8  get,  and  a  time  to  lose;  a 
time  to  keep,  and  a  time  to  cast  away ; 

7  A  time  to  rend,  and  a  time  to  sew;  *  a 
time  to  keep  silence,  and  a  time  to  speak ; 

8  A  time  to  love,  and  a  time /to  hate;  a 
time  of  war,  and  a  time  of  peace. 

9  What^prolit  hath  he  that  worketh  in 
that  wherem  helaboureth? 

10  I  'i  have  seen  the  travail  which  God 
Hath  given  to  the  sons  of  men  to  be  exer- 
cised iu  it. 

11  He  »  hath  made  every  thing  beautiful 
in  his  time:  also  he  hath  set  the  world  in 
their  heart;  so  that>  no  man  can  find  out 
the  work  that  God  maketh  from  the  begin- 
ning to  the  end. 

12  1  know  that  there  is  no  good  in  them, 
but  for  a  rtian  to  rejoice,  and  to  do  good  in 
his  life. 

13  And  also  *  that  every  man  should  eat 
and  drink,  and  enjoy  the  good  of  all  his 
labour,  it  is  the  gilt  of  God. 

M  1  know  that  whatsoever  God  doeth,  it 
shall  be  for  ever: '  nothing  can  be  put  to  it, 
nor  any  thing  taken  from  it:  and  God  doeth 
it,  tliat  7iit7)  should  fear  before  him. 

15  Ttiat'"  which  hath  betn  is  now;  and 
that  which  is  to  be  hath  ahcady  been;  and 
God  requireth  *  that  wliich  is  past. 

l(i  And  moreover  "  1  saw  under  the  sun 
the  place  of  judgment,  that  wickedness  was 
there ;  auu  the  place  of  righteousness,  that 
iniquity  was  there. 

17  1  said  in  mine  heart,  "  God  shall  judge 
the  righteous  and  the  wicked:  for  the7-e  is 
a  time  there  for  every  purpose  and  for  every 
work. 

18  I  said  in  mine  heart  concerning  the 
estate  of  the  sons  of  men,  5  that  God  might 
manifest  them,  and  that  they  might  see 
that  they  themselves  are  beasts. 

li*  For  ^Hhat  which  befalleth  the  sons  of 
n.en  befalleth  beasts;  even  one  tluug  be- 
tV.lleth  them:  as  the  one  dieth,  so  dieth  the 
other;  yea,  they  have  all  one  breath:  so 
that  a  man  hath  no  pre-eminence  above 
a  lieast:  for  all  is  vanity, 

i'O  All  go  unto  one  place; «  all  are  of  the 
dust,  and  all  turn  to  dust  again. 

21  Who  knoweth  the  spuit  6  of  man  that 
^  s;oeth  uiiward,  and  the  spirit  of  the  beast 
that  eoetn  downward  to  the  earth? 

•22  Wherefore  I  perceive  that  there  is  no- 
thing better,  than  that  a  man  shoald 
446 


C.  977. 


CHAP.  8. 

a  ch.  8.  6. 

1  to  bear. 

b  Heb.  9.  27. 
«  Gen.  9.  6. 
d  Ps.  149.  3. 

2  to  be  far 

Joel  2. 16. 
1  Cor.  7.6. 

3  Or,  seek. 

e  Amos  5.13, 
/Lu.  14.28. 

0  ch.  1.  3. 
h  ch.  1.  13. 

i  Deu.  32.  4. 
>  ch.  6.  17. 

£o.  11.  33. 
k  ch.  2.  24. 

1  Jam.  1. 17. 
"»ch.  1.  9. 

4  that  which 

n  ch.  6.  8. 
"  Job  34.  11. 

P«.  62.  12. 

Jer.l7. 10. 

Mat.  16.27. 

Rom.  2.  6. 

2  Cor. 5.10. 

2The8.1.6. 
6  Or,  that 

they  might 

clear  God, 


P  Ps.  49. 18. 
8  Gen.  3.  19. 

6  Of  the  eons 
of  man. 

7  ia  ascend, 
ing. 

ch.  12.  7. 


CHAP.  1. 

<»  Job  3.  17. 

6  Job  3.  11. 

ch.  6,  3. 

2  all  the 

Tightness 
of  work. 

3  this  is  th« 
envy  of  a 
man  from 
his  neigh~ 

«  Pro.  6.  10. 

Pro.  24.  33 
d  Pro.  27.20. 

1  John  2. 

16. 
"  Pa.  3S.  6. 


be  admoD- 
Pr'o.  28.12. 


CHAP.  6. 
«  Ex.  3.  5. 

Jos.  5. 15. 

P».  89.  7. 

Ps.  93.  6. 

U.  1. 12. 
» 1  Sam.  IS. 

22. 

Ps.  50.  8. 

Pro.  15.  8. 

Pro.  21. 27. 

Bet.  6  6. 
1  Or,  word. 
c  Pro.  10. 19. 

Kat.  6. 1. 


rejoice  in  his  own  works;  for  »■  that  is  his 
portion:  for  who  shall  bring  him  to  see 
what  shall  be  alter  him? 

CHAPTER  IV. 

1  Vanity  increased  unto  men  by  oppression,  4  bf 
envy,  6  by  idleness,  7  by  ccmetausness ,  9  by  s^u 
tariness,  13  and  by  wilfulness. 

00  I  returned,  and  considered  all  the  op- 
^  pressions  that  are  done  under  the  sun: 
and  behold  the  tears  of  such  as  were  op- 
pressed, and  they  had  no  comforter;  and 
on  the  1  side  of  their  oppressors  there  was 
power;  but  they  had  no  comforter. 

2  Wherefore  "  I  praised  the  dead  which 
are  aheady  dead,  more  than  the  living 
which  are  yet  alive. 

3  Yea,  *  better  is  he  than  both  they  which 
hath  not  yet  been,  who  hath  not  seen  the 
evil  work  that  is  done  under  tlie  sun. 

4  IT  Again,  I  considered  all  tiavail,  and 

2  every  right  work,  that  3  for  thi.s  a  man  is 
envied  of  his  neighbour.  This  is  also  \'anity 
and  vexation  of  spirit. 

5  fl  The  "  fool  foldeth  his  hands  togethei, 
and  eateth  his  own  flesh. 

6  Better  is  an  handful  with  quietness,  than 
both  the  hands  full  with  travail  and  vexa- 
tion of  spirit, 

T  %  Then  I  returned,  and  I  saw  vanity 
under  the  sun. 

8  There  is  one  alone,  and  there  is  not  a 
second;  yea,  he  hath  neither  child  nor 
brother:  yet  is  there  no  end  of  all  his  la- 
bour; neither  is  liis<ieye  satisfied  with 
riches ;  *  neither  saith  he,  For  whom  do  I 
labom-,  and  bereave  my  soul  of  good?  This 
is  also  vanity,  yea,  it  is  a  sore  travail, 

9  %  Two  are  better  than  one;  because 
they  have  a  good  reward  for  their  labour. 

10  For  if  they  fall,  the  one  will  lift  up  his 
ffeUow:  but  woe  to  him  that  is  alone  when 
he  falleth;  for  he  hath  not  another  to  help 
him  up. 

11  Again,  if  two  lie  together,  then  they 
have  heat:  but  how  can  one  be  warm  alone? 

12-And  if  one  prevail  against  him,  two  shall 
with.stand  him;  and  a  threefold  cord  is  not 
quickly  broken, 

13  %  ±5etter  is  a  poor  and  a  wise  child  than 
an  old  and  foolish  king,  *  who  will  no 
more  be  admonished, 

14  For  out  of  prison  he  cometh  to  reign; 
whereas  also  he  that  is  bom  in  his  kingdom 
becometh  poor, 

15  1  considered  all  the  living  which  walk 
under  the  sun,  with  the  second  child  that 
shall  stand  up  in  his  stead, 

16  There  is  no  end  of  all  the  people,  even 
of  all  that  have  been  before  them:  they 
also  that  come  after  shall  not  rejoice  in 
him.  Surely  this  also  is  vanity  and  vex- 
ation of  spirit. 

CHAPTER  V. 

1  Vanities  in  divine  service,  8  in  murmurktf 
against  oppression,  9  and  in  riches.  18  To  U¥€ 
contentedly  is  the  gift  of  Qod. 

"K'EEP  "  thy  foot  when  thou  goest  to  the 
-"-  house  of  God,  and  be  more  ready  to 
hear  *  than  to  give  the  sacrifice  of  fools:  for 
\h(ty  consider  not  that  they  do  e\Tl. 

2  Be  not  rash  with  thy  mouth,  and  let  not 
thine  heart  be  hasty  to  utter  any  i  thing 
before  God:  for  God  is  in  heaven,  and  thou 
upon  earth;  therefore  let  thy  "words  be 
few. 

3  For  a  dream  cometh  through  the  mul- 
titude of  business;  and  a  fool's  voice  u 
known  by  multitude  of  words. 


Vanity  of  Human  Labour. 


ECCLESIASTES.  HI. 


{Job,  28.  28;  Jer.  8.  9.).  16.  remembrance— a 
great  aim  of  the  worldly  (Gen.  11.  4.).  The 
rigliteous  alone  attain  it  (Ps.  112.  6;  Pro.  10. 
7.).  for  ever— no  perpetual  memorial,  tiiai 
which  now  is— Maur.,  "  In  the  days  tocome 
aU  things  shall  be  noio  long  ago  lorgotten." 
17.  l»isap)>ointed  in  one  experiment  after 
another  he  is  weary  of  life.  The  backslider 
ought  to  have  ratJier  reasoned  as  the  prodigal 
(Hos.  2.  6, 7;  Luke,  15. 17, 18.).  grievous  unto  me 
—(Job,  10.  1.).  18,  19.  One  hope  alone  was 
left  to  the  disappointed  worldling,  the  per- 
petuation of  his  name  and  riches,  iaiioriously 
gathered,  through  his  successor.  For  selfish- 
ness is  mostly  at  the  root  of  worldly  parents' 
alleged  providence  for  their  children.  Eut 
now  the  remembrance  of  how  he  himself,  the 
piously  reared  child  of  David,  had  disre- 
garded his  father's  dying  charge  (1  Chr.  28.  9,', 
suggested  the  sad  misgiving  as  to  whatEeho- 
boam,  his  son  by  an  idolatrous  Ammoniiess, 


JNaamah,  should  prove  to  be;  a  foreboding 
too  fully  realised  (1  Ki.  12.;  14.  21-31.).  20.  I 
gave  up  as  desperate  all  hope  of  solid  fruit 
from  my  labour,  21.  Suppose  "there  is  a 
man,"  &c.  equity— rather.  "  with  success,"  as 
the  Hebrew  is  rendered  (eh.  11. 6,),  "  prosper," 
though  Marg.  gives  "right."  [HoL.  and 
Maur.]  evil— not  in  itself,  for  this  is  the 
ordinary  course  of  things,  but  "evil,"  as  re- 
gards the  chief  good,  tiiat  one  should  have 
toiled  so  fruitlessly.  22.  Same  sentiment  as 
V.  21,  interrogatively.  23.  The  only  Iruit  he 
has  is,  not  only  sorrows  in  his  days,  but  all 
his  days  are  sorrows,  and  his  travail  (not 
only  lias  griefs  connected  with  it,  but  is  it- 
self] grief.  24.  E.  V.  sives  a  seemingly  Epi- 
curean sense,  contrary  to  the  general  scope. 
The  Heb.,  lit.,  is,  "  It  is  not  good  for  man  that 
he  should  eat,"  &c.,  "and  should  make  his 
soul  see  good"  (or  "show  his  soul, i.e.,  Mmseir, 
happy,"],  &c.  [Weiss]  According  to  Hol.  and 
W  Eiss,  ch.  3. 12, 22,  ditier  from  this  verse  in  the 
text  and  meaning:  here  he  means,  "  It  is  not 
good  that  a  man  should  feast  himself,  and 
falsely  make  as  though  his  soul  were  happy;" 
he  Vbus  refers  to  a  false  pretending  of  hap- 
piness acquired  by  and  for  one's  self;  in  ch. 
3.  12,  22,  and  5. 18, 19,  to  real  seeing,  or  Jlnding 
pleasure  whe7i,  God  gives  it.  There  it  is  said 
to  Be  good  for  a  man  to  enjoy  with  satisiac- 
tion  and  thankfulness  the  blessings  which 
God  gives ;  here  it  is  said  not  to  be  good  to 
take  an  unreal  pleasure  to  one's  self  by  least 
ing,  &c.  Tnis  also  I  saw— I  perceived  by  ex- 
perience that  good  (real  pleasure)  is  not  to  be 
taken  at  wiU,  but  comes  only  from  the  hand 
of  God  [Weiss]  (Ps.  4.  6;  Isa.67.  19-21.).  Or 
as  HoL.,  "It  is  the  appointment  from  the 
hand  of  God,  that  the  sensualist  has  no  solid 
satisfaction"  (good.).  25.  hasten— after  indul- 
gences (Pro.  7.  23;  19,  2,),  eagerly  pursue  such 
enjoyments.  None  can  compete  with  me  in 
this.  If  I,  then,  with  all  my  opportunities  of 
enjoynjent,  failed  utterly  to  obtain  solid 
pleasure  of  my  own  making;,  apart  from  God, 
who  else  can?  God  mercifully  spares  His 
children  the  sad  experiment  which  Solomon 
made,  by  denying  them  the  goods  which  they 
often  desire.  He  gives  them  the  fruits  of 
fcolomon's  experience,  without  their  paying 
the  dear  price  at  which  Solomon  bought  it. 
26.  True,  literally,  in  the  Jewish  theocracy; 
and  in  some  measure  in  all  ages  Job,  27. 
16, 17;  Pro.  13.  22;  28.  8.).  Though  the  retri- 
bution be  not  so  visible  ana  immediaie 
now  as  then,  it  is  no  less  real.    Happiness 


A  Seasdnfor  Every  Thing. 

even  here  is  more  truly  the  portion  of  th« 
godly  (Ps.  84.  U;  Mat.  6.  6;  Mark,  lo.  -9,  30; 
iiom.  8.  28;  1  Tim.  4.  8.).  thai  iie  Ithe  sin- 
ner] may  give  — i.e.,  unconsciously  and  in 
spite  of  himself.  The  godly  SoUunon  had 
satisfaction  in  his  riches  ana  wisdnm,  when 
God  gave  them  (2  Chr.  1.  .  The  bj.ckslidiiii; 
Solomon  had  no  happiness,  when  he  soughi, 
it  in  them  apart  from  God;  and  tiie  richets 
which  he  heaped  up  became  the  prey  of 
Shishak  (2  Chi-.  12.), 

CHAPTEE  m. 
Ver.  1-22.    Earthly  pursuits  are  no  doubt 
lawful  in  their  proper  time  and  order  {v.  1-8,;, 
but  unprofitable  when  out  of  time  and  place, 
as  for  instance,  when  pursued  as  the  solid 
and  chief  good  [v.  9,  lO;,i;  whereas  God  makes 
every  thing   beautiful  in  its  season,  which 
man  obscurely  comprehends  Iv.  n.i.    God 
allows  man  to  enjoy  moderately  and  virtu- 
ously His  earthly  gifts  (».  12, 13.).    What  con- 
soles us  amidst  the  instabi  lity  of  eart  i  .iy  bless- 
ings is,  Ged's  counsels  are  immutable  v.  14.), 
1.  Man  has  his  apiointed  cycle  of  sea&ons  and 
vicissitudes,  as  the  sun,  wind,  and  water  (ch. 
1.  6-7.).    purpose— as  there  is  a  fixed  "  .season" 
in  God's  "purposes"  [ex.gr..  He  has  fixed  the 
"time"  when  man  is  "to  be  born,"  and  "to 
die,"  V.  2,',  so  there  is  a  lawful  "time"  £or 
man  to  carry  out  his  "purpose.s"  and  inclina- 
tions.   God  does  not  condemn,  but  approves 
of,  the  "use"  of  earthly  blessings  \v.  12;);  it 
is  the  "abuse"  that  He  condemns,  the  mak- 
ing them  the  chief  end  (1  Cor.  7.  31.).    The 
earth,  without  human  desires,  love,  taste,  joy, 
sorrow,  would  be  a  dreary  waste,  v.  ithout 
water;  bat,  on  the  other  hand,  the  misplacing 
and  excess  of  them,  as  of  a  flood,  need  con- 
trol,   Keason  and  revelation  are  given  to 
control  them.    2.  time  to  die— (Ps.  31. 1.5 ;  Heb, 
9.  27.}.     plant— A  man  can  no  more  reverse 
the  times  and  order  of  "  planting,"  and  of 
"  digging  up,"  and  transplanting,  than  he  can 
alter  the  times  fixed  lor  his  "birth"  and 
death."    To  try  to  "plant"  out  of  season  is 
vanity,  however  good  tn  season;  so  to  make 
earthly  things  the  chief  end  is  vanity,  how- 
ever good  they  be  in  order   and   season^ 
Gill  takes  it,  not  so  well.  Jig.,  (Jer.  18.  7,  9* 
Amos,  9.  15;  Mat.  15,  13.,,     3.  time  to  kill— 
viz.,  judicially,  criminals;  or,  in  wars  of  self- 
defence;  not  in  maUce.    Out  of  this  time  and 
order,  killing  is  murder,    to  heal— God  has 
His  times  lor  "healing,"  Hit,  Isa.  38.  6,  2i; 
fig.,  Deut,  32.  39;  Hos.  6.  1 ;  spiritually,  Ps.  14?. 
3;  Isa.  57.  19.),     To  heal  spiritually,  before 
the  sinner  feels  his  wound,  would  be  out  of 
time,  and  so  injurious,    time  to  break  dcwn— 
cities,   as  Jerusalem,  by  Nebuchadnezzar, 
buim  up— as  Jerusalem,  in  the  time  of  Zerub- 
babel;  spiritually  (Amos,  9,  11,),  "the  set 
time"  (Ps,  102, 13-16.).    4.  mourn— r?,'2.,  for  the 
dead  (Gen.  23. 2,),    dance— as  David  before  the 
ark  (2  bam.  6.  12-14;  Ps.  30.  11;);  spii-ituaJiy 
(Mat.  9. 15;  Luke,  6. 21;  15. 25.).  The  Pharisees, 
by  requiring  sadness  out  of  time,  erred  seri- 
ously.   5.  cast  away  stones- as  out  of  a  garden 
or  vineyard  (Isa.  5.  2.).    gather— for  building, 
fig.,  the  (ientiles.once  cast-away  stones,  were 
in  due  time  made  parts  of  the  spiritual  build- 
ing (Eph.  2. 19,  20,1,  and  children  of  Abraham 
(Mat.  3.  9;);  so  the  restored  Jews  hereattei 
(Ps.  102, 13, 14;  Zech. 9. 16.).    refrain . , .  embrac- 
ing—(Joel,  2.  16;  1  Cor.  7.  5,  6.).    6.  time  to  get 
ex.  gr.,  to  gain  honestly  a  livelihood  lEph. 
28./.    lose— when  Cod  wills-losses  to  us, 
then  ifi  our  tim«  to  be  content,   keep- not  to 


SatelUncy  of  God's  WoTk$. 


ECCLESIASTES.  HI.      Man  Compared  to  the  Beasts. 


Rive  to  the  idle  beggar  (2  Tbes.  3. 10.).  cast 
away— in  charity  (Ir^o.  11.  24;):  or  to  part 
•with  the  dearest  object,  rather  than  the  soul 
{Mark,  9.  43.).    To  be  caretiil  is  right  in  its 


3lace,  but  notjwhen  it  comes  between  us  and 
----,.  '  -gar- 

ments,  in  rriourning   (Joel,   2.   13.).     Fig., 


Sla( 
es 


us  Christ  iLuke,  10.  40-42.).     7.  rend— gar- 


iiat.oDS,  as  Israel  from  Judah,  already  fore 
told,  in  Solomon's  tinae  (l  Ki.  11.  30,  31,),  to 
be  "sewed"  together  hereafter  'Ez.  37. 16, 22.). 
silence— (Amos.  6. 1;^.),  in  a  national  calamLiy, 
or  that  of  a  friend  (Job.  2.  13;;;  also  not  to 
murmur  under  God's  visitation  (Lev.  10.  3; 
Ps.  39.  1,  2,  9.).  8.  hate— t;a;.  gr..  sin,  lusts 
(Luke,  14.  26;);  i.e.,  to  love  God  so  much 
move,  as  to  seem  in  comparison  to  hate 
"father  or  mother,"  when  conung  lietwetn 
us  and  God.  time  of  war . . .  peace—  (Luke,  14. 
31.).  9.  Lut  these  earthly  pursuits,  wliilst 
lawful  in  their  season,  are  "unprofitable" 
when  made  by  man,  what  God  never  intended 
them  to  be,  the  chief  good.  Solomon  had 
tried  to  create  an  artificial  forcAl  joy,  at 
times  when  he  ought  rather  to  have  been 
serious;  the  resiilt,  therefore,  of  his  labour 
to  be  happy,  out  of  God's  order,  was  disap- 
pointn,ent.  "A  time  to  plant"  v.  2,;,  reters 
to  his  pUxitting  (ch.  2. 6;) ;  "laugh"  (v.  4,),  to  ch. 
2. 1,  2,  "his  mirth,"  "laughter;"  "buildup," 
"gather  stones"  {v.3,  5,),  to  his  "building" 
(ch.  2.  4;);  "embrace."  "love,"  to  his  'prin- 
cess" (note,  ch.  2.  8;);  "get"  (perhaps  also 
"gather,"  v.  6,  6,),  to  his  "gathering"  (ch. 
2.  8. 1.  All  these  were  of  no  "  profit,"  because 
not  in  God's  time  and  order  of  bestowing 
happiness.  10.  [Ch.  1.  13.).  11.  his  time— 
i.e.,  tn  'its  proper  season  (Ps.  1.  3.),  opposed  to 
worldlings  putting  earthly  pursuits  out  oj 
their  proper  time  and  place  (note,  v.  9.).  set 
the  woriQ  lu  their  heart— given  them  capacities 
to  untierstand  the  world  of  nature  as  reflect- 
ing Gofi's  wLsdom  in  its  beautiful  order  and 
times  (Eom.  1. 19, 20.).  "  Every  thing"  answers 
to  "  world,"  in  the  paralieli.-.m.  no  that— i.e., 
but  in  such  a  manner  that  man  only  sees  a  por- 
tion, not  the  whole  "  from  beginning  to  end" 
/ch.  8.  17;  Job,  26.  14;  Eom.  11.  33;  Kev.  16.4.). 
rARKH.,  ior  "world,"  transl.  "Yet  He  hath 
put  ohscurity  in  the  midst  oj  them"  lit.,  a 
secret;  so  n  an's  mental  dnnness  of  sight  as  to 
the  lull  mystery  of  God's  works,  bo  EIol. 
and  "Weiss.  This  incapacity  for  "finding 
out"  (comprehending)  God's  work  is  chittly 
the  fruit  of  the  iaU.  Tlie  worldling  ever  since, 
not  knowing  God's  time  and  order,  labours 
in  vain,  because  out  of  time  and  place.  12. 
in  them— in  God's  works  (v.  11,).  as  far  as  re- 
lates to  man's  duty.  Man  cannot  fully  com- 
prehend them,  but  he  ought  joyfully  to  re- 
ceive ("rejoice  in")  God's  gifts,  and  do 
good"  with  them  to  himself  and  to  others. 
'Ihis  is  never  out  of  season  (Gal.  6.  9,  10.). 
Not  sensual  joy  and  self-indulgence  (Phil.  4. 
4;  Jam.  4.  10, 17.).  13.  Lit,  "And  also  as  to 
every  man  who  eats."  &c.,  "  this  is  the  gift  of 
God"  V.  22;  ch.  6.  18.).  When  received  as 
God's  gifts,  and  to  God's  glory,  the  good 
things  of  lile  are  enjoyed  in  their  due  time 
and  order  (Acts,  2.  46;  l  Cor.  lo.  31;  1  'lim.  4. 
3  4  14.  (1  Sam.  3. 12;  2  Sam.  23.  6;  Es.  89. 
34;  Mat.  24.  36;  Jam.  1. 17.'.  for  ever— as  op- 
posed to  man's  perishing  labours  (ch.  2. 16- 
18  ).  any  thing  taken  from  it  —  opposed  to 
n  an's  "crooked  and  wanting"  works  (ch.  1. 
15-  7.  13.).  The  event  of  man's  labours  tie- 
pends  wholly  on  God's  immutable  purpose. 
Man's  part,  therefore,  is  to  do  and  enjoy 
44CU] 


every  earthly  thing  in  its  proper  season  v.  li, 
13,),  not  setting  aside  God's  order,  but  ob- 
serving deep  reverence  towards  God;  for  the 
mysteriousness  and  unchangeableness  of 
God's  purposes  are  designed  to  lead  "man  to 
fear  before  Him."  Man  knows  not  the  event 
of  each  act,  otherwise  he  would  think  liim- 
self  independent  of  God.  15.  Eesumption  of 
ch.  1.  9.  Whatever  changes  there  be.  tha 
succession  of  events  is  ordered  by  Goo's 
"everlasting"  laws  iv.  14,),  and  returns  in  a 
fixed  cycle,  requireth  that . . .  past— after  many 
changes,  God's  law  requires  the  return  oi  the 
same  cycle  of  events,  as  in  the  past,  lit.,  that 
which  is  driven  on.  LXX.  and  Syr.  transl., 
"  God  requireth  (i.e.,  avengeth)  the  persecuted 
man ;"  a  transition  to  v.  16.  17.  The  parallel 
clauses  of  the  verse  support  E.  V.  16.  liere 
a  difficulty  is  suggested.  If  God  "  requires" 
evenis  to  move  in  their  perpetual  cycle,  why 
are  the  wicked  allowed  to  deal  unrighteously 
in  the  place  where  injustice  ought  least  of  all 
to  be.  viz.,  "the  place  of  judgment"  (Jer.  12, 
1 1.).  17.  Solution  of  it.  There  is  a  coming 
judgment  in  which  God  will  vindicate  His 
righteous  ways.  The  sinner's  "time"  of  his 
unrighteous  "work"  is  short.  God  also  has 
His  "time"  and  "work"  of  judgment;  and, 
meanwhile,  is  overrulmg,  for  good  at  last, 
what  seems  now  dark.  Man  cannot  now 
"  find  out"  the  plan  of  God's  ways  iv.  ii;  Ps. 
97.  2.).  If  judgment  instantly  followed  every 
sin,  there  would  be  no  scope  for  free  wiU, 
faith,  and  perseverance  of  saints  in  spite 
of  diiliculties.  The  previous  darkness  will 
make  the  light  at  last  the  more  glorious, 
there- (Job.  3. 17-19,),  in  eternity,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  divine  Judge,  opposed,  to  the 
"  there."  in  the  human  place  of  judgment  {v, 
16;);  so  "from  thence"  (Gen. 49. 24.).  18.  estate 
—the  estate  of  fallen  man  is  so  ordered 
(these  wrongs  are  permitted),  thatGod  might 
"manifest,"  i.e.,  thereby  prove  them,  and 
that  they  might  themselves  see  their  mortal 
frailty,  like  that  of  the  beasts,  sons  of  men— 
rather,  sons  of  Adam,  a  phrase  used  for  Jaltm 
men.  The  toleration  of  injustice  until  the 
ijudgment  is  designed  to  "manifest"  men's 
1  characters  in  their  fallen  state,  to  see  whether 
'the  oppressed  will  bear  themselves  aright 
ajjiidsi  their  wrongs,  knowing  that  the  tiftie 
I  is  short,  and  there  is  a  coming  judgment. 
j  The  oppressed  share  in  death,  but  the  com- 
parison to  "beasts"  applies  especially  to  ihe 
\ungodLy  oppressors  (Ps.  49. 12.  20;);  they  too 
I  need  to  be  "manifested"  (proved,;,  whether, 
j  considering  that  they  must  soon  die  as  the 
"  beasts,"  and  fearing  the  judgment  to  couic, 
I  they  will  repent  (Dan.  4.  27.).  19.  Lit,  "  l(_r 
j  the  sons  of  men  (Adam)  are  a  mere  chance, 
as  also  the  beast  is  a  mere  chance."  The.e 
words  can  only  be  the  sentiments  of  the 
[sceptical  oppressors.  God's  delay  in  jucg- 
iment  gives  scope  for  the  "manifestation"  of 
their  infidelity  (ch.  8. 11;  Fs.  56.  19;  2  Pet.  ;;, 
3.  4.).  They  are  "  brute  beasts,"  morally  v, 
18;  Jude,  10;);  and  they  end  by  maintr.inins; 
that  man,  physically,  has  no  pre-eminence 
over  the  beast,  both  alike  being  "  fortuities." 
Probably  this  was  the  language  of  Solonxn 
himself  in  his  apostasy.  He  answers  it  m  v. 
21.  If  V.  19,  20,  be  Ms  words,  they  express 
only  that  as  regards  liability  to  dca^/),  exclud- 
ing' the  future  judgment,  as  the  sceptic  op- 
£rtShorsdo,  man  is  on  a  level  with  the  beast, 
ile  is  "vanity,"  if  regarded  independently 
of  religion.    But  v.  21  points  out  the  vast 


Vanity  throuqh  Oppression. 


ECCLESIASTES.  IV.  V. 


Vanity  of  Kingly  Power. 

account  of  his  infatuation.  9.  Two— opT)oce(i 
to  "one"  (v.  8.1.  Ties  of  union,  niarririfre 
triendship.  religious  communion,  are  hotter 
tlian  the  selfi.sh  solitariness  of  the  miser  i(ien. 
2. 18.).  reward— advantage  accrues  from  their 
efl'orts  being  conjoined.  Talm  .says.  "A 
man  without  a  companion  is  hke  a  left,  hand 
without  the  right."  10.  if  they  fali-if  thr  ove 
or  othrr  fall,  as  may  happen  to  both,  viz.,  into 
any  distress  of  body,  mind,  or  soul.  11. 
1  Ki.  1.  1.).  The  image  is  taken  from  mnn 
and  wife,  but  applies  universally  to  the 
warm  sympathy  derived  from  social  ties. 
So  Cliristian  ties  (Luke.  21.  32;  Acts.  28.  l.-s. . 

12.  one— enemy,  thveelold  cord  — proverbial 
for  a.  combination  of  many,  ex.  gr.,  husViand, 
wife,  and  children  (Pro.  11. 14;) ;  so  Christians, 
(Luke,  10.  1;  Col.  2.  2, 19.).  Untwist  the  cord, 
and  the  separate  threads  are  easily  "  Viroken." 

13.  The  "  threefold  cord"  of  social  ties  sug- 
gests the  subject  of  civil  governavent.  In  this 
case  too,  he  concludes  that  kingly  power 
confers  no  lasting  happiness.  The  '"wise" 
child,  though  a  supposed  case  of  Solomon, 
answers,  in  the  event  foreseen  by  the  Holy 
(4host,  to  Jeroboam,  then  a  poor  but  valiant 
youth,  once  a  "  servant"  of  Solon  on.  and  (1 
Ki.  11.  20-40'  apitointed  by  God  through  the 
l>rophet  Ahijah  to  be  heir  of  the  kingdom  of 
the  ten  tribes  about  to  be  rent  from  Eeho- 
boam.  The  '"old  and  foolish  kin;;"  an.swers 
to  Solomon  himself,  who  had  lost  his  wis- 
dom, when,  in  defiance  of  two  warnings  of 
God  (1  Ki.  3.  14;  9.  2-9,),  he  forsook  God. 
will  no  more  be  admonished— knows  not  yet 
how  to  take  warning  (see  Mara.).  God  had 
by  Ahijah  already  intimated  the  judgment 
coming  on  Solomon  (1  Ki.  11.  11-13.'.    14.  out 

pdson— Solomon  uses  tliis  phrase  of  a  sup- 
posed case,  ex.  gr.,  Joseph  raised  from  a 
dunaeon  to  be  lord  of  Egypt.  His  words  are 
at  the  same  time  so  framed  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  that  they  answer  virtually  to  Jero- 
boam who  fled  to  escape  a  "  prison"  and  death 
from  Solomon,  to  Shishak  of  Egypt  (I  Ki. 
11.  40.1.  This  unconscious  presaging  of  his 
own  doom,  and  that  of  Eehoboam,  consti- 
tutes the  irony.  David's  elevation  from 
poverty  and  exile,  under  Saul  iwhich  may 
have  been  before  Solomon's  mind,),  had  so 
tar  their  counterpart  in  tbat  of  Jeroboam, 
whereas . . .  becometh  poor— rather,  *'  though  he 
(the  youth)  was  born  poor  in  his  kingdom" 
(in  the  land  where  afterwards  he  was  to 
reiun.).  15.  "I  considered  all  the  living," 
the  present  generation,  in  relation  to  ("with") 
the  ''second  youth"  (the  legitimate  siiccessor 
which  men  so  much  covet,  is  the  very  source  ( of  "  the  old  king,"  as  opposed  to  the  "  poor 
of  provoking  oppression  {v.  1)  and  "envy,"  youth,"  the  one  first  spoken  of,  about  to  be 
so  far  is  it  from  constituting  the  chief  good.  I  raised  from  poverty  to  a  throne,),  i.e.,  Eeho- 
6.  Still  the  "fool"  (the  wicked  oppressor)  isiboam.  in  his  stead— the  old  king's.  16.  Not- 
not  to  be  envied  even  in  this  life,  who  "folds  j  withstanding  their  now  worshipping  the  ris- 
his  hands  together"  in  idleness  (Pro.  6.  10;  24.  |ing  sun,  the  heir-apparent,  I  reflected  that 
3.i.).  living  on  the  means  he  wrongfully  wrests  ;  "  there  were  no  bounds  no  stability  (2  Sam. 
from  others:  for  such  a  one  "eateth  his  own  1 15.  0;  20.  1,),  no  check  on  the  love  of  innova- 
flesh,"  i.e.,  is  a  self-tormcntor,ne\eT  satisfied,  lion;  of  all  that  have  been  before  them,"  i.e., 
his  'spirit  preying  on  itself  Isa.  9.  20;  49.  20.,'.  ;  the  past  generation:  so  "also  they  that  come 
6.  Heh..  "  Une  open  hand  [palm)  full  of  quiet-  after,"  i.e..  the  next  eeneration,^^"  shall  riot 

ness.  than  both  cio-sed /lands /it/i  o/ travail."       --  .    .  .-^ 

"Quietness."    (mental  tranquillity  flowing 

from   honest  labour,),  opposed   to  "  eating  bounds,"  no  per^nanent  adherence,  though 

one's   own   flesh"   {v.    6,),   also   opposed   to  now  men  rejoice  in  him. 


difference  between  them  ui  respect  to  the 
future  destiny;  also  [v.  17,),  beasts  have  no 
"judgment"  to  come,  breath— vitaliiy.  21. 
Who  kuoweth— Not  doubt  of  the  destination 
of  man's  spirit  (ch.  12.  7;r,  but  ''hmv  f>v\ 
by  reason  of  the  outward  mortality  to  which 
man  is  as  liable  as  the  beast,  and  which  is  the 
ground  of  the  sceptic's  argument,  compre- 
hend the  wide  difference  between  man  and 
the  beast"  ilsa.  63. 1.).  The  Hebrew  exi)resse3 
the  difference  strongly.  "  The  spirit  of  man 
that  ascends,  it  belongeth  to  on  high;  but  the 
sp  rit  o!  the  beast  that  descends,  it  belongeth 
to  below,  even  to  the  earth."  Their  destina- 
tions and  proper  element  differ  utterly. 
[Weiss.]  22.  (Cf.  v.12;  ch.  6. 18.).  Inculcating 
a  thankful  enjoyment  of  God's  gifts,  and  a 
cheerful  discharge  of  mnn's  duties,  founded 
on  fear  of  God;  not  as  tJie  sensualist  (ch.  11. 
9;);  -uot  as  the  anxious  money-seeker  (ch.  2. 
23;  .5.  10-17.).  his  portion— in  the  present  life. 
If  it  were  made  his  main  portion,  it  would 
be  "  vanity"  (ch.  2. ,1;  Luke,  16.  25.  .  for  who, 
&c.— nur  ignorance  as  to  the  future,  which  is 
God's  "time"  [v.  11,),  should  lead  us  to  use 
the  present  time  in  the  best  sense,  and  leave 
the  future  to  His  infinite  wisdom  (Mat.  6. 
20,  25,  31-34.). 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Ver.  1-16.  1.  returned— i;iz.,  to  the  thought 
set  forth  (ch.  3.  16;  Job.  35.  9.1.  power  — 
Maur.,  not  so  well,  "violence."  no  comtbrter 
—  twice  said  to  express  continued  suffering 
without  any  to  give  comfort  (Isa.  53.  7).  2. 
A  profane  sentiment  if  severed  from  its  con- 
nection; but  just  in  its  bearing  on  Solomon's 
scope.  If  relit;ion  were  not  taken  into  account 
(ch.  3. 17, 19,),  to  die  as  soon  as  possible  would 
be  desirable,  so  as  not  to  suffer  or  witness 
"oppressions;"  and  stiU  more  so,  not  to  be 
born  at  all  (ch.  7.  1.).  Job  (3. 13:  21.  7,  ,  David 
(Ps.  73.3.  &c.,),  Jeremiah  (12. 1,),  Habakkuk  (1. 
13,),  all  passed  through  the  same  perplexity, 
until  they  went  into  the  sanctuary,  and  look- 
ed bevond  the  present  to  the  "judgment"  (Fs. 
73. 17;  Hab.  2.  20;  3. 17, 18.).  Then  they  saw  the 
need  ot  delay,  before  completely  punishing  the 
wicked,  to  give  space  for  repentance,  or  else 
for  accumulation  of  wrath  iRom.  2. 15;);  and 
before  completely  rewarding  the  godly,  to  give 
room  for  faith  and  perseverance  in  tribula- 
tion Ps.  92.  7-12.).  Earnests,  however,  are 
often  even  now  given,  by  partial  judgments,  of 
the  future  complete  one,  to  assure  us,  in  spite 
of  difficulties,  that  God  governs  the  earth.  3. 
seen  — nor  experienced.  4.  right— rather  (as 
ch.    2.   21,   note,),   prosperous.     Prosperity 


rejoice  in  him,"  viz.,  Eehoboam.  Tlie  parallel, 
shall  not  rejoice,"  fixes  the  sense  of  "no 


anxious  labour  to  gain  (?;.  8;  Pro.  15.  10, 17; 
16.  8.  .  1.  A  vanity,  descj-ibed  in  v.%.  8.  nor, 
L  second— no  partner,  child— "son  or  brother," 


CHAPTER  V, 

Ver.  1-20.    1.  From  vanity  connected  with 

kings,  he  passes  to  va,nities  [v.  7\  which  may 


put  for  any  heir  Deut.  25.  5-10.).    eye— (ch.  1.  be  fallen  into  in  sen-ing  the  King  of  kings, 

8.).    The  miser  would  not  be  able  to  give  an  even  by  those  who,  convinced  of  the  vanity 

446  [2]  i  .V 


TJie  vanitfj  of  riches. 


ECCLESTASTES,  VI,  VTL 


Remedies  against  vanitp. 


4  When  ^  thou  vowest  a  vow  unto  God, 
defer  not  to  pay  it;  for  he  hath  no  iileasuie 
in  fools:  ■  pay  ttiat  which  taou  hast  vowed. 

5  Belter /is  it  that  thou  shouldest  not 
vow,  than  that  thou  shouldest  vow  and  not 
pay. 

6  Suffer  not  thy  month  to  cause  thy  flesh 
to  sin;''  noi.her  say  thou  before  the  iirigel, 
tliat  it  was  an  error:  wherefore  should 
Gnil  be  an^rry  at  thy  voice,  and  destroy  the 
work  of  thine  hands? 

7  for  in  the  multitude  of  dreams  and 
many  words  there  are  also  divers  vanities: 
but »  fear  thou  God. 

8ir  If  thou»seest  the  oppression  of  the 
poor,  and  violent  perverting  of  judgment 
and  justice  in  a  province,  marvfl  not  2  at 
the  matter:  for  ■'  }ie  that  is  higher  than  the 
highest  regardeth ;  and  there  be  higher  than 
thej. 

9 1i  Moreover  the  profit  of  the  earth  is  for 
all:  the  idug  /ti)nsrt;"i3  served  by  the  field. 

10  He  that  loveth  silver  shall  not  be 
satisfied  with  silver;  nor  he  that  loveth 
abundance  with  increase.  This  is  also 
vanity. 

11  When  goods  increase,  they  are  increased 
that  eat  tnem:  and  what  good  is  there  to 
the  owners  thereof,  saving  the  beholding 
of  them  with  their  eyes? 

'12  The  sleep  of  a  labouring  man  is  sweet, 
whether  he  eat  little  or  much:  but  the 
abundance  of  the  rich  will  not  suffer  him 
to  sleep. 

13  There  *  is  a  sore  evil  ichicKl  have  seen 
under  the  sun,  namelr/,  riches  kept  for  the 
owners  thereof  to  their  hurt. 

14  But  those  riches  perish  by  evil  travail; 
and  he  begetteth  a  son,  and  there  is  no- 
thing in  his  hand. 

15  As '  he  came  forth  of  his  mother's 
womb,  naked  shall  he  return  to  go  as  he 
came,  and  shall  take  nothing  of  his  labour, 
which  he  may  carry  away  in  his  hand. 

16  And  this  also  is  a  sore  evil,  that  in  all 
points  as  he  came,  so  shall  he  go:  and'^'hat 
profit  hath  he  that  "  hath  laboured  for  the 
wind? 

17  All  his  days  also  he  •  eateth  in  dark- 
ness, and  he  hath  much  sorrow  and  wrath 
with  his  sickness. 

18 11  Behold  that  which  I  have  seen:  8  it  ie 
rood  and  comely  for  one  to  eat  and  to 
drink,  and  to  enjoy  the  good  of  all  his  la- 
bour that  he  taketh  under  the  sian  *  aU  the 
days  of  his  life,  which  God  giveth  him;  for 
it  is  his  portion. 

19  Every  man  also  to  whom  God  hath 

f'lven  riches  and  wealth,  and  hath  given 
im  power  to  eat  thereof,  and  to  take  his 
portion,  and  to  rejoice  in  his  labour;  this 
t.f  the  gift  of  God. 

•JO  5  For  he  shall  not  much  remember  the 
d  lys  of  his  life;  because*  God  answereth 
him  in  the  joy  of  his  heart. 

CHAPTER  VI. 
1  Vanity  of  riches  without  use;  3  of  many  chil- 
dren, 'ind  lon<i  life,  withoMt  good;  7  of  insati- 
ahle  d'^sires,  etc. 

'piiEUE  is  an  evil  which  I  have  seen 
under  the  sun,  and  it  is  common  among 
men: 

2  A  man  to  whom  God  hath  given  riches, 
wealth,  and  honour,  "  so  that  he  wanteth 
noiiiing  for  his  soul  of  all  that  he  desireth, 
J  et  *  (;od  giveth  him  not  power  to  eat 
thereof,  but  a  stranger  eateth  it:  this  is 
TfUiitjr,  and  it  is  an  e\al  disease. 
M7 


B.  C.  977. 


a  Num.31).  2. 
e  P«.  66.  13. 
/  Acts  5.  4. 
g  1  Cor.  11. 

10. 

lTim.5.21. 
A  Pro.  23.17. 

Hch  1228. 
i  ch.  3.  IB. 

2  at  I  he  will, 
or,  pur- 
pose. 

;•  fs.  53. 11. 

Pa.  82. 1. 
*:<;h.  6.  1. 
I  Job  1.  21. 

1  Tim.  6.7. 
»»ch.  1.  3. 
"  Pro.  11,29. 
o  1'..  \2-  2. 

3  thrro  is  a 
goiidwliich 

1  Tim.  6. 


CHAP.  0. 

0  Job.  21.10. 
Pi.  17.  H. 
Pi.  73.  7. 

b  Luke  12.20. 
cSKinU.SS. 

Is.  14.  19. 

Jflr.  22.  19. 
d  Jub  3.  16. 

Pi.  68.  8. 
e  Pro.  16.26. 

1  Tim.  6. 

6-8. 

1  soul. 

2  than  the 
walking  of 
the  toul. 

f  Job  9.  32. 
is.  45.  9. 
Jer.  49. 19. 

3  the  num- 
ber of  the 
days  of  the 
life  of  his 
Tanitj. 

e  Jam.  4.  14. 
h  Ps.  39.  6. 


CHAP.  7. 

a  PhU.  1.  23. 

Kev.  14.13. 

6  Mat.  6.  4. 

1  Or.Anger. 
e  2  Cor.  7.10. 

2  iouod. 
d  Ex.  23.  8. 

Deu.  16  19. 
e  Pro.  14.  29. 
/Pro.  16.32. 

Jam.  1.  19. 


4  Or,  as 
good  as  an 

ance,  yea, 
better  too, 

6  shadow. 
Pro.  2.  11. 

g  U.  14.  27. 


I  sulfa  man  beget  an  hundred  chiUretK 
i  and  live  many  years,  so  that  ttie  days  or 
ihis  years  be  many,  and  his  soul  be  not 
.  j  tilled  with  good,  and  "  also  that  he  have 
no  biii-ial;  1  saj',  ''t/iatan  untimely  birth  is 
better  than  he: 

4  For  he  cometh  in  with  vanity,  and  de- 
parteth  in  darkness,  and  his  name  shall  be 
covered  with  darkness. 

5  Moreover  he  hath  not  seen  the  sun,  nor 
known  a)iy  thing:  this  haih  more  rest  than 
the  other. 

6  Yea,  though  he  live  a  thousand  yeara 
twice  told,  yet  hath  he  seen  no  good:  do 
not  all  L'o  to  one  place? 

7  All '  the  labour  of  man  ia  for  his  mouth, 
and  yet  the  i  appetite  is  not  fiUed. 

8  For  what  hath  the  wise  more  than  the 
fool?  what  hath  the  poor,  thatknoweth  to 
walk  before  the  living? 

9  Better  is  the  sight  of  the  eyes  -  than  the 
wandering  of  the  desire:  this  is  also  vanity 
and  vexation  of  spirit.  * 

10  If  That  which  hath  oeen  is  named  al- 
ready,  and  it  is  known  that  it  is  man: 
neither /may  he  contend  with  him  that 
is  mightier  than  he. 

11  Seeing  there  be  many  things  that  in- 
ert ;'se  vanity,  what  is  man  the  better? 

1'2  For  who  knoweth  what  is  good  for  man 
in  this  life,  ^  all  the  days  of  his  vain  life 
which  he  spendethas^ashadow?  for ''who 
can  tell  a  man  what  shall  be  after  him 
under  the  sun? 

CHAPTER  VII. 
I   Remtdie)  against  vanity  are  a  good  name,  2 

mcrti_fication,  7  patience,  11  wisdom.    2S  Dijffi- 

culty  cf  getting  wisdom. 

A  GOOD  name  is  better  than  precious 
"'^  ointment;  and  <•  the  day  of  death  than 
the  day  of  one's  birth. 

2  ^  /(  is  better  to  go  to  the  ^  house  of 
mom-ning  than  to  go  to  the  house  offcast- 
iiig:  for  that  is  the  end  of  all  men;  and  the 
livmg  will  lay  it  to  his  heart. 

3  1  Sorrow  is  better  than  laughter:  *  for 
by  the  sadness  of  the  countenance  the  heart 
is  made  better. 

4  The  heart  of  the  wise  is  in  the  house  of 
mouniing:  but  the  heart  of  fools  is  in  the 
house  of  mirth. 

5  It  is  better  to  hear  the  rebuke  of  the 
wise,  than  for  a  man  to  hear  the  song  of 
fools. 

6  For  as  the  2  crackling  of  thorns  under  a 
pot,  so  is  the  laughter  of  the  fool.  This 
also  is  vanity. 

7  ^  Surely  oppression  maketh  a  wise  man 
mad ;  «*  and  a  ^t  destroy eth  the  heart. 

8  Better  is  the  end  of  a  thing  than  the  be- 
ginning thereof-  and '  the  patient  in  spirit 
is  better  than  the  proud  in  spirit. 

9  Be/  not  hasty  in  thy  spirit  to  be  angry: 
for  anger  resteth  in  the  bosom  of  fools. 

10  Say  not  thou,  What  is  the  cause  that 
the  former  days  were  better  than  these? 
for  thou  dost  not  enquire  3  wisely  concern- 
ing  this. 

11  TT  Wisdom  *  is  good  with  an  inherit- 
ance; and  by  it  there  is  profit  to  them  that 
see  the  sun. 

12  For  wisdom  is  a  B  defence,  and  money 
is  a  defence:  but  the  excellency  of  know- 
ledge is,  that  wisdom  giveth  life  to  them 
that  have  it. 

13  Consider  the  work  of  God:  "for  who 
can  make  that  straight  which  be  bath 
made  crooked! 


VaniticR  in  T)hiyie  Service. 


of  the  creature,  wish  to  worship  the  Creator. 
Keep  ;ly  foi.i— In  going  to  worship,  go  with 
conaderate  circumsi  ect.  reverent  feeling. 
The  alhision  is  to  the  taking  off  of  the  shoe.s, 
or  sandals,  in  entering  a  temple  lEx.  3.  5; 
Josh.  6.  16,  which  passages  perhaps  gave 
ri.«e  to  the  custom.).  Weiss  needlessly  reads. 
•'  Keep  thy  feast  days"  (Ex.  23, 14  J7;  the  three 
great  (easts.  .  hear  — rather,  "To  be  ready 
(to  draw  nigh  with  the  desire)  to  hear  (obey) 
is  a  better  sacrifice  than  the  offering  of  fools." 
(HoL.J  [Vuhj.;  Sijr.)  (Ps.  61.  16,  17;  Pro.  21.  3; 
Jer.  6.  20;  7.  21-2:i;  14. 12;  Amos,  6.  21-24.).  Tlie 
warning  is  against  mere  ceremonial  self- 
rit-'hteonsness,  as  in  ch.  7.  12.  Obedience  is 
the  si)irit  of  the  law's  reqniren  ents  (Dent. 

10.  12.'.  Solomon  sorrowfully  looks  back  on 
his  own  neglect  of  this  (cf.  l  Ki.  8.  63,  with 

11.  4,  6.  .  Positive  precepts  of  God  uiust  be 
kept,  but  will  not  stand  instead  of  obedience 
to  His  moral  precepts.  The  last  provided  no 
sacrifice  for  icilful  sin  (Num.  16.  .'iO,  31;  Heb.  10. 
ie-29.).  2.  rash— opposed  to  the  considerate 
reverence  ("keep  thy  foot,"  v.  i.).  This  verse 
illustrates  v.  i,  as  to  prayer  in  the  house  of 
God  ("before  God,"  Isa.  1. 12;);  so  v.  4-6. as  to 
vous.  1  he  remedy  to  such  vanities  is  stated 
ft?.  6,),  "Fear  thou  God."  Gcd  is  in  heaven— 
Therefore  He  ought  to  be  approached  with 
careiully-weighed  words,  by  thee  a  frail  crea- 
ture f'f  earth.  :.  As  nwich  "business."  en- 
grossii  g  the  mind,  gives  birth  to  incoherent 
"dreauis,"  so  many  words,  uttered  inconsi- 
derately in  prayer,  give  birth  to  and  betrav 
"a  fool's  speech"  (ch.  10.   14.).     [Hol.  and 

•  WEiiss.]    But  V.  7  implies  that  the  "dream" 
is  not  a  comjiarison,  but  the  ram  thoughts  of 


ECCLESIASTES.  V. VanUies^in  Richct. 

in  Solomon's  reign  (1  Ki.  12.  4).  the  matter— 
lit.,  the  pleasure,  or  purpose  (Isa.  !'3.  10.). 
]\Iarvel  not  at  this  dispensation  offiod'.-i  vi'l, 
as  if  He  had  abandoned  the  world.  Nay, 
there  is  coming  a  capital  judgment  a*  last, 
and  an  earnest  of  it  in  partial  punish- 
ments of  sinners  meanwhile,  higher  than  the 
highest— (Dan.  7.  18.).  regardeth— (2  Chr.  16. 
9.).  there  be  higher  — jjittr.,  i.e.,  the  three 
persons  of  the  Godhead,  or  else,  "regardeth 
juot  only  the  'highest'  kings,  than  whom  He 

is  higher,'  but  even  the  petty  tyrants  of  the 
provinces,  viz.)  the  high  ones  who  are  above 
them"  (the  poor.).  IWeiss.J  9.  '"the  prr.fit 
(produce)  of  the  earth  is  (ordained)  for  (the 
common  good  of)  all:  even  the  king  himself 
is  .'^erved  by  (ihe  fruits  of)  the  field"  (2  Chr. 
26.  K).).  Therefore  the  common  Lord  of  all, 
high  and  low,  will  punish  at  last  those  who 
rob  the  "poor"  of  their  share  in  it  (I'ro.  22. 
22,  23;  Amos,  8.  4-7.).  10.  Not  only  will  (Vod 
punish  at  last,  but  meanwhile  the  oppres- 
sive gainers  of  "  silver"  find  no  solid  "satis- 
faction" in  it.  shall  not  be  satisfied— so  the 
oppressor  "  eateth  his  own  flesh"  (ch.  4.  1,  .6. 
note.),  with  increase— is  not  satisfied  with 
the  gain  that  he  makes.  11.  they  . . .  that  e.it 
them— the  rich  man's  dependents  (Ps.  23.  5.}. 
12.  Another  argument  against  anxiety  to 
gain  riches.  "  Sleep  ...  sweet."  answers  to 
*■  quietness"  (ch.  4.  6:);  "  not  suffer  .  . .  sleep," 
to  "  vexation  of  spirit."  Fears  for  his  wealth, 
and  an  over-loaded  stomach  without  "la- 
bouring" (cf.  ch.  4.  6,),  will  not  suffer  the  rich 
oppressor  to  sleep.  13,  14.  Proofs  of  God's 
jiidgments  even  in  this  world  (Pro.  11.  31.), 

he  rich  oppressor's  wealth   provokes  ene- 


the  fool  (sinner)  (Ps.  73.  20,),  arising'  frohi  j  mies,  robbers,  &c.    Then,  after  having  kept 
multiplicity   of  (worldly)    "business."    His  lit  for  an  expected  son,  he   loses  it  before 


"  dreaiii"  is,  that  God  hears  him  for  his  much  l  hand,  by  misfortune 
speaking  (Mat.  6.  7,),  independently  of  the  j  the  son  is  born  to  be 


by  evil  travail,")  and 
eir  of  poverty.    Ch.  2. 


frame  of  mind.    [E.  V.  and  iMaur.]    "  Fool's  !  19,  23,  gives  another  aspect  of  the  same  sub 


voice"  answers  to  "dream"  in  the  parallel, 
it  comes  by  the  n  any  "words"  flowing  from 
the  fool's  "  dream."  4.  Hasty  words  in 
prayer  {v.  2,  3)  suggest  the  subject  of  hasty 
vows.  A  vow  should  not  be  nastily  made 
(Jud.  11.  35;  1  Sam.  14.  24.).  When  made,  it 
must  be  kept  (Ps.  76.  11,),  even  as  God  keeps 
His  word  to  us  (Ex.  12.  41.  61;  Josh.  21.  46.). 
6.  (Deut.  23.  21,  23.).  6.  thy  flesh— vow  not 
with  "thy  mouth"  a  vow  (ex.  gr.,  fasting,), 
which  the  lusts  of  ihy  flesh  (body,  Marg.,  ch. 
2.  3)  may  tempt  thee  to  break  (Pro.  20.  25.). 
augel— the  "messenger"  of  God  (Job,  33.  23;): 
minister  (Eev.  1.  20;);  i.e.,  the  priest  (Mai.  2, 
7,),  "before"  whom  a  breach  of  a  vow  was  to 
be  confessed  (Lev.  5.  4,  6.}.  We,  Christians 
in  our  vows  (ex.  gr.,  at  baptism,  the  Lord's 
supper,  &c.)  vow  in  the  presence  of  Jesus 
Christ,  "  the  angel  of  the  covenant"  (Mai.  3. 
1.),  and  of  ministering  angels  as  witnesses 
(1  Cor.  11.  10;  1  Tim.  5.  21.1.  Extenuate  not 
any  breach  of  them  as  a  slight  error.  7.  (Note, 
V.  3.).  God's  service,  which  ought  to  be  our 
chief  good,  becomes  by  "dreams"  (foolish 
fancies  as  to  God's  requirements  oi  us  in 
worship,),  and  random  "words,"  positive 
"vanity.  The  remedy  is,  whatever  fools 
may  do,  "  Fear  thou  God"  (ch.  12.  13.).  8.  As 
in  ch.  3.  16,  so  here  the  difficulty  suggests 
itself.  If  God  is  so  exact  in  even  punishing 
ha.'>ty  words  [v.  1-6,),  why  does  He  allow  gross 
injustice V  In  the  remote  "provinces,"  the 
"l.oor"  often  had  to  put  themselves  for  pro- 
tection from  the  inroads  of  Philistines,  <fcc., 
under  chieftains,  wlio  oppressed  them  even 
447 


ject.  16.  Even  supposing  that  he  h  ses  not 
his  wealth  before  death,  tlien  at  least  he  must 
go  stripped  of  it  all  (Ps.  49.  17.).  laboured  for 
.  .  .  wind  —  (Hos.  12.  1;  1  Cor.  9.  2G.).  17. 
eateth  —  appropriately  put  for  "liveth"  in 
general,  as  connected  with  v.  11, 12, 18.  dark- 
ness—opposed to  "light  (joy)  of  countenance" 
(ch.  8.  1;  Pro.  16. 16.).  wrath— fretfulness,  lit., 
"His  sorrow  is  much,  and  his  infirmity  (of 
body)  and  wrath."  18.  returns  to  the  senti- 
ment (ch.  3.  12,  13.  22,),  transl.,  "Behold  the 
good  which  I  have  seen,  and  which  is  becom- 
ing" (in  a  man.),  which  God  giveth— viz.,  both 
the  good  of  his  labour,  andliis  life,  his  por- 
tion —  legitimately.  It  is  God's  gift  that 
makes  it  so,  when  regarded  as  sucli.  Such 
a  one  will  use,  not  abuse,  earthly  things  (I 
Cor.  7.  31.).  Opposed  to  the  anxiou.?  life  of 
the  covetous  iv.  lo,  17.).  19.  As  v.  18  refers  to 
the  "labouring"  man  (v.  12.),  so  v.  19.  to  the 
"  rich"  man.  who  gets  wealth,  not  by  "  op- 
pression" iV.  8,),  but  by  "God's  gift."  He  is 
(iistinguished  also  from  the  "rich"  man  (ch. 
6.  2,),  in  having  received  by  God's  gift,  not  only 
"wealth,"  but  also  "power  to  eat  thereof," 
which  that  one  has  not.  "To  take  his  por- 
tion," limits  him  to  the  lawful  use  of  wealth, 
not  keeping  back  from  God  His  portion, 
while  enjoying  his  own.  20.  He  will  not  re- 
member much  (looking  back  with  disappoint- 
ment, as  the  ungodly  do  (ch.  2.  llj  on)  the 
days  of  his  life,  answereih ...  in  the  jcy— God 
answers  his  prayers  in  giving  him  "power" 
to  eji joy  his  blessings.  Ges.  and  Vulg.,  transL, 
"  For  God  (soj  occupies  him  with  joy,"  &c. 


The  Vanity  of  Riches. 


ECCLISIASTES.  VT.  VII. 


Of  a  Good  Name. 


that  he  thinks  sot  much  of  the  shortness  and  i  (man's  various  circumstances)  is  named  al 

sorrows  of  hie.    Hol,.  "Though  (God)  gives  '--'  — '-•  "- '"'   '"'   "    "■  "  '- 

not  much  (as  to  real  enjoyment,),  yet  he  re- 
members (with  thanktulness)  the  days;  tor 
(he  knows)  God  ecccrcisCA  him  by  the  joy,"  «fcc. 
(tnes  him  by  prosperity,),  so  Marg.,hvLt  JE.  V. 
is  simplest.  _^^  ,^^ 

CHAPTER  VI. 
Ver.  1-12.    1.  common— or.  else  more  hi,. 
frreai  Mj)07nna?i.,  falls  heavily  upon  man.    2.  ,      -     ^     „  ^       /^     . 

for  his  soul— i.e.,  his  enjoyment.    God  giveth  :  thmgs,  and  cannot  call  in  qutstion  Goa  s  wis 
to  eai— this  distinguishes  him  dom  in  these  dispensations  (equivalent  to 


ready  (not  only  has  existed  (ch.  1.  9;  3.  16,), 
but  has  received  its  just  name  'vanity,'  long 
ago,),  and  it  is  known  that  it  [vanity]  is  man" 
(ii€0.,  Adam,  equivalent  to  man  "  of  red 
dust,"  as  his  Creator  appropriately  naiiied 
him  from  his  frailty.),  neitacr  nav  becriHeiid, 
(S:c.-(Eom.  9.  20.).  11.  "Seemg"  that  man 
cannot  escape  from  the  "vanity,"  which  by 
God's  "mi^'hty"  will  is  inherent  in  earthly 


mm  not  power  ,  ..  ^   ^  ,     , 

from  the  "rich"  man  m  ch.  5. 19.  God  hath 
given,"  distinguishes  him  also  from  the  man 
who  got  his  wealth  by  "  oppression"  (ch.  5.  8. 
10.).  stranger  —  those  not  akin,  nay,  even 
hostile  to  him  (Jer.  51.  61;  Lam.  6.  2;  Hos.  7 


contend,"  <fec.,),  "what  is  man  the  uetter" 
of  these  vain  things,  as  regards  the  cliief 
good?  Nonewhatever.  12.  For whoknoweai, 
die— The  ungodly  know  not  what  is  really 
"good"  during  life,  nor  "what  shall  be  after 


„  ).  He  seen.s  to  have  it  in  his  "  power*'  to  jthem,"  i.e.,  what  will  be  the  event  ot  their 
do  as  he  will  with  his  wealth,  but  an  unseen  undertakings  (ch.  3.  22;  8.  7.).  Ihe  godJ:y 
power  gives  him  up  to  his  own  avarice:  God  I  might  be  tempted  to  "contend  with  Goa 
wills  that  he  should  toil  for  "a  stran.uer"  (ch.  j  [V.  10,),  as  to  Wis  dispensations;  but  they  can- 

2  26,).  who  has  found  favour  in  God's  sight,   not  fully  know  the  wise  purposes  seized  by 

3  Evenif  a  man  (of  this  character)  have  very  them  now  and  hereafter.  Their  sufferings 
many  (equivalent  to  "a  hmidn  (1,"  2  Ki.  10.  l)  !  from  the  oppressors  are  more  really  good  lor 
children,  and  not  have  a  "stianger"  as  his  I  them  than  cloudless  prosperity:  sinners  are 
!.„;..  ...  .2  1  and  live  long  i"  days  of  years"  ex- 1  being  allowed  to  till  up  their  measure  of 

„^.i4,.  ^fiii-^  ^t  A^..h^,4  izi.,-,  AT  a     Icniiit     Retribution  in  part  vindicates  God 3 


press  the  bnvity  of  life  at  its  heat.  Gen.  47.  9, 
yet  enjoy  no  real  "  good"  in  lile,  and  lie  un 


guilt. 

ways  even  now. 


The  judgment  shall  make 


honoured,  without  "burial,"  at  death  2  Ki.  I  all  clear.    In  ch.  7.  he  states  what  is  good. 


9.  26,  3'.,),  the  embrj'o  is  better  than  he.  In 
the  East,  to  be  without  burial  is  the  greatest 
degradation.  "Better  the  fruit  that  drops 
from  the  tree  before  it  is  ripe,  than  that  left 
to  hang  on  till  rotten."  [Henry.]  4.  he— 
rather,  it,  "the  untimely  bii-th."     So  "its' 


in  answer  to  this  verse. 

CHAPIEE  Vn. 
Ver.  1-29.    1.  (i^ee  note.  ch.  6.  12.).    name- 
character;  a  godJy  mind  and  life;  not  mere 
reputation  with  man,  but  what  a  man  is  in 
the  eyes  of  God,  with  whom  the  name  and 


not " /^tis  name."  _  wiihvanity-to  no  purpose;  reality  &re  one  thin^  (Isa.  p.  6.).    This  alone 


a  type  of  the  driftless  existence  of  him  who 
makes  riches  the  chief  j;ood.    darkness— ot 


_-     good,"  whilst  all  else  is  "vanity,"  wht 
made  the  chiei  end.    omiment— used  lavishly 


the  abortive:  a  type  of  the  unhonoured  death  !  at  costly  banquets,  and  peculiarly  relreshins 
and  dark  future  beyond  the  grave,  of  the  in  the  sultry  East.  The  iieb.  for  nam^  and 
avaricious.  5.  tins— vet  "it  has  more  rest,  i  for  ointment,  have  a  happy  paronomasia, 
than"  the  toiling  gloomy  miser.  6.  If  the  Shee.m,Slnmen.  "  Ointment"  is  fragrant  only 
miser's  length  of  "  life"  be  thought  to  raise  in  the  place  where  the  person  is  whose  head 
him  above  the  abortive,  Solomon  answers,  and  garment  are  scented,  and  only  for  a  time, 
long  life  witliout  enjoying  real  good,  is  but  The  "  name"  given  by  God  to  His  child  (Rev. 
lengthened  misery,  and  riches  cannot  exempt  3.  12)  is  for  ever,  and  in  all  lands.  So  in  the 
him  from  going  whether  "all  go."  He  is  fit  case  of  the  woman  who  received  an  everlast- 
neilher  for  life,  nor  death,  nor  eternity.  7.  ing  name  from  Jesus  Christ,  in  reward  lor 
man— rather,  *' the  man,"  viz.,  the  miser  {v.  her  precious  ointment  ilsa.  66.  5;  Mark,  14. 
3-6.}.  For  not  a7i  men  labour  for  the  mouth 
i.e.,  for  selfish  gratification,    ajppetitc— J/ei> 


3-9.).    Jesus  Christ  Himself  hath  such  a  name, 
as  the  Messiah,  equivalent  to  Anointed  ,Sol. 
the  soul.    The  insatiability  of  the  desire  pre-  Song  1.  3.  .    and  the  day  of  Lhisldeatu,  &c.— not 
vents  that  which  is  the  only  end  proposed  in  a  general  censure  upon  God  for  creating  man; 
toils  i?(2.,  self-gratification;  "the  man"  thus  but,   connected  with   the   previous  clause. 


fets  no  "'good  out  of  his  wealth  (t>.  3.  .  o. 
'or— However.  [Maur.  I  The  "  for"  means 
(in  contrast  to  the  insatiability  of  the  miser: 


death  is  to  him,  who  hath  a  godly  name, 

better"  than   the  day  ot  his  birth:  "far 

better,"  as  Phil.  1.  23.  hath  it.    2.  Proving 


For  what  else  is  the  advantage  which  the  wise  ,  that  it  is  not  a  sensual  enjoyment  of  earthly 

man  hath  above  the  fool?    Wltat  (advantage,  goods,  which  is  meant  in  ch.  3.  13;  6.  18.    A 

i  e    superiority,  above  him  who  knows  not  thankful  use  of  these  is  right,  but  Irequent 

how  to  walk   upright)  hath  tlie  poor  who  feasting  Solomon  had  found  dangerous  to 

knoweth  to  walk  before  the  living?  i.e.,  to  use  piety  in  his  own  case.    So  Job's  fear  ich.  1.  4, 

and  enjoy  life  aright  (ch.  5.  18, 19,),  a  cheerful,  5.).    The  house  of  feasting  often  shuts  nut 

thanktul,   godly  "  walk"  (Ps.    lie.    9.).      9.  thoughts  of  God  and  eternity.    The  sii;ht  of 

Answer  to  the  question  in  v.  8.    This  is  the  the  dead  in  the  "  house  of  mourning"  caitsos 

advantage:  "Better  is  the  sight  of  the  t^es  "the  living"  to  think  of  their  own  "end."    3. 

(the  wise  man's  godly  enjoyment  of  present  Sorrow— Such  as  arises  from  serious  thoughts 

seen  blessings,),  than  the  (fool's)  wandering  of  eternity,    laughter— reckless  mirth  (ch.  2. 

int.,  walking,  Ps.  73.  9)  of  the  desire,"  i.e.,  2.).    by  the  sadness  .  .  .  better— (Ps.  120.  5.  6:  2 

vague,  insatiable  desires  for  what  he  has  not  Cor.  4.   17;  Heb.  12.  10,  11.).    Maur.  tr.iml.. 

IV  7-  Heb.  13.  6.).    this— restless  wandering  "In  sadness  of  countenance  there  is  miay  be) 

of  desire,  and  not  enjoying  contentedly  the  a  good  {cheerful  heart."    So  Heb.,ioi-    good," 

present  1 1  Tim  6.6.8.).  equivalent  to  cheerful  (ch.  11.  9;);  but  the 

10.  Part  II.   here  begins.     Since  man's  parallel  clause  supports  J5.  F.    5.  (Ps.  141.4, 

toils    are   vain,   what  is    the  chief  good?  5.).     Godly   reproof  otteuds   the  flesh,  but 

Iv    12  )      The  answer  is   contained   in   the  benefits  the  spirit.   Fools'  songs  in  the  liouse 

rest  of  the  book.    "That  which  hath  been  of  mirth  please  the  flesh,  but  injure  the  soul. 
447  11] 


The  Advantages 


ECCLESIASTES,  VH. 


of  Wisdom. 


6.  The  "  crackling"  answers  to  the  loud  mer-  ich.  8.  14;  Job,  21.  7.).  just  .  .  .  perisheth— (l 
rinient  of  fools.  It  is  the  very  fire  consuming  Ki.  21.  13.).  Temporal  not  ete.nial  death 
them, whichproducestheseemingmerrynoise  (John,  10.28.).  But  see  note,  v.  itj;  '-jiuif 
(Joel,  2.  5.).  Iheir  light  soon  r"es  out  in  the  is  prot'ably  a  self -justiciary,  wicked  .  .  .  pro- 
black  darkness.  ThereisaparLi.uniasiainthe  longeih— see  the  antidote  to  the  abuse  of  this 
i/tb.,  Smm  ;thorns,).  Sir  pot.;.  The  wicked  statement, inch. 8. 12.  16.  Hol. makes  y.Ki the 
are  often  compared  to  "thorns"  (2  Sam.  23.  ();  scoffing  inference  of  the  objector,  and  v  17  the 
2Sah.  1.  lO.j.  Dried  cow  dung  was  the  com-  answer  of  Solomon  now  repentant.  So  (l  Cor 
nion  fuel  in  Palestine;  its  slowness  in  burn-  j  16. 32}  the  sceptic's  objection;  [v.  33)  the  answer, 
ing  makes  the  quickness  of  a  fire  of  thorns  j  However,  "Be  not  righteous  over  much," 
the  more  graphic,  as  an  image  of  the  sudden  may  be  taken  as  Solonion's  words,  forbidding 

end  of  fools  iPs.  118.  12.).    7.  oppression— re-  — " '    -"  '  "  '     ' 

curring  to  the  idea  (ch.  3.  16;  5.  8.).  Its  con- 
nection with  v.  4-t)is,  the  sight  of  "oppression" 
perpetrated  by  "  fools"  mig'it  tempt  the 
"wise"  to  call  in  question  God's  dispensa- 
tions, and  imitate  the  folly  (equivalent  to 
".madness")  described  [v.  5.  6.).  Weiss,  for 
"  oppression,"  transL,  "  distraction,"  pro- 
duced by  merriment.  But  ch.  5.  8,  favours 
E.  V.  a  gift— i.e.,  the  sight  of  bribery  in 
"places  of  judgment"  ich.  3. 16,),  might  cause 
the  wise  to  lose  their  wisdom  (equivalent  to 
"  heait,")  (Job,  12.  6;  21.  6,  7;  24. 1,  &c.).  This 
suits  the  parallelism  better  than  "  a  heart  of 
gifts,"  a  benevolent  heart,  as  Wkiss.  8.  con- 
nected with  V.  7.  Let  the  "  wise"  wait  for 
"the  end,"  and  the  "oppressions,"  which 
now  (in  "the  beginning")  perplex  their  faith, 
will  be  found  by  God's  working  to  be  over- 
ruled to  their  good.  "  TMbulation  worketh 
patience"  iKom.  6.  3,),  which  is  infinitely 
better  than  "  the  proud  spirit,"  that  pros- 
perity nii^ht  have  generated  in  them,  as  it 
has  in  fools  (Ps.  73.  2,  3,  12-14, 17-26;  Jam.  5. 
11.).  9.  angry— impatient  at  adversity  befall- 
ing thee,  as  Job  was  (ch.  5.  2;  Pro.  12.  16.). 
10.  Do  not  call  in  question  God's  ways  in 
making  thy  former  days  better  than  thy  pre- 
sent, as  Job  did  ich.  29.  2-5.).  The  very  put- 
ting of  the  question  argues  that  heavenly 
"wisdom"  iMarg.)  is  not  as  much  as  it  ought 
made  the  chief  good  with  thee.  11.  Rather, 
"  Wisdom,  as  compared  with  an  inheritance, 
is  good,"  i.e.,  is  as  good  as  an  inheritance: 
"yea,  better  {lit.,  and  a  profit)  to  them  that' 
see  the  sun"  (i.e.,  the  living,  ch.  11.  7;  Job,  3. 
16;  Ps.  49. 19.).  12.  Lit.,  (To  be)  in  (i.e., under) 
the  ahadow  (Isa.  30.  2)  of  wisdom  (is  the  same 
as  to  be)  in  (under)  the  shadow  of  money: 
wisdom  no  less  shields  one  from  the  ills  of 
life,  than  money  does,  is,  that— rather,  "the 
excellency  of  the  knowledge  o/wisdom  giveth 
life,"  i.e.,  life  in  the  highest  sense,  here  and 
hereafter  (Pro.  3.  18;  John  17.  3;  2  Pet.  1.  3.). 
"Wisdom  (religion)  cannot  be  lost,  as  money 
can.  It  shields  one  in  adversity,  as  well  as 
prosperity;  money,  only  in  prosperity.  The 
question  in  v.  lO  impUes  a  ^\ant  of  it.  13 
Coimider  as  to  God's  work,  that  it  is  impos 
sible  to  alter  His  dispensations:  for  who  can 

raight . . .  crooked— man  cannot  ai 
what  God  wills  to  be  "wanting"  and  "ad 
verse"  (ch.  1.  16;  Jobjl2.  14.).    14.  coiisider- 


a  self-made  righteousness  of  outward  peiform- 
ances,  which  would  wrest  salvation  from 
God,  instead  of  receiving  it  as  the  gift  of  His 
grace.  It  is  a  fanatical,  Pharisaical  righteous- 
ness separated  from  God;  for  the  "  fear  of 
God"  is  in  antithesis  to  it  [v.  18;  ch.  5.  3,  7; 
Mat.  6.  1-7;  9.  14;  23.  23.  24;  Bom.  10.  3;  1  Tim. 
4.  3.1.  over  wise— (Job,  11. 12;  Bom.  12.  3, 16,), 
presumptuously  self-sufficient,  as  if  acquaint- 
ed with  the  whole  of  divine  truth,  dtstroy 
thyseli— exnose  thyself  to  needless  persecu- 
tion, austerities,  and  the  wrath  of  God:  hence 
to  an  untimely  death.  "Destroy  thyself" 
answers  to  "perisheth"  (r.  16, ."  righteous 
over  much,"  to  "a  just  man."  Theretore,  in 
V.  15,  it  is  a  self -justiciary,  not  a  truly  righteous 
man,  that  is  meant.  17.  over  mucli  wicked—- 
so  worded,  to  answer  to  "  righteous  over 
much."  J'or  if  not  taken  thus,  it  w  ould  seem 
to  imply,  that  we  may  be  wicked  a  little. 
"Wicked"  refers  to  "wicked  man"  (v.  15;:; 
"die  before  thy  time,"  to  "  prolongeth  his 
life,"  antithetically.  There  may  be  a  wicked 
man  spared  to  live  long,"  owing  to  his 
avoiding  gross  excesses  (v.  15.).  Solomon  says, 
therefore.  Be  not  so  foolish  (answering  anti- 
thetically to  "  over  wise"  (w.  16,),  as  to  run  to 
such  excess  of  riot,  that  God  will  be  provoked 
to  cut  ofl'  prematurely  thy  day  of  grace  (Rom. 
2.  6.).  The  precept  is  addressed  to  a  sinner. 
Beware  of  aggravating  ihy  sin,  so  as  to  make 
thy  case  de.>-perate.  It  refers  to  the  days  of 
Solomon's  '  vanity"  (apostasy,  v.  15  ),  when 
only  such  a  precept  would  be  applicable.  By 
Litotes  it  includes,  "Be  not  wicked  at  all." 

18.  this,  .  .  .  tins- the  two  opposite  excesses 
[V.  16, 17,',  fanatical,  self-wise  righteousness, 
and  presumptuous  foolhardy  wickedness, 
he  that  teareiii  God  shall  come  fuith  ot  ihem  all 
—shall  escape  all  such  extremes  (Pro.  3.  7.). 

19.  Heb.,"  The  wisdom,"  i.e.,  the  true  wis- 
dom, rehgion  (2  Tim.  3. 15.).  than  ten  mighty 
—i.e.,  able  and  valiant  generals  v.  12;  ch.  9. 
13-18;  Pro.  21.  22,  24.  5.).  These  "watchmen 
wake  in  vain,  except  the  Lord  keep  the  city" 
(Ps.  127.  1.).  20.  Referring  to  v.  16.  Be  not 
self-righteous,  seek  not  to  make  thyself  "just" 
before  God,  by  a  superabundance  of  self 
imposed  performances;  "for  (true  'wisdom, 
or  '  righteousness  '  shows  that  there  is  not 
a,  just  man,"  &c.  21.  As  therefore  thou  being 
far  from  perfectly  "just"  thyself,  hast  much 
to  be  forgiven  by  God,  do  not  take  too  .«trict 


resumed  from  v.  13.  "  Consider,"  i.e.,  regard  account,  as  the  self-righteous  do  {v.  16;  Luke, 
it  as  "  the  work  of  God:"  for  "  God  has  made  i8.  9, 11.),  and  thereby  shorten  their  lives,  {v. 
(Heb.,  for  'set')  this  (adversity)  also  as  well '  15,  Ki,),  of  words  spoken  against  thee  by 
as  the  other"  (prosperity.).  "Adversity"  is  others,  ex.  gr.,  thy  servant:  Thou  art  theii 
one  of  the  things  which  "God  has  made  |  "fellow-servant"  before  God  (Mat.  18.  .32-35.). 
crooked,"  and  which  man  cannot  "make  22.  (1  Ki.  2.  4+.).  23.  All  this— Resuming  the 
straight."  He  ought  therefore  to  be  "patient"  j  "all"  in  v.  15;  v.  15-22,  is,  theretore.  the  fruit 


{v.  8.).    fcfter  J. im— equivalent  to^ 
may  not  find  anything  (to  blame  after  God' 
(i.e.,  ujter  "  considering  God's  work,"  v.  13.) 
Vuhi.  and  Syr.,'" against  Him"  (cf.  v.  10;  Rom 


that  man  of  his  dearly  bought  experience  in  the  days 
of  his  "  vanity."  I  will  be  wise— I  tried  to  "  be 
wise,"  indei  endently  of  God.  But  true  wis- 
dom was  then  "  far  from  him,"  in  spite  of  his 


3  4.    15.  An  objection  entertained  by  Solo- , /mwia?;.  wisdom,  which  he  retained  by  God's 
mon  "  in  the  days  of  his  vanity"  (apostasy)  I  gift.   So  "  ever  wise"  (v.  16.j.    24.  That . . .  jar 
447  12] 


Advantages  ofwltdom. 


ECCLESIASTES,  Vm,  IX. 


Ny stories  of  Frovidaue, ' 


14  In  the  day  of  prosperity  be  joyful,  but 
in  the  day  of  adversity  consider:  God  also 
hath  6  aet  the  one  over  against  the  other, 
to  the  end  that  man  should  find  nothing 
after  him. 

15  All  things  have  I  seen  in  the  days  of 
my  vanity: « there  is  a  just  man  that  per- 
isheth  in  his  righteousness,  and  there  is  a 
wicked  man  that  prolongeth  Aw  li/e  in  his 
wickedness. 

16  Be  » not  righteous  over  much ; }  neither 
make  thyself  over  wise:  why  shouldest  thou 
1  destroy  thyself? 

17  Be  not  over  much  wicked,  neither  be 
thou  foolish:* why  shouldest  thou  die 
8  before  thy  time? 

18 /<  is  good  that  thou  shouldest  take 
hold  of  this ;  yea,  also  from  this  withdraw 
not  thine  hand:  for  he  that  feai'eth  God 
shall  come  forth  of  them  all. 

19  Wisdom  strengtheneth  the  wise  more 
than  ten  mighty  men  which  are  in  the 
city. 

20  For » tTiere  is  not  a  just  man  upon  earth, 
that  doeth  good,  and  siimeth  not. 

21  Also  9  take  no  heed  unto  all  words  that 
are  spoken;  lest  thou  hear  thy  servant 
curse  thee: 

22  For  oftentimes  also  thine  own  heart 
knoweth  that  thou  thyself  likewise  ha£t 
cursed  others. 

23  All  this  have  I  proved  by  wisdom:  I 
eaid,  I  vnU.  be  wise ;  but  it  was  far  from  me. 

24  That  which  is  far  otf,  and  "*  exceeding 
deep,  who  can  find  it  out? 

25 10 1  applied  mine  heart  to  know,  and  to 
search,  and  to  seek  out  wisdom,  and  the 
reason  of  things,  and  to  know  the  wicked- 
ness of  folly,  even  of  foolishness  and  mad- 
ness: 

26  And  I  find  more  bitter  than  death  the 
woman  whose  heart  is  snares  and  nets, 
and  her  hands  as  bands:  n  whoso  pleaseth 
God  shall  escape  from  her;  but  the  sinner 
shall  be  taken  by  her. 

27  Behold,  this  have  I  found,  saith  the 
Preacher,  12  counting  one  by  one,  to  find 
out  the  account; 

28  Which  yet  my  soul  seeketh,  but  I  find 
not:  one  man  among  a  thousand  have  I 
found-  but  a  woman  among  all  those  have 

1  not  found. 

29  Lo,  this  only  have  I  found,  "that  God 
hath  made  man  upright;  but  they  have 
Bought  out  many  inventions. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

2  Kings  greatly  to  be  respected.  6  Divine  provi- 
dence to  be  observed.  12  It  is  better  with  the 
godly  in  adverHty  than  with  the  wicked  in  pros- 
perity.   16  Work  of  God  unsearchable. 

"WHO  is  as  the  wise  manf  and  who 
' '  knoweth  the  interj)retation  of  a  thuig? 
a  man's  wisdom  maketh  his  face  to  shine, 
and  ithe  boldness  of  his  face  shall  be 
changed. 

2  I  counsel  thee  to  keep  the  king's  com- 
mandment, "  and  that  in  regard  of  the  oath 
of  God, 

3  Be  not  hasty  to  go  out  of  his  sight:  stand 
not  in  an  evil  thing;  for  he  doetn  whatso- 
everpleaseth  him. 

4  where  the  word  of  a  king  w,  there  is 
power ;  and  *  who  may  say  unto  him.  What 
ooest  thou? 

5  Whoso  keepeth  the  conunandment  2  shall 
feel  no  evil  thing:  and  a  wise  man's  heart 
discemeth  both  time  and  judgment. 

6  Because "  to  every  pjupose  there  ia  time 

an 


B.C.B77. 


CHAP.  7. 

h  eh.  8.  14. 

i  Pro.  25. 18. 

PhU.  3. 6. 

;■  Kom.  12. 3. 

7  bede. 

k  Job  IS.  32. 
Pi.  65.  23. 

Pro.  10.27. 

8  not  in  thy 
time. 

{  1  Kin.8.48. 
ProT.  20.9. 
Bom.  3.23. 
1  Jonn  1.8. 

9  grive  Dot 
thin* 
heart. 

1  Cor  .18  6. 
m  Kom.  11. 

33. 
10 1  mi  my 


11  he  that  ii 

good  be- 
fore God. 
Gen.  39. 7. 

12  Or.weigh- 
.  ing  on* 

thingBfter 
another, 
to  find 
out  the 
reason. 


D.  1.27. 


CHAP.  8. 

1  tha 

strength, 
a  Rom.  13.  6. 

Titus  S.  1. 
6  Job  34. 18. 

2  shaU 
know. 

e  ch.  3. 1. 
d  Pro.  24.22. 

ch.  6.  12. 

eh.  9.  12. 

ch.  10.  14. 

3  Or,  how  it 
ehaUbe. 

«  Pi.  49.  6. 
/  Job  14.  6. 

4  Or.cMting 
off 


0l8>.  18.12. 
h  Pi.  10.  6. 

Pi.  60.  21. 

li.  26.  lU. 
i  U.  6S.  20. 

Rom.  2.  6. 
)  Pi.  37.  11. 

Pro.  1.  32. 

li.  8.  10. 

Mat.  25.34. 
*  Pi.  73. 14. 

ch.  2.  14. 

ch.  7.  16. 

eh.  g.  1. 
{  ch.  3.  12. 
♦»LeT.  28.6. 
n  Job  6.  9. 

Rom.  11.33. 
0  Pi.  73. 16. 


CHAP.  9. 
1  I  gave,  or, 

set  to  my 

heart. 
O  ch.  8.  1*. 

li.  26.  12. 

2  Cor.  3. 6. 
6  Job  21.  7. 

KU1.S.16. 


and  judgment,  therefore  the  misery  of  man 
is  great  upon  him. 

7  For  <*  he  knoweth  not  that  which  shall 
be:  for  who  can  tell  him  3  when  it  shall  bet 

8  There  *  is  no  man  that  hath  power/  over 
the  spirit,  to  retain  the  spirit;  neither  AatA 
he  power  in  the  day  of  death:  and  there  it 
no  1  discharge  in  that  war;  neither  shall 
wickedness  deliver  those  that  are  given  to 
it. 

9  All  this  have  I  seen,  and  applied  my 
heart  unto  every  work  that  is  done  under 
the  sun:  there  is  a  time  wherein  o  one  man 
ruleth  over  another  to  his  o^vn  hurt. 

10  And  so  I  saw  the  wicked  buried,  who 
had  come  and  gone  from  the  place  of  tha 
holy,  and  they  were  forgotten  in  the  city 
where  they  had  so  done.  This  is  also 
vanity. 

_  11  Because  f^  sentence  against  an  evil  work 
is  not  executed  speedily,  therefore  the 
heart  of  the  sons  of  men  is  fully  set  in  them 
to  do  evil. 

12  Though  <  a  sinner  do  evil  an  hundred 
times,  and  his  days  be  prolonged,  yet 
surely  I  know  that  /  it  shall  be  well  with 
them  that  fear  God,  which  fear  before  him: 

13  But  it  shall  not  be  well  with  the 
wicked,  neither  shall  he  prolong  his  days. 
which  are  as  a  shadow;  because  he  feareth 
not  before  God. 

14  There  is  a  vanity  which  is  done  upon 
the  earth:  that  there  be  just  men,  unto 
whom  it  *  nappeneth  according  to  the  woi^ 
of  the  wicked;  again,  there  be  wicked  msn, 
to  whom  it  happeneth  according  to  the 
work  of  the  righteous.  I  said,  that  this 
also  is  vanity. 

15  Then  *  I  commended  mirth,  because  a 
man  hath  no  better  thing  under  the  sun, 
than  to  eat,  and  to  diink,  and  to  be  meiTy; 
for  that  shall  abide  with  him  of  his  labour 
the  days  of  his  life,  which  •"  God  givetb 
hira  under  the  smi. 

16  f  When  I  applied  mine  heart  to  know 
wisdom,  and  to  see  the  business  that  is 
done  upon  the  earth:  (for  also  there  is  that 
neither  day  nor  night  seeth  sleep  with  his 
eyes:) 

17  Then  I  beheld  all  the  work  of  God,  that 
a  "  man  cannot  find  out  the  work  that  is 
done  under  the  sun:  because  though  a  maa 
labour  to  setk  it  out,  yet  he  shall  not  find 
it;  yea  farther,  though  a  wise  man  thinlc 
to  know  i^,  "yet  shall  he  not  be  able  to 
find  it. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

1  Like  things  happen  to  good  and  bad.    1  Htm 

to  enjoy  the  good  of  this  life.     U  Human  prO' 

babilities  ut^ertain.    13  Wisdom  is  better  tham 

strength. 

If  OR  all  this  1 1  considered  in  my  heart, 
■*■  even  to  declare  all  this,  "  that  the 
righteous,  and  the  wise,  and  their  works, 
are  in  the  hand  of  God:  no  man  knoweth 
either  love  or  hatred  by  all  that  is  before 
them. 

2  All  *  tAingrs  come  alike  to  all:  there  it 
one  event  to  the  righteous,  and  to  the 
wicked;  to  the  good  and  to  the  cleaJi,  and 
to  the  unclean;  to  hira  that  sacrificeth, 
and  to  him  that  sacrificeth  not:  as  is  the 
good,  so  is  the  sinner;  and  he  that  swear, 
eth,  as  he  that  feareth  an  oath. 

3  This  is  an  evil  among  all  things  that 
are  done  under  the  sun.  that  there  is  one 
event  unto  all:  yea,  also  the  heart  of  the 
sons  of  men  is  lull  of  evil,  and  madness  is 


77(6  Depravihj  oj  Man. ECCLESIASTES.  VIII. Kinqs  to  he  ncspededt. 

oif .  .  .  deep— True  wisdom  is  so  when  sought  earthly  king  who  is  meant,  the  oath  of  God- 
independently  of  "  iear  of  God''  (v.  18;  Dent,  the  covenant  which  God  made  with  Abraham 
30. 1-.',  13 ; Job,  11. 7, 8: 28. 12-20, '2.x ;Ps. 04.  6: Rom.  and  renewed  with  David;  Solomcm  remem- 
10.  6,  7.).  25.  Lit.,  Itiirved  mijsi  If  and  mhtc  bered  Ps.  &!).  3.'),  "I  have  sv:or>i  "  ^c.  'V.  :,c,), 
heart  to.  A  phrase  peculiar  to  Ecclesiastes,  and  the  penalties  if  David's  cliildren  sliouid 
and  appropriate  to  the  penitent  <ti?mnf;  back  forsake  it  (v.  M-.S2;):  intiicted  on  Solon, on 
to  commune  with  his  heart  on  his  past  life. ,  himself;  yet  God  not  utterly"  forsaknic  him 
wickedness  of  folly— he  is  now  a  step  further  {v.  33,  ;i4.).  3.  hasty— rather,  "Be  not  Urror- 
on  the  path  of  penitence,  than  ch.  1.  17;  2.  s<rwc/c  so  as  tngooutof  His  siKht."  Slavishly 
12,  where  "folly"  is  put  without  "  wicked- i " terror-struck"  is  characteristic  of  tlie  sin- 
ness"  prefixed,  reason— rather,  f/ie  right  esti-  ner's  feeling  toward  God:  he  vainly  tries  to 
ination  of  things.  Hol.  traiisl.,  also  "fool-  flee  out  of  tlis  sight  (Ps.  139.  7;):  opposed  to 
i<hness  i.e.,  sinful  folly,  answerm^  to  'wick-  the  "  shining  face"  of  filial  confidence  v.  l; 
edn-'-s'  in  the  parallel)  of  madness,"  i.e.,  of  John,  8.33-.SG;  Rom.  8.  2;  1  John,  4.  18.).  Fta^  \ 
nan's  mad  pursuits.!.  26.  "I  find"  that,  of  all  not— persist  not.  for  l^e  dncth— God  inflicts 
my  sini'ul  lollies,  none  has  been  so  ruinous  :  what  punishment  He  pleases  on  persisting 
^a  snare  in  seducing  me  from  God,  as  idola-  sinners  (Job,  23.  13;  Ps.  ll.'>.  3.).  True  oi  none 
trons  women  il  Ki.  11.3,4;  Pro.  5.  3,4;  2l'.  save  God.  4.  (iods  very  "  word"  is  "  power." 
14.).  As  "God's  favour  is  better  than  life,"  So  the  gospel  word  (Rom.  1.  16;  Heb.  4.  12. '. 
she  who  seduces  from  God  is  "more  bitter  who  may  say,  &c.— (Job,  !i.  12;  33.  13;  Isa.  45.9; 
t)ian  death."  wnoso  p'.easeth  God— as  Joseph  Dan.  4.  3.5.  .  Scripture  does  not  ascribe  such 
/Gen.  39.  2, 3. 9.).  It  is  God's  grrace  alone  that  arbitrary  power  to  earthly  kings.  5.  fee — 
keeps  any  from  falling.  27.  this— tiz.,  what  experience,  time— the  neglect  of  the  right 
follows  in  V.  28.  counting  one  by  one— ly  com-  "  times"  causes  much  of  the  sinful  follyof  the 
paring  one  thing  with  another.  [Hol.  and  spiritually  unwise  ch.  3.  1-11. 1.  jurgrrent— 
Maue..]  account— a  right  estimate.  But  v.  the  right  manner.  fHoL.l  But  as  God's  fu- 
28  more  favours  Gks.,  "Considering  vomen  ture  "judgment"  is  connected  with  the  "time 
one  bit  one."  28.  Rather,  referring  to  his  ;jas^  for  every  purpose"  in  cjj.  3.  17,  so  it  is  here, 
experience,  "Which  my  soul  sought  further.  The  punishment  of  persisting  sinners  (?;.  .3) 
but  I  found  not."  one  man— i.e.,  worthy  of  suggests  it.  The  wi.se  man  reali.-es  the  fact, 
the  name,  "  man,"  "  upright:"  not  more  than  that  as  there  is  a  fit  "  time"  for  every  pur- 
one  in  a  thousand  of  my  courtiers  :Job,  33.  I  pose,  so  for  the  ".judgment."  This  thought 
23;  Ps.  12.  1.'.  Jesus  Christ  alone  of  men  i  cheers  him  in  adversity  ich.  7.  14;  s.  1.. 
fully  realises  the  perfect  ideal  of  "  man."  therefore  the  miseiy.  <fcc.— because  the  foolish 
"Chiefest  among  ten  thousand"  (Sol.  Song  5.  I  sinner  does  not  think  of  the  right  "'times" 
10.'.  No  perfect  "woman"  has  ever  existed,  and  the  "jiulgn.ent."  7.  jp — the  sinner,  by 
not  even  the  Virgin  Mary.  Solomon,  in  the  neglecting  times  (X.  fi'r.,-"the  accepted  time, 
word  "thousand,"  alludes  to  his  300  wives  and  the  day  of  .salvation,"  2  Coi.  6.  2,),  is 
and  700  concubines.  Among  these  it  was  not  taken  by  surprise  by  the  judgment  fch.  3.  22: 
likely  that  he  should  find  the  fidelity  which  6.  12;  9.  12  ).  The  godly  wise  observe  the  due 
owe  true  wife  pays  to  o^je  husband.  Connected  :  times  of  things  ich.  3.  1,1,  and  so,  lookii^g  for 
with  ^•.  20,  not  an  vmqualified  condemnation  :  the  judgment,  are  not  taken  by  siu  prise, 
of  the  sex,  as  Pro.  12.  4;  31.  10,  (fcc,  prove,  though  not  knowing  the  precise  "when"  il 
29.  The  "only"  way  of  accounting  for  the  ,  Thes.  6  2-4;);  they  "know  the  time"  to  all 
scarcity  of  even  comparatively  upright  men  saving  purposes  (Rom.  13.  11.).  8.  spirit- 
and  women  is  that,  whereas  God  made  man  breath  of  life  (ch.  .■;.  19,),  as  the  words  follow- 
upright,  they  (men)  nave,  &c.  The  only  account  ling  require.  ISot  "\^ind,"  as  Weis.s  thinks 
to  be  "found"  of  the  origin  of  evil,  the  great  1  (Pro.  30. 4.).  This  verse  naturally  follows  the 
mystery  of  theology,  is  that  given  in  Holy  subject  of  "times"  and  "judgment"  <v.  6,7.;. 
"\V  rit  (Gen.  2. ;  3.).  Among  man's  "  inventions"  discharge— alluding  to  the  liabiliiy  to  military 
was  the  one  especially  referred  to  in  v.  20,  the  service  of  all  above  twenty  years  old  iJSiim. 
bitter  fruits  of  which  Solomon  experienced,  1.  3,),  yet  many  were  exempted  'Dent.  2U..5-S.). 
the  breaking  of  God's  primeval  marriage  law.  But  in  that  war  (death)  there  is  no  exemption, 
joining  one  man  to  one  woman  (Mat.  19.  4,  5,  tho-e  .  .  .  given  to  it— lit.,  the  master  of  it. 
6.).  "Man"  is  sing.,  viz.,  Adam:  "  they,  1  Wickedness  can  get  money  for  the  sinner, 
plur.,  Adam,  Eve,  and  their  posterity.  but  cannot  deliver  him  from  the  death  tem- 

CHAPTER  VIII.  Iporal  and  eternal,  which  is  its  penalty  (Isa. 

Ver.  1-17.  1.  Praise  of  true  wdsdom  conti-  28.  15.  18.).  9.  his  own  hurt- the  tyrannica] 
nued  ch.7. 11,  &c.).  "Who"  is  to  be  accounted  "ruler  hurts"  not  merely  his  subjects,  but 
"  equal  to  the  wise  manf  "  Who  (like  him)  himself:  so  Rehoboam  (l  Ki.  12;);  but  the 
knoweththe  interpretation"  of  God's  provi- ; "  time"  of  "hurt"  chiefly  refers  to  eternal 
dences  (ex.  gr.,  ch.  7.  8,  13,  14,),  and  God's  ruin,  incurred  by  "wickedness,"  at  "the  cZr/i/ 
word  'ex.  gr.,  ch.  7.  29,  note;  Pro.  1.  6.).  face  of  death"  iv.  8,1,  and  the  "timf"  of  "jndg- 
to  shine— (ch.  7.  14;  Acts,  6.  15.).  A  sunny  ment"  (v.  6;  Pro.  8.  36.).  10.  the  wicked— m., 
countenance,  the  reflection  of  a  tranquil  con-  rulers  (v.  9.).  buried— with  funereal  pomp  by 
science  and  serene  mind.  Commumon  with  man,  though  little  meriting  it  (Jer.  22.  19:); 
God  gives  it  (Ex.  34.  29.  30.).  boldness— aus- .  but  this  only  formed  the  more  awful  contrast 
terity.  changed— into  a  benign  expression  by  to  their  death  temporal  and  eternal  iiiriicted 
true  wisdom  ireligion)  (Jam.  3.  17.1.  Mauk.  by  God  fLuke,  16.  22, 23.;.  come  :nd  goiie  from 
transl.,  "The  shining  (brightness'  of  his  face  the  place  of  :he  holy— went  to  and  came  from 
is  doubled,"  arguing  that  the  Heb.  noun  the  place  oJ  judicature,  where  they  sa,ta.i^  God's 
for  "boldness"  is  never  used  in  a  bad  sense  rejire.sentaiiws  (Ps.  82. 1-6,),  with  pomp.  (Hoju. 
Pro.  4.  18.).  Or  SLS  Marg.,  strength  (ch.  7.  19;  Weiss  transl,  "  Buried  and  gone  (utterly ,), 
Isa.  4C.  .31;  2  Cor.  3.  18.).  But  the  adjective  is  even  from  the  holy  place  they  departed."  As 
used  in  a  bad  sense  (Deut.  2s.  50.).  2.  the  Joab.by  Solomon's  command,  was  sent  to  the 
l;i;!g's— Jehovah,  peculiarly  the  king  of  Israel  grave  from  the  "holy  place"  m  the  t<mjde, 
jn  the  theocracy;  v.  3,  4  prove  it  is  not  the  which  was  not  a  sanctuary  to  murderers  (Ex. 
448 


Tlie  Mysteries  of  Providtiice. 


ECCJ.EslASl'ES.  IX. 


Like  Thinas  Happen  to  AiZ. 


21. 1);  1  Ki.  2.28,  31.).  The  useoftlie  very  word  CHAPTER  IX. 

"bury"  there  makes  this  view  Lively;  still,  1.  declare— rather,  <£c/j?ore,  the  result  of  my 
"who  had  come  and  gone"  may  be  retained,  exploring  is  this,  that  "the  righteous,  <fcc., 
Joab  came  to  the  altar,  but  had  to  go  from  it:  are  in  the  hand  of  God.  No  man  knoweth 
so  the  "  wicked  rulers"  [v.  9,  ,  \including  High  either  the  love  or  hatred  (of  God  to  them)  by 
Pritsts)  came  it  ,  md  went  from,  the  tnvilc,  on  all  that  is  before  them,"  i.e.,  by  what  is  o«i- 
occasions  of  solemn  worship.butdidnotthere-iward^j/  seen  in  His  present  dealings  (ch.  8. 
by  escape  their  doom,  for^ii  iten— Pro.  lo.  7J.  j  14, 17.  However,  from  the  sense  of  the  same 
11.  The  reason  why  the  wicked  persevere  in  I  words,  in  v.  6.  "love  and  hatred"  seem  to  he 
sin:  God's  delay  in  judgment  (Mat.  24.  48-51; 
2  Pet.  3.  8, !!.).  "They  see  not  the  smoke  of 
the  pit,  therefore  they  dread  not  the  fire."  fort  or  sorrow 


the  feelings  of  the  wicked  tovxtrds  ihe  rirjd 
1  eous,  whereby  they  caused  to  the  latter  com- 
^    TransL,  "  Even  the  love  ai  d 


I  South.]  (Ps.  66.  19.).  Joab's  escape  from  ;  hatred"  (exhibited  towards  the  righfeou.s,a]e 
ti'C  punishment  of  his  murder  of  Abner,  so  in  God's  hand)  (i's.  76. 10;  Pro.  Ki.  7).  '  ]"  •> 
far  from  "leading  hin:  to  repentance,"  as  it  man  knoweth  aU  that  is  before  them."  2.  l.u 
ouj;ht  lEom.  2.  4,),  led  him  to  the  auditic  nal  things  .  .  .  alike— not  universally;  but  as  to 
murder  of  .Amasa.  12.  He  says  this,  lest  the  deatti.  V.  2-10  are  made  by  Hol.  the  oi  ji  c- 
siuncr  should  abuse  the  statement  (ch.  7. 15,),  tion  of  a  sceptical  sensualist.  However,  ti'i  y 
"A  wicked  man  jjroZo?* fife^/t  his  life."  before  may  be  explained  as  Solomon's  laiit;u; ;  o. 
li\n—iit..  at  His  pre.'-enct;  reverently  serve  He  repeats  the  sentiment  akeady  implied  in 
Him,  reaiising  His  continual  presence.  13.  ch.  2.  14;  3.  20;  8.  14.  oue  event— not  elt^r- 
jieiiher  shall  be  prolong — not  a  contradiction  ;  nally;  but  death  is  common  to  all.  gooc— 
tor.  12.  The  "prolonging"  of  his  days  there  I  morally,  clean— ceremonially,  sacrifictt. — 
is  only  seeming,  not  real.  Taking  into  ac- 1  alike  to  Josiah  who  sacrificed  to  Go;,  and 
count  his  eternal  existence,  his  present  days,  to  Ahab  who  made  sacrifice  to  Him  cease, 
however  seemingly  loLg,  are  really  short,  sweareth  —  rashly  and  falsely.  3.  Traud., 
God's  delay  (».  11'  exists  only  in  man's  ."^Lort- !  "There  is  an  evil  above  aU  (evils)  that  are 
sighted  view.  It  gives  scope  to  the  smner  I  dene,"  (fee,  riz.,  that  not  only  "there  is  one 
to  repent,  or  else  to  fill  up  his  full  measure  event  to  all."  but  "also  the  heart  of  ihe  Sf^ns 
of  guilt;  and  so,  in  either  case,  tends  to  the  of  men"  makes  this  fact  a  reason  for  "  madly" 
final  vindication   of  God's  ways.    It  gives  ;  persisting  in  "  evil  while  they  live,  and  alier 

that,"  &c., sin  is  "madness."    the  dead— (Pro. 

2  18;  9. 18.).   4.  For— rather,  Neverlhtless.   E. 


exercise  to  the  faith,  patience,  and  persevei 

ance  of  saints,    shadow— ch.  C.  12;  Job,  8.  9.).  . 

14.  An  objection  is  here  started  (entertained  !  V.  rightly  reads  as  the  Marg.,  Heb.,  "that 
by  Solomon  in  his  apostasy.,  as  in  ch.  3.  16;  is  joined,"  instead  of  the  text,  "  who  is  to  be 
7. 16,  to  the  truth  of  retributive  justice,  from  :  chosen?"  hope— not  of  mere  temporal  good 
the  fact  of  the  just  and  the  wicked  not  now  ;  (Job,  14.  7;);  but  of  yet  repenting  and  being 
receiving  always  accordnig  ti)  their  respective  ,  saved,  dog— metaphor  for  the  vilest  per.«oiis 
deserts;  a  cavil,  which  wouid  seem  the  more  ;  1  bam.  24.  14.).  lion— the  i.oblest  of  anima-s 
■weitihty  to  men  living  under  the  iVosaic  i  (Pro.  30.  30.).  better— as  to  hope  of  salvation; 
covenant  of  temporal  sanctions.  The  objec-  the  noblest  who  die  unconverted  have  no 
tor  adds,  as  Solomon  had  said,  that  the  hope;  the  vilest,  so  long  as  they  have  life, 
.vorldhng's  pursuits  are  "vanity"  [V.  lo,).  "  I  have  hope.  5.  know  that  they  shall  die— and 
say  (not  'said'  fMs  also  is  vanity.  Then  I  may  thereby  be  led  "so  to  number  their 
commend  mirth,"  &c.  [Hon.]  F.  14,1.5,  may,  days,  that  they  may  apply  their  hearts  to 
however,  be  explained  as  teaching  a  cheerlul,  wisdom"  (ch.  7.  1-4;  Ps.  90.12..  detia  know 
thankful  use  of  God's  gifts  "under  the  sun,"  not  anything— i.?.,  so  far  as  their  bodily  senaes 
i.e.,  not  n^aking  them  the  chiej^^  good,  as  sen- ,  and  u-orkUy  aff'airs  are  concerned  (Job,  14. 2:1; 
sualists  do,  which  ch.  2.  2;  7.  2,  forbid;  but  Isa.  6.J.  16;);  also,  they  know  no  door  of  re- 
in ■'  the  fear  of  God,"  as  ch.  3.  12;  5.  18;  7.  18;  pentance  open  to  tl;em,  such  as  is  to  all  on 
9.  7,  opi  osed  to  the  abstinence  of  the  self-  earth,  teitii  r . .  .rewara — no  advantage  irom 
righteous  ascetic  ich.  7.  10,),  and  of  the  miser  their  world)>  Jabours  (ch.  2.  18-22;  4.  9.). 
(ch.  6.  17.  .  15.  no  better  thing,  <fcc.— ivz.,  for  memcry— not  oi  the  righteous  (Ps.  112.  6;  Mai, 
the  "just"  man,  whose  clufj  gi  od  is  religion,  3.  16,),  but  tlie  wicked,  who  with  all  the  pains 
not  for  the  worldly.  a.hide— Heb.,  adhtrt;  not ,  to  perijetuate  their  names  Ps.  49. 11  are  soon 
/or  fire7',  but  it  is  the  only  sure  good  to  be  i  "forgotten" (ch. 8. 10.).  6. love, and... hatrtd,&c. 
enjoyed  from  earthly  labours  equivalent  to  — ,iei erring  to  i;.  1,  where  see  the  note.).  Not 
"  o:  his  labour  the  days  of  his  life.",.  stUI,  that  these  cease  in  a  future  world  absolutely 
the  language  resembles  the  sceptical  precept  {Ez.  32.  1.7;  Rev.  22.  11;;;  but  as  the  end  of  this 
'1  Cor.  15.  32,),  introduced  only  to  be  reluted:  verse  shows,  relatively  to  persons  and  things 
and  "  abide"  is  too  strong  language,  perhaps,  in  this  world.  Abm's  love  and  hatred  can  no 
for  a  religious  man  to  apply  to  "eating"  and  longer  be  exercised  for  good  or  evil  in  the  same 
"mirth."  16.  Reply  to  v.  14,  15.  When  1  way  as  here;  but  the  fruits  of  them  rema.n. 
applied  myself  to  observe  man's  toils  alter  What  he  is  found  at  death,  he  remains  for 
happiness  (.some  of  them  so  incessant  as  not  ever.  "Envy,"  too,  marks  the  wicked  as  le- 
to  al.ow  sulhcient  time  for  "slee,.,"),  then  ferred  to,  sime  it  was  therewith  that  they 
{V.  17,  the  apodosis)  I  saw  that  "man  canix.t  assailed  the  righteous  (v.  i,  note.),  portion- 
find  "out  itne  reason  of)  God's  inscruiai'.e  their  "portion"  was  "in  this  life"  iPs.  17.  l-l,), 
dealings  with  the  "just"  and  with  ti.e  that  thty  now  "  cannot  have  any  more."  7. 
"  wicked"  here  (v.  14;  ch.  3. 11;  Job,  5.  9;  Konj.  Addressed  to  the  "righteous  wise,"  spoken 
11.  :i:,\j\  his  duty  is  to  acquie.sce  in  them  a.  of  in '.'.I.  Being  "in  the  hand  of  God,"  who 
good,  because  they  are  GocCs,  though  he  sees  nowaccepteth  "  thy  works"  in  His  service,  as 
n"i  all  the  reasons  lor  them  iPs.  73. 16.).  It  is  He  has  previously  accepted  thy  person  (Gen. 
fci  11;  h  to  know  "the  righteous  are  in  God's  4.  4,),  thou  mayest  "eat.  Arc,  with  a  cheerlul 
hanti"  ch.  9.  1.).  "Over  wise"  (ch.  7.  16,),  (not  sensually  'merry')  heart"  ch.  3.  l.i;  i>. 
i.L  .  .-peculations  abo-\e  what  is  written  are  l**;  Acts,  2.  40.).  8.  white— in  token  of  joy 
Vrtin.  (Isa.  61.  3.).     Solomon  was  clad  in  white 

448  UJ 


Human  PrdbabiliUes  Uncertain.    ECCLE^IASTES,  X.        Ohservations  on  Wisdom,  dtc. 


(Joseph.  Antiq.  viii.  7,  3;);  henct^  his  attire 
is  compared  to  the  "  lilies"  JNlat.  6.  'Jn,), 
typical  of  the  spotless  riahteousness  of  Jesus 
Christ,  which  the  redeemed  shall  wear  (Kev. 
3.  18;  r.  14.).  ointment— (Ps.  23.  5,),  opposed 
to  a  gloomy  exterior  (2  Sam.  14.  2;  Ps.  45.  7; 
Mat.  6.  17;) ;  typical,  also  (oh.  7. 1;  Sol.  Song.  1. 
3.;.  9.  wif ' . . .  :oves!:— godly  and  true  love,  op- 
posed to  the  "snares"  of  the  "  thousand"  con- 
cubines (ch.  7.  26,  28,).  "among"  whom  Solo- 
moo  could  not  find  the  true  love  which  joins 
one  man  to  07ie  woman  (Pro.  6.  15, 18,  it);  18. 
22;  19.  14.1.  10.  " ^Vhatsoever,"  viz.,  in  the 
service  of  God.  This  and  last  verse  plainly 
is  the  language  of  Solomon,  not  of  a  sceptic, 
as  HoL.  would  explain  it.  hand,  &.c.—{Marg. 
Lev.  12.  8;  Marg.  1  Sam.  10.  7.).  thy  mieht— 
diligence  (Deut.  6.  6;  Marg.  Jer.  48." 30.). 
no  work  ...  in  the  grare— (John.  9.  4;  Rev.  14. 
13.).  "The  soul's  play-day  is  Satan's  work- 
day; the  idler  the  man  the  busier  the 
tempter."  [-outh.]  11.  This  verse  qualifies 
the  sentin.ient,  v.  7-9.  Earthly  "  en  joy  mem.';," 
however  lawful  in  their  place  (ch.  3.  1.),  are 
to  give  way,  when  any  work,  to  be  done  for 
God.  requires  it.  Reverting  to  the  senti- 
ment ,ch.  8.  17,),  we  ought,  therefore,  not 
only  to  work  God's  work  "  with  might"  (v.  10,), 
but  also  with  the  feeling  that  the  event  is 
wholly  "in  God's  hand"  {v.  1.).  race  .  . .  not 
to  the  swift— (2  Sam.  18.23;);  spiritually  iZeph. 
3.  19;  Rom.  9.  10.).  nor  . . .  battle  to  . .  .  strong 
—(1  Sam.  17.  47;  2  Chr.  14.  9,  11, 15;  Ps.  33.  IG.i. 
bread  —  livelihood,  favour  —  of  the  great, 
chance— seemingly,  really  Providence.  But 
as  man  cannot  "find  it  out"  (ch.  ;'.  11,), 
he  needs  "with  all  might"  to  use  oppor- 
tunities. Duties  are  ours;  events,  God's. 
12.  his  time— viz.,  of  death  (ch.  7.  15;  Isa.  13. 
22.).  Hence  the  danger  of  delay  in  doing  the 
work  of  God,  as  one  knows  not  when  his  op- 
portunity will  end  (o.  lO.).  evil  net— fatal  to 
them.  The  unexpected  suddenness  of  the 
capture  is  the  point  of  comparison.  So  the 
second  coming  of  Jesus  Christ,  "as  a  snare" 
(Luke,  21.  35.).  evil  time— as  an  "evil  net," 
fatal  to  them.  13.  Rather,  "I  have  seen 
wisdom  ot  this  kind  also,"  i.e.,  exhibited  in 
the  way  which  is  described  in  what  follows. 
TMauk.J  14, 15.  (2  Sam.  20.  16-22.i.  bulwarks 
—military  woi'ks  of  besiegers.  15.  poor— as 
to  the  temporal  advantages  of  true  wisdom, 
though  it  often  saves  others,  it  receives  little 
reward  from  the  world,  which  admires  none 
save  the richand  great,   no  man  remembered 


man,  Jesus  Christ  (Isa.  5.^  2,  3;  Mark. «  3: 
2  Cor.  8.  9;  Eph.  1.  7,  8:  Col.  2.  3.). 
CHAPTER  X. 
Ver.  1-20.  1.  Following  up  ch.  9.  18.  him 
that  is  in  reputation— ecc.  gr.,  David  (2  Sam. 
12.  14;);  Solomon  (1  Ki.  11.;);  Jehoshaphat  (2 
Chr.  IS.;  19.  2;j:  Josiah  (2  Chr.  35.  22.;.  The 
more  delicate  the  perfume,  the  more  easily 
spoiled  is  the  ointment.  Common  oil  is  not 
so  liable  to  injury.  So  the  higher  a  man's 
religii  us  character  is,  the  more  hurt  is  caused 
by  a  sinful  folly  in  him.  Bad  savour  is  en- 
durable in  oil,  but  not  in  what  professes  to 
be,  and  is  co'-ipounded  by  the  perfumer 
("apothecary")  for, fragrance.  "Flies" answer 
to  '  a  little  folly"  (sin,),  appropriately,  being 
small  (1  Cor.  5.  6:);  also,  "Beelzebub  means 
prince  of  flies.  "  Ointment"  answers  to  "  re- 
putation" (ch.  r.  1 ;  Gen.  34.  30.  .  The  verbs 
are  sing.,  the  noun  plur.,  implying  that  each 
of  the  flies  causes  the  stinking  savour.  2, 
(Ch.  2.  14.).  right— the  right  hand  is  more 
expert  than  the  left.  The  godly  wise  is  more 
on  his  guard  than  the  foolish  sinner,  though 
at  times  he  slip.  Better  a  diamond  with  a 
flaw,  than  a  pebble  without  one.  3.  by  the 
way— in  his  ordinary  coune;  in  his  simplest 
acts  (Pro.  6.  12-14.).  That  he  "saifh,"  virtu- 
nllij,  "that  he"  himself,  &c.  (LXX.).  But 
Vulg.,  "  He  thinks  that  every  one  [else  whom 
he  meets)  is  a  fool."  4.  spirit— anger,  yield- 
uig  piicifieth- (Pro.  15.  1.).  This  explains 
"leave  not  thy  place;"  do  not  in  a resi.sVingf 
spirit  Withdraw  from  thy  post  of  duty  (ch.  8. 
:;.  .  5.  a.s— rather,  "by  reason  of  an  error." 
[iMaur.  and  HoL.l  6.  rich— not  in  mere 
wealth,  but  in  wisdom,  as  the  antithesis  to 
"folly"  (for  "foolish  men")  shows.  So  Heb. 
rwh,  equivalent  to  "  Uberal,"  in  a  good 
sense  (isa.  32.  5.).  Mordecai  and  Haman 
(Esth.  3.  1,  2;  6.  6-11.).  7.  servants  upon 
Horses  —  the  worthless  exalted  to  dignity 
(Jer.  17.  25;);  and  vice  versd  (2  Sam.  15.  30.). 

8.  The  fatal  results  to  kings  of  such  an  un- 
wise policy;  the  wrong  done  to  others  recoils 
on  themselves  (ch.  8.  9;;;  they  fall  into  the 
pit  which  they  dug  for  others  (Esth.  7.  10;  Ps. 
7.  15;  Pro.  26.  27.).  Breaking  through  the 
wise  fences  of  their  throne,  they  sufler  unex- 
pectedly themselves;  as  when  one  is  stung 
by  a  serpent  lurking  in  the  stones  of  his 
neighbour's  garden  wall  (Ps.  80.  12,),  which 
he  maliciously  pulls  down  (Amos,  5.  19.). 

9.  renioveth  stones— viz.,  of  an  ancient  build- 
ing.   [Weiss.]    His  neighboui-'s  landmarks. 


(Gen.  40.  23.).  16.  Resuming  the  sentiment  [Hol. J  Cuts  otit  from  the  quhrry.  [Maub,.] 
(ch.  7. 19;  Pro.  21. 22;  24. 6.).  poor  man's  wisdom !  end mgred— by  the  splinters,  or  by  the  head 
is  despised— not  the  poor  man  mentioned  in  [  of  the  hatchet,  flying  back  on  himself.  Pithy 
V.  16;  for  his  wisdom  could  not  have  saved  aphorisms  are  common  in  the  East.  The 
the  city,  had  "his  words  not  been  heard;"  ■  sense  is:  Violations  of  true  wisdom  recoil 


but  poor  men  in  general.    So  Paul  (Acts,  27 
11.).     17.   Though  generally  the  poor  wise ; 


on  the  perpetrators.     10.  iron  . .  .  blunt— in 
cleaving  wood"  [v.  9,),  answering   to  the 


man  is  not  heard  i.v.  16,),  yet  "the  words  of  j  "fool  set  in  dignity"  (v.  6.1,  who  wants  sharp- 
wise  men,  when  heard  in  quiet  (when  calmly  iness.  More  force  has  then  to  be  used  in 
given  heed  to,  as  in  ■}?.  15,),  are  more  service-!  both  cases;  but  force  without  jiuknient 
able  than,"  &c.  ruleth— as  the  "great  king"  i  "  endangers"  one's  self.  TnnisL,  "If  one 
(v.  14.).  Solomon  reverts  to  "the  rulers  to  hath  blunted  his  iron."  [Maur.J  The  pre- 
their  own  hurt"  iCh.  8.9.).  18.  one  sinner,  &c.  ference  of  rash  to  judicious  coun.sellors, 
— (.losh.  7.1, 11. 12.).  Though  wisdom  excels  which  entailed  the  pushing  of  matters  by 
folly  {v.  16;  ch.  7.  19,),  yet  a  "little  folly  /orce,  iiroved  to  be  the  "hurt"  of  Kehol)oara 
(equivalent  to  sin]  can  destroy  much  good,"  (1  Ki.  12.).  wisdom  is  profitable  tc  direct— to  a 
both  in  himself  (ch.  10.  1;  Jam.  2.  10)  and  in  prosperous  issue.  Insteadof  forcing  matters 
others.  "Wisdom"  must,  from  the  antithesis  by  main  "  strength"  to  one's  own  hurt  (ch.  9. 
to  " sinner,"  mean  religion.  Thus  typically,  16,  18.).  11.  A  "serpent  will  bite"  if  "en- 
the " little  city"  may  be  applied  to  f/ie  c/mrc/t  chantment"  is  not  used;  "and  a  babbling 
(Luke,  12.  32;  Heb.  12.  22;);  the  great  kiug  to  calumniator  is  no  better."  Therefore,  as  one 
Satan  (John,  12.  31;) ;  the  despised  poor  wise .  may  escape  a  serpent  by  charms  d's.  58. 4, 6J, 
448  U 


Ofxoisdom  and  folly. 


in  their  heart  while  they  live,  and  after 
that  they  go  to  the  dead. 

4  For  to  him  that  is  joined  to  all  the 
li\'ing  there  is  hone:  lor  a  living  dog  ia 
better  than  a  dead  lion. 

5  For  the  li\in>;  kr.ow  that  they  shall  die: 
but  •  the  dead  know  not  any  thing,  neither 
have  they  any  more  a  reward;  for  ''the 
memory  of  them  is  forgotten. 

6  Also  their  love,  aud  their  hatred,  and 
their  en\-y,  is  now  perished;  neither  have 
they  any  more  a  portion  for  ever  in  any 
thing  that  is  done  mider  the  sun. 

7  11  Go  thy  way,  •  eat  thy  bread  with  joy, 
and  drink  thy  wme  with  a  merry  heart;  for 
God  now  accept  eth  thy  works. 

8  Let  thy  garments  be  always  white ;  and 
let  thy  head  lack  no  ointment. 

9  2  Live  jovfuJly  with  the  wife  whom  thou 
lovest  all  the  days  of  the  lile  of  thy  vanity, 
which  he  hath  given  thee  under  the  sun, 
all  the  days  of  thv  vanity:  /for  that  w  tliv 
portion  in  this  lite,  and  in  thy  labour  which 
thou  tiiki'st  under  the  sun. 

10  Whatsoever  thy  liand  findeth  to  do,  do 
it  with  thy  might;  for  there  is  no  work,  nor 
device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom,  in  the 
grave,  whither  thou  goest. 

11  IF  I  returned,  *  and  saw  under  the  sun, 
that  the  race  is  not  to  the  swifc,  nor  the 
battle  to  the  strong,  neither  yet  bread  to 
the  wise,  nor  yet  riches  to  men  of  under- 
standing, nor  "yet  favour  to  men  of  skill ; 
but  time  and  chance  happeneth  to  them 
all. 

12  For  '^man  also  knoweth  not  his  time: 
as  the  fishes  that  are  taken  in  an  evil  net, 
and  as  the  birds  that  are  caught  in  tho 
snare;  so  are  the  sods  of  men  »snared  in 
an  e\'il  time,  when  it  falleth  suddenly  upon 
them. 

13  IT  This  wisdom  have  1  seen  also  under 
the  sun,  .iiid  it  seemtd  great  unto  me: 

14  There}  was  a  httle  city,  aud  few  men 
within  it;  and  there  came  a  gieat  king 
against  it,  and  besieged  it,  and  built  great 
buh\  arks  against  it. 

1?  >iow  there  was  found  in  it  a  poor  wise 
man,  and  he  by  his  wisdom  delivered  the 
city ;  yet  no  man  remembered  ;hat  same 
poor  man. 

16  Then  *  said  I,  Wisdom  is  better  than 
strengih:  nevertheless  '  the  poor  man's  wis- 
dom is  despised,  and  his  words  are  not 
heard. 

17  The  •"  words  of  wise  men  are  heard  in 
quiet  more  than  the  cry  of  him  that  ruleth 
among  fools. 

18  Wisdom  is  better  than  weapons  of 
war:  but  "one  sinner  destroyeth  much 
eood. 

CHAPTER  X. 

1  Of  wiidmn  and  foVy.  16  of  riot,  18  tlvthfulness , 
19  and  money.  20  Mtn'a  thoughts  of  kings  ought 
to  be.  reverent. 

TjEAD  1  flies  cause  the  ointment  of  the 
^  apothecary  to  send  forth  a  stinking 
savour:  so  doth  a  little  folly  him  that  is  in 
reputation  for  wisdom  and  honour. 

2  A  wise  "  man's  heart  is  at  his  right 
hand;  but  a  fool's  heart  at  his  left. 

3  Yea  also,  when  he  that  is  afuol  walketh 
by  the  way,2his  wisdom  faileth  hira,  ^and 
be  saitli  to  every  one  that  he  is  a  fool. 

4  If  the  spirit  of  the  mler  rise  up  against 
thee,  "leave  not  thy  place;  for  <» yielding 
pacifieth  great  oU'ences. 

6  Tliere  is  aa  evil  which  1  have  seen  under 


B.  C.  977. 


CHAP.  B. 
<:  Job  11.  21. 

Is.  U3. 16. 
d  Job  7-  8. 

Is.  LB.  14. 
•  ch.  8.  15. 


ECCLESIASTE3.  X,  XL      Exhortation  to  eharitahleness. 

the  sun,  as  an  error  which  proceedeth 
3  from  the  ruler; 

6  ;  I  y  is  set  *  in  great  dignity,  and  tho 
rich  siL  in  low  place. 

7  I  have  seen  servants  '  upon  horses,  and 
prinoos  w.ilkinti  as  servants  upon  the  earth. 

8  He  that  di^i<eth  a  pit  shall  ftdl  into  it; 
and  whoso  breiiketh  an  hedge,  a  serpent 
sh  .11  bite  him. 

9  Whoso  removeth  stones  shall  be  hurt 
therewith ;  and  he  that  cleaveth  wood  shall 
be  eniangered  thereby. 

10  If  the  iron  be  blunt,  and  he  do  not 
whet  the  edge,  then  must  he  put  to  more 
strength:  but  wisdom  is  profitable  to  direct. 

11  .Surely  the  serpent  will  bite  /without 
enchantment;  and  6 a  babbler  is  no  better. 

IJ  The  words  of  a  wise  man's  mouth  ara 
8  gracious ;  but  the  lips  of  a  fool  will  swal- 
low up  himself. 

13  The  beginnmg  of  the  words  of  hia 
mouth  is  foolishness;  and  the  end  of  '  hia 
talk  is  mischievous  madness. 

14  A  fool  also  8  is  full  of  words:  a  man 
cannot  tell  what  shall  be:  and  what  shall 
be  ^  after  him,  who  can  tell  him? 

15  The  labour  of  the  foolish  wearieth 
eveiy  one  of  them,  because  he  knoweth 
not  now  to  go  to  the  city. 

16  H  Woe  "  to  thee,  0  land,  when  thy  king 
is  a  child,  and  thy  princes  eat  in  the  morn- 
ing! 

17  Blessed  art  thou  O  land,  when  thy 
king  is  the  son  of  nobles,  and  » thy  prhices 
eat  in  due  season,  for  strength,  and  not  for 
drui.kenness! 

18  *ii  By  much  slothfulness  the  building 
decayeth;   and   through  idleness   of  the 


V  Jam.  4. 14. 

h  Is.  a.  i. 

U.  5.  11. 
(  Pro.  31.4. 
9  makoth 


P..  U4.15. 

Act8  \:j.  5. 

lOUr.  roa- 


hands  the'  house  ui oppcth  thiough. 
19  H  A  feast  is  made  for  laughter,  and 
wine  9  maketh  merry:  but  money  answereth 


all  thing 
^OUCTu 


face  of  tho 

U.  S2.  3). 
a  Du.  15.10. 
Pro.  19. 17. 
Mat.  10.42. 
Gal.  6.  9. 
Heb.  8.  10. 

b  p».  na.  0. 

1  Ti.  6.  18. 
e  Mic.  5.  6. 
d  Ei.l..  6.  16. 
e  John  3.  8. 
2  th/ii;  b« 
right. 


Cm-se  )  not  the  king,  no  not  in  thy 
l*J  thought;  and  curse  not  the  rich  m  thy 
bed-cliamber:  for  n  a  bird  of  the  air  shaQ 
carry  the  voice,  and  that  which  hath  wings 
shall  tell  the  matter. 

CHAPTER  XL 
1  Directions  for  charity.    7  Death  ought  to  be  re- 
membered tnlife,  9  and  the  day  of  judgment  in 
the  days  of  youth. 
rjAST  thy  bread  i  upon  the  waters:  "  for 
^    thou  shall  hnd  it  after  many  days. 

2  Give  *  a  portion  "  to  sevcn,  and  also  to 
ei-ht:  d  for  thou  knowest  not  what  evil 
shall  be  upon  the  earth. 

3  li  the  clouds  be  full  of  rain,  they  empty 
thi-rji.<elves  upon  the  earth:  and  if  the  tree 
fall  :ov\  ard  the  south,  or  toward  the  north, 
in  tile  place  where  the  tiee  lalleth,  there 
it  shall  be. 

4  He  that  observeth  the  wind  shall  not 
sow  ;  and  he  that  regardeth  the  clouds 
shall  not  reap. 

5  As "  thou  knowest  not  what  is  the  way 
of  the  spirit,  nor  how  the  bones  do  grow 
In  the  womb  of  her  that  is  with  child;  even 
so  thou  kriowest  not  the  works  of  God 
who  maketh  all. 

C  In  the  iiiuriiiiig  sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the 
evening  withhold  not  thine  hand;  for  thou 
knowest  not  whether  2  shall  prosper,  either 
this  or  that,  or  whether  they  boin  shall  be 
alike  1,'ood. 

7  11  Truly  the  light  is  sweet,  and  a  pleasant 
thing  it  is  for  the  eyes  to  behold  the  smi: 

8  lint  it  a  man  live  many  years,  and  re- 
joice in  them  aU,  yet  let  mm  remember 


Of  Riot  and  Slothfulness. 


so  one  may  escape  the  sting  of  a  calumniator 
by  discretion  {v.  12.).  [Hol.]  Thus.  "  without 
enchantment"  answers  to  "not  whet  the 
edge"  d'.  10. ),  both  expressing,  figuratively, 
V)ant  of  judgment.  Maur.  transl.,  "Tliere  is 
no  gain  to  ihe  enchanter"  {Marg.,  master  oj 
the  tongtie")  from  his  enchantments,  because 
the  serpent  bites  before  he  can  use  them; 
hence  the  need  of  continual  caution.  Ver.  8-10, 
caution  in  acting;  v.  11,  and  following  verses, 
caution  in  speaking.  12.  gracious— thereby  he 
takes  precaution  ajainst  sudden  injury  {v.  11.). 
swallow  up  himself— i Fro.  10.8,14,21,32;  VJ. 
13;  15.  2;  22. 11.).  13.  Illustrating  the  folly  and 
injuriousness  o{  the  fool's -words;  last  clause 
ofv.  12.  14.  full  of  words— (ch.  5.2.).  amaii  can- 
not tell  what  shall  be— (ch.  3.  22;  6.  12;  8.  7;  11. 
2;  Pro.  27. 1.).  If  man,  universally  (including 
the  wise  man,),  cannot  foresee  the  future, 
much  less  can  the  fool;  his  "  many  words"  are 
therefore  futile.  15.  labour . . .  wearieth— (Isa. 
55.  2;  Hab.  2.  13.).  knoweth  not  how  to  go  to 
the  city— proverb  for  ignorance  of  the  most 
ordinary  matters  [v.  3;);  spiritually,  the  hea- 
venly city  iPs.  107.  7;  Mat.  7.  13. 14.).  Maur. 
connects  v.  15  with  the  following  verses.  The 
labour  (vexation)  caused  by  the  foolish  (in- 
jurious princes,  v.  4-7,),  harasses  him  who 
*'  knows  not  how  to  go  to  the  city,"  to  ingra- 
tiate himself  with  them  there.  E.  V.  is 
simpler.  16.  a  child  —  given  to  pleasures; 
behaves  with  childish  levity.  Not  in  years; 
for  a  nation  may  be  happy  under  a  young 
prince,  as  Josiah.  eat  in  the  morning  — the 
usual  time  for  dispensing  justice  in  the  East 
(Jer.  21.  12;);  here,  given  to  feasting  (Isa.  6.  il; 
Acts.  2. 15.).  17.  son  of  nobles— not  merely  in 
blood,  but  in  virtue,  the  true  nobility  (Sol. 
Song  7.  1;  Isa.  32.  5,  8.).  in  due  season— (ch.  3. 
1.),  not  until  duty  has  first  been  attended 
to.  for  strengtii— to  refresh  the  body,  not  for 
revelry  (included  in  "drunkenness.").  18. 
building— Kt.,  the  joining  of  the  rafters,  viz., 
the  kingdom  v.  16;  Isa.  3.  6;  Amos,  9.  11.). 
hands— (ch.  4.  6;  Pro.  6.  10.).  droppeth— by 
neglect  to  repair  the  roof  in  time,  the  rain 
gets  through.  19.  Referring  to  v.  18.  Instead 
of  repairing  the  breaches  in  the  common- 
wealtb  (equivalent  to  "  building,"),  the 
princes  "make  a  feast  for  laughter  {v.  16,), 
and  wine  maketh  their  life  glad  (Ps.  104.  15,), 
and  (but)  money  supplieth  (answereth  their 
wishes  by  supplying)  all  things,"  i.e.,  they 
take  bribes  to  support  their  extravagance; 
and  hence  arise  the  wrongs  that  are  perpe- 
trated V.  5,  6;  ch.  3.  16;  Isa.  1.  23;  5.  23.). 
'all  things"  of  the  wrongs  to 


ECCLESIASTES.  XI.  Exhortation  to  ChantaUeness. 
the  Lord's  prayer,  all  things  mcdful  for  the 
li(id]i  and  soul.  Solomon  reverts  to  the  seti- 
liinent  ch.  9.10.).    waters— imaue  from  the 


custom  of  sowing  seed  by  casting  it  from 
floats  into  the  overflowing  waters  of  the  N  ile, 
or  in  a7iy  marshy  ground.  When  the  waters 
receded,  the  grain  in  the  alluvial  soil  sjirang 
up  (Isa.  32.  20.).  "Waters"  express  nmlfi- 
tudes.  so  V.  2;  Eev.  17.  15;  also  the  seemin:jly 
hopeless  ^hnviM-ter  of  the  recipients  of  the 
charity;  but  it  sliall  prove  at  last  to  have 
been  not  thrown  away  (Isa.  49.4.).  2.  portu  n 
—of  thy  bread,  seveii— the  perfect  number, 
eight— even  to  more  than  seven,  i.e.,  to  many 
(so  "waters."  v.  1.),  nay.  even  to  venj  many 
in  need  (Job.  5.  1!):  Mi'c.  5.  5.).  evil— the  day 
may  be  near,  when  you  will  need  the  help 
of  those  whom  you  have  bound  to  you  by 
kindnesses  (Luke,  16. 9.).  The  very  argument 
which  covetous  men  use  against  liberality, 
viz.,  that  bad  times  may  come,  the  wise  man 
uses  for  it.  3.  clouds— answering  to  "  evil"  (v. 
2.1,  meaning.  When  the  times  of  evil  are  fully 
ripe,  evil  must  come;  and  speculations  about 
it  before  hand,  so  as  to  prevent  one  sowing 
seed  of  liberality,  are  vain  [v.  4.).  tree— once 
tliat  the  storm  uproots  it,  it  lies  either  north- 
ward, or  southward,  according  as  it  fell.  So 
man's  character  is  unchangeable,  vhether 
for  hell  or  heaven,  once  that  death  overtakes 
him  (Eev.  '22.  11,  14,  15.).  Now  is  his  time  for 
liberality,  liefore  the  evil  days  come  (ch.  12. 
1.).  4.  Therefore  sow  thy  charity  in  faith, 
without  hesitancy  or  speculation  as  to  re- 
sults, because  they  may  not  seem  promis- 
ing (ch.  9.  10.).  So  in  v.  1,  man  is  told  to 
"cast  his  bread-corn"  on  the  seemingly  un- 
promising "waters"  (Ps.  126.  6.  6.).  The 
farmer  would  get  on  badly,  who,  instead  of 
sowing  and  reaping,  sjient  his  time  in  watch- 
ing the  wind  and  clouds.  5.  spin',— how  the 
sold  animates  the  body.  Thus  the  transition 
to  the  formation  of  the  body  "in  the  womb" 
is  more  natural,  than  if  with  Matjk.  we 
transl.  it  "  wind"  (ch.  1.  6;  John,  3.  8.).  bones 
.  .  .  grow  —  (Job.  10.  8,  9;  Ps.  139.  15.  16.). 
knowest  not  the  works  of  God— (ch.  3. 11 ;  8.  17; 
9.12.).  6.  morning...evening— early  and  late: 
when  young  and  when  old;  in  sunshine  and 
under  clouds,  seed  —  of  godly  works  ^Hos. 
10.  12;  2  Cor.  9. 10;  Gal.  6.  7.).  prosper- (Isa. 
55. 10, 11.).  both . . .  alike— both  the  unpromis- 
ing and  the  promising  sowing  may  bear  good 
fruit  in  others:  certainly  they  shall  to  the 
faithful  souier.  1.  light— of  life  (ch.  7.  11;  Ps, 
49.  19.).  Life  is  enjoyable,  especially  to  the 
godly.  8.  But  whilst  man  thankfully  enjoys 
life,  "let  him  remember"  it  will  not  last  lor 
ever.    The  "many  days  of  darkness,"  i.e., 

" "       ■  S.  12,), 

2)  are 
rich— the  great.  The  language,  as  applied  I  coming'^  therefore  sow  the  good  seed  whilst 
to  earthly  princes  knowing  the  "thought"  is  life  and  good  days  last,  winch  are  not  too 
figurative.  But  it  literally  holds  good  of  the  !  long  tor  accom plishmg  life  s  duties  AU  that 
King  of  kings  (Ps.  139.,),  whose  consciousness  I  cometh— i.e..  All  that  foUoweth  m  the  <??■;/  and 
of  every  evil  thought  we  should  ever  realise.  |  dark  days  is  vain,  as  far  as  work  for  God  is 
- .  .     ,     -  ,.T^.   „     J /-u  ,^  ,,.  >     n  T).: —    ^"t  advice., 

thou 
mode- 
rately,'as  ch.  5.  I8,y.  (fcc.  then  "knoy  that 
God  will  bring  thee  into  judgment"  ch. 


Maur.  takes 

•which  princes  are  instigated  by  "money 

ex.  gr.,  the  heavy  taxes,  which  were  the  oc 

casion  of  Rehoboam  losing  ten  tribes  (1  Ki.  |  the  unseen  world  'Job,  10.  21,  22;  1 

12.  4,  (fee).     20.  thought— lit.,  consciousness,  i  also  days  of  "evil"  in  this  world 


bed-chamber— the  most  secret  place  (2  Ki.  6.  concerned  (ch.  9. 10.).  9.  Rejoice— Not  rt( 
12  I  bird  of  the  air,  &c.— proverbial  (cf.  Hab.  but  learning.  So  1  Ki.  22. 15.  is  irony;  if 
2  11;  Luke,  19.  40;) ;  in  a  way  as  marvellous  \  dost  rejoice  {carnally,  ch.  :'.  2;  7.  2,  not  i 
and  rapid,  as  if  birds  or  some  winged  mes-  rately,  as  ch.  5.  18,).  (fcc.  then  knoy 
senger  carried  to  the  king  information  of  the  ...  God  will  bring  thee  into  .ludgment 
curse  so  uttered.  In  the  East  superhuman  '  3.  17;  12.  14.).  youth  . . .  youth— distinct  Heb. 
sagacity  was  attributed  to  birds  (see  my  note, ;  words,  adolescence  or  boyhood  (before  v.  13.), 
iob  28  21;  hence  the  proverb.).  ;  and  full-grown  youth.    It  marks  the  gradual 

■■''■""'"•"""  '^■^  [progress  in   .self-indulgence,   to  which   the 


CHAPTER  XI. 


Ver.  1-10.    1.  Ver.  2  shows  that  charity  is  young  especially  are   prone;  they  see   the 
here  inculcated,   bread— bread-corn.   As  in  roses,  but  do  not  discover  the  thorns,  until 


The  mutual  love 


SOLOMON'S  SONG.  I.  IL 


of  Christ  and  his  chtirch. 


the  days  of  darkness ;  for  they  shall  be 
many.    All  that  cometh  is  vanity. 

9  IT  Rejoice,  O  young  man,  in  thy  youth, 
and  let  thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of 
fchy  youth,  /  and  walk  in  the  ways  of  thine 
heart,  and  in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes:  but 
know  thou,  that  for  all  these  things  "  Grod 
will  bring  thee  into  judgment. 

10  Therefore  remove  <*  sorrow  from  thy 
fleart,  and  "  put  away  evil  from  thy  flesh: 
for  cnildhood  and  youth  are  vanity. 

CHAPTER  XII. 
I  The  Creator  to  be  remembered  in  the  days  of 
geuth,  and  must  not  it  deferred.  8  The  Preach- 
er's eare  to  edify.    13  The  fear  of  Qod  the  chief 
concern  of  man. 

DEMEMBER  now  thy  Creator  in  the 
*■''  days  of  thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days 
come  not,  nor  the  years  draw  nigh,  when 
thou  Shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleasure  in 
them: 

2  While  the  sun,  or  the  light,  or  the 
moon,  or  the  stars,  be  not  darkened,  nor 
the  clouds  return  after  the  rain: 

3  In  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  "  the 
house  shall  tremble,  and  the  strong  men 
shall  bow  themselves,  and  i  the  grmders 
cease,  because  they  are  few,  and  *  those 
that  look  out  of  the  windows  be  darkened, 

4  And  the  '  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the 
streets,  when  the  sound  of  the  grinding  is 
low,  and  he  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of 
the  bird,  and  all  <*  the  daughters  of  music 
shall  be  brought  low: 

6  Also  when  they  snail  be  afraid  of  that 
uiiioh  is  hj£h,  ana  tears  shaU.  be  in  ib» 


CHAP.  11. 

/  Nu.  15.  39. 
a  Rom.  2.  6. 
3  Or,  knger. 
ft  2  Cor.  7. 1. 
2TiiB.2.22. 


CHAP.  12. 
«  2  Cor.  6.1. 

1  Or,  the 
grinder! 
&U,  becauie 
they  grind 
little. 

6  Gen.  27. 1. 
e  Micah  7.  1. 
d  2  S«.  19.35. 
8  Lev.  19.32. 
/  Gen.  3.  19. 
0ch.  3.  21. 
ANu.27.16. 
Zee.  12.  1. 

2  Or,  the 
more  wi»9 
the  pre«ch- 


4  Or, reading. 

5  Or.Tlie  end 
of  themat- 


i  Mat.  12,36. 
Acts  17.31. 
Bom.  2.16. 
lCor.i.6. 


wav,  and  the  '  almond  tree  shall  fiourisb, 
and  the  grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and 
desire  shall  fail;  because  man  goeth  to  hi« 
long  home;  and  the  mourners  go  about  the 
streets: 

6  Or  ever  the  silver  cord  be  loosed,  or  the 
golden  bowl  be  broken,  or  the  pitcher  be 
broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the  wheel  broken 
at  the  cistern: 

7  Then/  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth 
as  it  was; »  and  the  spirit  shall  retm-u  unto 
God  ft  who  gave  it. 

8  H  Vanity  of  vanities,  saith  the  Preacher; 
all  is  vanity. 

9  And  2  moreover,  because  the  Preacher 
was  wise,  he  still  taught  the  people  know- 
ledge; yea,  he  gave  good  heed,  and  sought 
out,  and  set  in  order  many  proverbs. 

10  The  Preacher  sought  to  tind  out  3  ac- 
ceptable words ;  and  that  which  was  written 
was  upright,  even  words  of  truth. 

11  The  words  of  the  wise  are  as  goads, 
and  as  nails  fastened  by  the  masters  of 
assemblies,  which  are  given  from  one 
shepherd. 

12  And  further,  by  these,  my  son,  be  ad- 
monished: of  making  many  books  there  is 
no  end :  and  much  *  study  is  a  weariness  of 
the  flesh. 

la  ^  6  Let  us  hear  the  conclusion  of  the 
whole  matter:  Fear  God,  and  keep  his 
commandments:  for  this  is  the  whole  duty 
of  man. 

14  For  *  God  shall  bring  every  work  into 
judgment,  with  every  secret  thing,  whetbet 
it  be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evlL 


THE 

SONG    OF    SOLOMON. 


CHAPTER  I. 
1  Th*  ehureh'e  love  to  Christ:  6  sh*  confesses  her 
deformity.  7  and  prays  to  be  directed  to  his 
flock.  8  Christ  directs  her  to  the  shejiherds' 
tents;  Sand  shewing  his  love  to  her,  11  9%ve3  her 
gracious  Tormnises.  12  The  church  and  Christ 
congratulate  each  other. 

rrRE  »  Song  of  songs,  which  is  Solomon's. 
■'-  2  Let  him  kiss  me  with  the  kisses  of 
bis  mouth:  for  i  thy  love  is  better  than 
wine.  ^    .  4 

3  Because  of  the  savour  of  thy  good  omt- 
ments  thy  name  is  as  ointment  poured 
forth,  therefore  do  the  *  virgins  love  thee. 

4  Draw  *  me,  we  <*  will  run  after  thee. 
The  King  *  hath  brought  me  into  his 
chambers:  we  will  be  glad  and  rejoice  in 
thee;  we  will  remember  thy  love  more  than 
wine:  2  the  upright  love  thee. 

5  If  1  am  black,  but  comely,  0  ye  daugh- 
ters of  Jerusalem,  as  the  tents  of  Kedar, 
as  the  cmtains  of  Solomon. 

6  Look  not  upon  me,  because  I  am  black, 
because  the  sun  hath  looked  upon  me:  my 
mother's  children  were  angry  with  me; 
they  made  me  the  keeper  of  the  vineyards; 
bict  mine  own  vineyard  have  1  not  kept. 

7  Tell  me,  O  thou  whom  my  soul  loveth, 
where  thou  feedest,  where  /  thou  makest 
Hiyiiock  to  rest  at  noon:  for  why  should  I 
be  3  as  one  that  tiuneth  aside  by  the  flocks 
of  thy  companions? 

8  1  11'  thou  know  not.  0  thou  fairest 

m 


B.  C.  lOM. 


CHAP.  1. 

0  1  Ki.  4. 32. 

1  thy  loTei, 
ch,  4,  10. 

i  2  Cor.  11.2, 

Mat.  25.  1. 
«Jer.  31.3. 

Hos.  11.  4. 

John  6.  44. 

John  12.32. 
d  Phil.  3.12. 
e  Fa.  45.  14. 

John  11.  2. 

£ph.  2.  6. 

2  Or,  they 
love  thee 
uprightly. 
Bo.  8.  39. 
1  John  4. 
16. 

/John  10. 2T. 

3  Or,  M  one 
tbtt  ia 
veUed. 

g  ch.  2.  2. 
John!5.14. 

A2Chrl.le. 
I  t  £ae.  16, 11, 
I  4  0r,eypre>i, 
I  cb.  4. 13. 
'  j  ch.  4. 1. 

ch.  6. 12. 
I  6  Or,  my 
1     companion. 
I  6  Or, 


among  women,  go  thy  way  forth  by  the 
footsteps  of  the  flock,  and  feed  thy  kida 
beside  the  shepherds'  tents. 

9  1  have  compared  thee, «'  0  my  love,  a  to 
a  company  ot  horses  in  Pharaoh's  cha- 
riots. 

10  Thy » cheeks  are  comely  with  rows  oj 
jewels,  thy  neck  with  chains  of  gold. 

11  We  will  make  thee  borders  of  gold, 
with  studs  of  silver. 

12  H  WhUe  the  King  sitteth  at  his  table, 
my  spikenard  sendeth  forth  the  smell 
thereof. 

13  A  bundle  of  myrrh  is  my  well-beloved 
unto  me ;  he  shaU  lie  all  night  betwixt  my 
breasts. 

14  My  beloved  is  unto  me  as  a  cluster  of 
*  camphire  in  the  vineyaids  of  En-gedi. 

16  Behold.  J  thou  art  fair,  6  n^y  love;  be- 
hold, thou  art  lah;  thou  hast  doves'  eyes. 

16  Behold,  thou  art  fair,  my  beloved,  yea, 
pleasant:  also  our  bed  is  green. 

17  The  beams  of  our  house  are  cedar,  and 
our  6  rafters  of  fir. 

CHAPTER  IL 
1  Mutual  love  of  Christ  and  his  church.    8  Her 
hope,  10  and  calling.     14  Christ's  eare  of  her. 
16  Her  profession,  faith,  and  hope. 

T  AM  the  rose  of  Sharon,  and  the  lily  of 
•*■    the  valleys. 

2  As  the  lily  among  thomB,  so  is  my  love 
among  the  daughters. 

3  As  the  apple  tree  among  the  trees  of  the 


TJie  Creator  to  be  Remembered       ECCLESIASTES,  XII. 


in  the  Days  of  Youth. 

pierced  by  them.  Relitcion  will  cost  self-  (answering  to  o?c?  (7f7e,  in  which  all  the  powera 
denial,  but  the  want  of  it  infinitely  morejare  dormant,),  wliilst  the  other  tnes  are 
(Luke,  14.  28.).  10.  sorrow— i.e.,  </(c /u.s^s  that  iflowerless.  Ges.  takes  the  if  e?^  ior  Jhrnrishe^ 
end  in  "sorrow."  opposed  to  "rejoice,"  and  !ro  n  a  different  root,  cast  ojf':  when  Hie  old 
'iieart  cheer  thee"  v.  9;);  Maru.,  "anuer,"lman /os«s  his  gray  hairs,  as  the  almond  tree 
i.e.,  aU  "  \\  ays  of  thine  heart:'  "  remove,"  &c.\C(ists  its  white  flowers,  grassliopper— the  dry, 
is  thus  ojiposed  to  "walk  in."  &c.  (v.  9.). (shrivelled,  old  man,  his  backbone  sticking 
fl'-sh — the  bodily  organ  by  which  the  sensual  I  out,  his  knees  projecting  forwards,  his  am  s 
thoitfjhts  of  the  "heart"  are  embodied  in  acts.  \  backwards,  his  n^ad  down,  and  the  apophyses 
cm  dill. o'l  — rather.  bo!//(Ood,-  the  same  ift6. .enlarged,  is  like  that  insect.  Hence  arose 
■word  as  the  first,  "youth"  in  o.  9.  A  motive  the  fable,  that  Tithonus  in  very  oitl  age  was 
for  self-restraint;  the  time  is  coming  when '  changed  into  a  gras.shopper.  [Farkh.I  "The 


the  vigour  of  youth,  on  which  thou  reliest, 
will  seem  vain,  except  in  so  far  as  it  has 
been  given  to  God  ,ch.  12. 1.).  youth— tt<.,  the 
dawn  of  thy  days. 

OH  AFTER  XII. 
Ver.  1-14.  1.  As  ch.  11.  9,  10,  showed  what 
youths  are  to  shun,  so  this  verse  shows  what 
they  are  to  follow.  Creator— 'itemember" 
that  thou  art  not  thine  own,  but  (ioit's  pro- 
perty; for  He  has  created  thee  (Ps.  100.  3.). 
Therefore  serve  him  with  thy  "all"  ;Mark, 
12.  30, ■,  and  with  thy  best  days,  not  with  the 
dres^s  of  them  (Pro.  8.  17;  22.  6;  Jer.  3.  4;  Lam. 
3.  27.).  The  Heb.  is  Creators,  plur.,  implying 
the  plurality  of  persons,  as  in  Gen.  1.  2(5;  .so 
Heb.,  Makers  ;Isa.  54.  5.).  while  . . .  no:;— i.e., 
before  that  iFro.  8.  26)  the  evil  days  come, 
viz.,  calamity  and  old  age,  when  one  can  no 
longer  serve  God,  as  in  youth  (ch.  11.  2,  8.). 
no  pleasure — of  a  sensual  kind  2  Sam.  19.  35; 
Ps.  90.  10.).  Pleasure  in  God  continues  to 
the  godly  old  ilsa.  46.  4.).  2.  Illustrating 
"  the  evil  days"  (Jer.  13. 16.).  "  Light,"  "  sun," 
&c.,  express  prosperity;  "darkness,"  pain 
and  calamity  ilsa.  13.  10;  30.  2ti.).  clouds  .  . . 
after  . .  .  ram— after  rain  sunshine  (comfnrt 
might  be  looked  for,  but  only  a  brief  glimpse 
of  it  is  given,  and  the  gloomy  clouds  (pains 
return.  3.  keeD.rs  of  tne  house— ot'z.,  tlie hait,ds 
and  arms  which  protected  the  body,  as  guards 
do  a  palace  iCxen.  49.  24;  Job,  4.  19;  2  Cor.  5. 
1,),  are  now  palsied,  strong  men... bow— (J ud. 
16.  25,  30.).  Like  supporting  pillars,  the  feet 
and  knees  (Sol.  Song  5.  I5;i;  the  strongest 
members  (Ps.  147.  10.),  grinders— the  molar 
teeth,  cease— are  idle,  those  that  louk  out  of 
tne  windows— the  eyes;  the  powers  of  vision, 
looking  out  from  beneath  the  eyelids, 
which  open  and  shut  like  the  casement 
of  a  window.  4.  doors  —  the  lips,  which 
are  closely  shut  together  as  doors,  by  old 
men  in  eating;  for,  if  they  did  not  do  so,  the 
food  would  drop  out  (Job,  41. 14;  Ps.  141.  3; 
Mic.  7.  5.).  in  the  streets— i.e..  toward  the 
street,  "  the  outer  doors."  [Maur.  and 
Weiss.]  sound  of  .  .  .  grinding  — the  teeth 
being  almost  gone,  and  the  lips  "  shut"  in 
eating,  the  sound  of  mastication  is  scarcely 
heard,  tiie  birit— the  cock.  In  the  East  all 
mostly  rise  with  the  dawn.  But  the  old  are 
glad  to  rise  from  their  sleepless  couch,  or 
painful  slumbers  still  earlier,  viz.,  when  the 
cock  crows,  betore  dawn  (Job,  7.  4.).  [Hol.J 
The  least  noise  awakens  them.  [Weiss.] 
daughters  of  music— the  organs  that  produce 
and  that  enjoy  music;  the  voice  and  ear.  5. 
thar  wiiich  is  tugh— the  old  a.e  afraid  of  as- 
cending a  hill,  fears  ...  in  the  way— even  on 
the  level  highviay  they  are  fuU  of  fears  of 
falling,  &c.  aimond  .  .  .  flourish— in  the  East 
the  hair  is  mostly  dark.  The  white  head  of 
the  old  amon'.i  the  dark  haired  is  like  ait 
aXm.ond  tree,  with  its  white  blossoms,  among 
the  dark  trees  around.  [Hol.]-  The  almond 
tree  Jtowers  on  a  leafless  stock  in  winter 


locust  raises  it>clf  to  fly:"  the  old  man  about 
to  leave  the  body  is  like  a  locust  when  it  ia 
assuming  its  winged  form,  and  is  about  to 
fly.  LWaur.J  a  burden— t;iz.,  to  himself, 
de.sire  shall  1  ail— satisfaction  shall  be  abo- 
lished. For  desire,  Vulg.  has  "  the  caper 
tree,"  provocative  of  lust;  not  so  well,  long 
nome— (Job,  16. 22;  17. 13.).  mourners— ; Jer.  9. 
17-20,)  hired  for  the  occasion  (Mat.  9.  23.;. 
6.  A  double  image  to  represent  <iea/./i.,  as  w. 
1-5,  old,  age.  (1.)  A  lavrp  of  frail  material, 
but  gilded  over,  often  in  the  East  hung  from 
roofs  by  a  cord  of  silk  and  silver  interwoven; 
as  the  lam))  is  dashed  down  and  broken, 
when  the  cord  breaks,  so  man  at  death:  "  the 
golden  bowl"  of  the  lamp  answers  to  the  skull, 
which,  from  ihe  vital  preciousness  of  its  con- 
tents, rrtay  be  called  "golden;"  "the  silver 
cord"  is  the  spinal  marrow,  which  is  white 
and  precious  as  silver,  and  is  attached  to  the 
brain.  2.)  .4 /owntom,  from  which  water  is 
dra  .vn  by  a  pitcher  let  down  by  a  rope  wound 
round  a  %meel;  as,  when  the  pitcher  and 
wheel  are  broken,  water  can  no  more  be 
drawn,  so  life  ceases  when  the  vital  energies 
are  gone.  The  "fountain"  may  mean  the 
light  ventricle  of  the  heart;  the  "  cistern," 
the  left;  the  pitcher,  the  veins;  the  wheel, 
the  aorta,  or  gre.it  artery,  [smith.]  The 
circulation  of  the  blood,  whether  known  or 
not  to  Solomon,  seems  to  lie  implied  in  the 
language  put  by  the  Holy  Ghost  into  his 
mouth.  This  gloomy  picture  of  old  age  ap- 
plies to  those  who  have  not  "remembered 
their  Creator  in  youth."  They  have  none  of 
the  consolations  of  God,  which  they  might 
have  obtained  in  youth:  it  is  now  too  late  to 
seek  them.  A  good  old  age  is  a  blessing  to 
the  godly  ((Jen.  15. 15;  Job,  5.  26;  Pro.  16,  31; 
20.  29.  i.  7.  dust  — the  dust-formed  body, 
spirit— surviving  the  body;  implying  its  im- 
mortality (ch.  3. 11,).  8-12.  A  sunii  ary  of  the 
first  part.  13,  14.  A  summary  of  the  second. 
Vanity,  &c. —  Resumption  of  the  sentiment 
with  which  the  book  began  (ch.  1.  2;  l  John, 
2.  17.).  9.  gaVe  good  iieed- ?i<.,  he  weighed. 
The  "teaching  the  people"  seems  to  nave 
been  oral;  the  "  proverbs."  in  writing.  There 
must  then  have  been  auditories  assembled  to 
hear  the  inspired  ivisdom  of  the  Preactier. 
See  the  explanation  of  "Koheleth"  in  the 
Intr.  and  ch.  l.  [1  Ki.  4.  34.).  that  which  was 
-A-ritten,  &c.— rather,  (he  sought)  "  to  u-rite 
down  uprightly  (or  '  aright')  words  of  truth." 
[Hol.  and  Weiss.]  "Acceptable"  means  an 
agreeable  style;  "  uprightly. . .  truth,"  correct 
sentiment.  11.  goads— piercing  deeply  into 
the  mind  (Acts,  2.  37;  9.  5-  Heb.  4.  i:^;);  evi- 
dently inspired  words,  as  the  end  of  the  verse 
proves,  fastened— rather,  on  account  of  the 
Heb.  genders,  (The  words]  "  are  fastened 
(in  the  memory,  like  nails."  [Hol.]  masters 
•f assemblies— rather,  "the  masters  of  collec- 
tions (i.e.,  collectors  of  inspired  sayings. 
Fro.  25. 1]  are  givea  ('  have  published  them 


IntroducUon,  SOLOI\!OFS  SONG. Introduction. 

as  proceeding' [Hot..]!  from  one  Shepherd."  lantidoe  to  follon-tn^  creatnre-idols.  and 
viz.,  the  .Spirit  of  Jesus  Christ  \\\  EihsJ  Kz.  f  vanities,'  wheilier  :.-.;:f-r  tiiteoasiioi-  ich. 7. 
37.  24.).  However,  the  meutiou  of  '•Moaus'iie,  18,),  or  wicked  oppres.-^iou  and  otlier  evils 
favours  the  E.  V.,  "masters  of  assemblies," I  (eh.  8.  12,  13,),  or  mad  mirth  (ch.  2.  2;  7.  2-6,), 
viz.,  under-shepherds,  inspired  by  the  Ckie/^  or  self-mortifying  avarice  (ch.  8.  13, 17,),  or 
Shepherd  (1  Pet.  6.  2-4.J.  Schmidt  transl.,' yonih  spent  without  God  ich.  11.  9;  12.  1.). 
"The  masters  of  assemblies  are  lastened  i-.  is  is  Lj.e  whole  dnty  o{  ma.n—lit.,  this  is  the 
(made  sure)  as  nails,"  so  Isa.  22.  Zi.  12.  ir/ioZe  wrm,  the  full  ideal  of  man,  as  ori^cinally 
(Note,  ch.  1.18.,'.  many  books— of  mere /mma?i  conteiiipJated,  realised  wholly  by  Jesus 
composition,  opposed  to  "by  these;"'  these  Christ  alone;  and,  through  Him,  by  saiuts 
inspired  writings  are  the  only  sure  source  of  now  in  part,  hereafter  perfectly  'I  John.  3. 
"admonition."  ^ver  niucii)  study— in  mere  22-24;  Eev.  22. 14.).  14.  Tlif  luture  jvul-nient 
huinau  books,  wearies  the  body,  without  is  the  test  of  what  is  "  vanity,'  what  .solid,  as 
solidly  profiting  the  soul.  13.  'JUe  grand 'regards  the  chief  good,  the  grand  subject  uf 
inference  of  the  whole  book.    Fear  tuod— The  !the  book. 


THE  SONl^  OF  SOLOMON- 

INTKODUCTION. 

THE  Songof  Solomon,  called  in  the  Vulgate  and  LXX.,  "  The  Song  of  songs,"  from  the  opening 
words.  This  title  denotes  its  superior  excellence,  according  to  the  Hebrew  idiom:  so  holy  of  holies, 
equivalent  to  most  holy  (Ex.  29.  a?;);  theheaven  of  heavens,  equivalent  to  the  highest  heaven  iDeut. 
io.  14.).  It  is  one  of  the  live  volumes  \,vugilluth,)^\aiCed.  immediately  after  the  Pentateuch  in  MSS.  of  the 
J  ewish  scriptures.  Itis  also  fourth  of  the  Hagiographa  ('•  Cetubiui"  writings,),  or  the  third  division  of 
the  <>.  T.,  the  other  two  being  the  Law  and  the  Prophets.  The  Jewish  enumeration  of  the  Cetulnm  is 
P.«alms,  Proverbs.  Job,  Canticles,  Ruth,  Lamentations,  Ecclesiastes,  Esther,  l>amel,  Ezra  (including 
Kehemiah,),  and  Chronicles.  Its  canonicity  is  certain;  it  is  found  in  all  Hebrew  MSJs.  of  sc;ip.ure; 
also  m  the  Greek  LXX.:  in  the  catalogues  of  Melito,  bishop  of  Sardis,  A.D.  170  [Euseb.,  H.E.  iv.  ::6,), 
and  of  others  of  the  ancient  Church. 

Origen  and  Jerome  tell  us,  that  the  Jews  forbade  it  to  be  read  by  any  until  he  was  thirty  years 
old.  It  certainly  needs  a  degree  of  spiritual  maturity  to  enter  aright  into  the  holy  mystery  ot  love 
which  it  allegorically  sets  forth.  To  such  as  have  attained  this  maturity,  of  whatever  age  they  be, 
the  Song  of  songs  is  one  of  the  most  edifying  of  the  sacred  writings.  Rosenmuller  .justly  says,  The 
fiutlden  transitions  of  the  bride  from  the  court  to  the  grove  are  iuexplicable,  on  the  supposition  that 
It  describes  merely  human  love.  Had  it  been  the  latter,  it  would  have  been  positively  objectionable, 
and  never  would  have  been  inserted  in  the  holy  canon.  The  allusion  to  "Pharaoh's  chariots" (cli. 
I.  9,).  has  been  made  a  ground  for  conjecturing,  that  the  love  of  Solomon  and  Pharaoh's  daughter  is 
the  subject  ot  the  Song.  But  this  pussage  alludes  to  a  remarkable  event  in  the  history  of  the  O.  T. 
Church,  the  deliverance  from  the  hosis  and  chariots  of  Pharaoh  at  the  Red  Sea.  (See  however  note 
there.)  The  other  allusions  are  quite  opposed  to  the  notion;  the  bride  is  represented  at  times  as  a 
shepherdess  (ch.  1.  7,),  '■  an  abomination  to  the  Egyptians"  (Uen.  46.  a4;  so  also  ch.  1.  6;  3.  4;  4.  8;  5.  7,), 
are  at  variance  with  it.  The  Christian  fathers,  Urigen  and  Theodoret,  compared  the  teaching  of 
^olonlon  to  a  ladder  with  three  steps;  Ecclesiastes,  natural  (the  nature  of  sensible  things,  vain;): 
Proverbs,  moral;  Canticles,  mystical  (figuring  the  union  of  Christ  and  the  Church.).  The  Jews  com- 
parea  Proverbs  to  the  outer  court  of  Sob.imou's  temple,  Ecclesiastes  to  the  holy  place,  and  Canticles 
to  the  holy  of  holies.  Understood  allegorically,  the  Song  is  cleared  of  all  difficulty.  "  Shulamith" 
^ch.  6. 13,),  the  bride  is  thus  an  appropriate  name,  Daughter  of  Peace,\m'ag  the  leniinine  of  Solomon, 
equivalent  to  the  Prince  of  Peace.  She  by  turns  isa  viuedresser,  shepherdess,  midnight  inquirer,  and 
prince's  consort  and  daughter,  and  He  a  suppliant  drenched  with  night-dews,  and  a  kim;  in  His  palace, 
in  harmony  w  ith  the  various  relations  of  the  Cliuich  and  Christ.  As  Ecclesiastes  set  forth  the  vanity  of 
love  ot  the  creature.  Canticles  sets  fcrtu  the  fulnessof  the  love  which  joins  believers  and  the  Saviour. 
Tlie  entire  economy  of  salvation,  says  Harris,  aims  at  restoring  to  the  world  the  lo.st  spirit  of  love. 
Crod  is  love,  and  Christ  is  the  embodiment  of  the  love  of  Cod.  As  the  other  books  of  Scripture  present 
severally  their  own  aspects  of  divine  truth,  so  Canticles  furnishes  the  believer  with  language  of  holy 
love,  wherewith  his  heart  can  commune  with  his  Lord;  and  portrays  the  intensity  of  Christ's  love  to 
him;  the  affection  of  love  w;is  created  in  man  to  be  a  transcript  of  the  divine  love,  and  ihe  Song 
clothes  the  latter  in  words;  were  it  notfor  this,  we  should  beat  a  loss  for  language,  having  the  divine 
warrant,  wherewith  to  express,  without  presumption,  the  fervour  of  the  love  between  Christ  and  us. 
The  image  of  a  bride,  a  bridegroom,  and  a  marriage,  to  represent  this  spiritual  union,  has  the  sanction 
of  Scripture  throughout:  nay,  the  spiritual  union  was  the  original  fact  in  the  mind  of  God,  of  w  hich 
maiiiage  is  the  transcript  (Isa.  54.  5;  62.  5;  Jer.3.  1,  &c.;  Ez.  16.  and  23.;  Mat.  9.  J5;  22.  2;  -15.  1,  ic; 
Jo)n,  3,  29;  3  Cor.  11.  2;  Eph.  5.  23  32,  where  Paul  does  not  go  from  the  marriage  relation  to  tht 
union  of  Christ  and  the  Church,  as  if  the  former  were  the  first;  but  comes  down  from  the  latter  as 
the  first  and  Itest  recognised  fact,  on  which  the  relation  of  marriage  is  based;  Rev.  19.  7;  21.  2;  22.  17.). 
Above  all,  the  Song  seems  to  correspond  to,  and  form  a  trilogy  with,  the  45lh  and  72d  Psalms.wbich 
Cuntain  the  same  imagery:  just  as  Ps.  37.,  iiuswers  to  Proverbs;  and  Ps.  39.  and  73.  to  Job.  Love  to 
Cbrist  is  the  strongest,  as  it  is  the  purest,  of  human  passions,  and  therefore  needs  the  strongest  lan- 
guage to  express  it:  to  the  pure  in  heart  the  phraseology,  drawn  from  the  rich  imagery  of  Orienta: 
poetry,  will  not  only  appear  not  indeUcate  or  exaggerated,  but  even  below  the  reality.  A  single  em- 
blem IS  a  tijpe:  the  actual  rites,  incidents,  and  persons  of  the  O.  T.  were  appointed  types  of  truths 
a  terwards  to  be  revealed.  But  the  allegory  is  a  continued  metaphor  in  which  the  cireuins'Miices 
are  palpably  often  purely  imagery,  whilst  the  thing  signified  is  altogether  real.  Tiie  cle"  to  he 
nieairng  of  the  Sons  is  not  to  be  looked  .or  iu  the  allego  y  itselts  but  in  other  parts  of  JMiip  .re. 
*•  It  lies  in  the  casket  of  revelation  an  eiquisite  gem,  engraved  with  emblematical  chaiacieio,  with 
450  UJ 


Introduction. SOLOMON'S  SONGJ. Introduction.^ 

nothing  literal  thereon  to  break  the  consistency  of  their  beauty."  [JBur.l  This  accounts  for  tlie  nam* 
of  God  not  occurring  in  it.  Whereas  in  the  /jaraWe  tlie  writer  narrates,  in  the  aileyory  |,c  never 
does  so.  The  iSonp  throughout  consists  of  immediate  addresses  cither  of  Christ  to  the  soui,  or  of  the 
Boul  to  Christ.  "  The  experimenial  knowledge  or  Chrisi's  loveliness,  and  the  believer's  love,  is  t  lie  best 
commentary  on  the  whole  of  this  allegorical  Song."  iLeighton.~\  Like  the  curiously  wrought  <  irieiital 
lamps,  which  do  not  reveal  the  beauty  of  tlieir  transparent  emblems  until  lighted  up  within,  so  the 
types  aud  allegories  of  Scripture,  "  the  lantern  to  our  patli,"  need  the  inner  light  of  the  iloiy  Spirit 
of  Jesus  to  reveal  their  siguiticauce.  The  details  of  the  allegory  are  not  to  be  too  minuiily  pressed. 
In  the  Song,  wiih  an  Oriental  profusion  of  imagery,  numbers  of  lovely  sensible  objects  are  at:gregated, 
not  strictly  congruous,  but  portraying  jointly  by  their  very  diversity  the  thouBaud  various  aud  beem" 
ingly  opposite  beauties  -which  meet  together  in  Christ. 

The  unity  of  subject  throughout,  and  the  recurrence  of  the  same  expressions  (ch.  2.  6,  7;  3.  5; 
b.  3,4;  2.  16,  and  6.  3;  7. 10;  'A.  6;  6.  10;  8.  5)  prove  the  unity  of  the  poem,  in  opposition  to  those  who 
make  it  consist  of  a  number  of  separate  erotic  songs.  The  sudden  transitions,  ex.  gr.,  from  the  mJd» 
night  knocking  at  a  huinMe  cottage  to  a  glorious  description  of  the  King,  accord  with  the  alterna- 
tions in  the  believer's  expeiieuce.  However  various  the  divisions  assigned  be,  most  commematora 
have  observed  four  breaks  whatever  more  they  have  imagined,),  followed  by  four  abrupt  beginnings 
(ch.  2.  7;X  5;  6.  1:8.  4.).  Thus  there  result  live  parts,  all  alike  ending  in  full  repose  and  refreshment. 
AVe  read  (1  Ki.  4.  32)  that  Solomon's  songs  were  "  a  thousand  nnAfive:'  The  odd  number /iwe  added 
over  the  complete  thousamd,  makes.it  not  unlikely  that  the  "five"  refers  to  the  Song  of  songs,  con- 
sisting of  five  parts. 

It  answers  to  the  idyllic  poetry  of  other  nations.  The  Jews  explain  it  of  the  union  of  Jehovah 
and  ancient  Israel;  the  allusions  to  the  temple  aud  the  wildernees  accord  with  this;  some  Christians,, 
of  Christ  and  the  Church;  others,  of  Christ  and  the  individual  believer.  All  these  are  true;  for  the 
Church  is  one  in  all  ages,  the  ancient  typifying  the  modern  Church,  and  its  history  answering  to  that 
of  each  individual  soul  in  it.  Jesus  "sees  all,  as  if  that  all  were  one,  loves  one,  as  if  that  one  were 
al . '  "The  time  suited  the  manner  of  this  revelation;  because  types  and  allegories  belonged  to  the 
old  dispensation,  which  reached  its  ripeness  under  Solomon,  when  the  temple  was  built."  [M.  Stuart.'] 
"  The  daughter  of  Zion  at  that  time  was  openly  married  to  Jehovah;"  for  it  is  thenceforth  that  the 
prophets,  in  reproving  Israel's  subsequent  sin,  speak  of  it  as  a  breach  of  her  marriage  covenant.  The 
songs  heretofore  sung  by  her  were  the  preparatory  hymns  of  her  childhood:  "  the  last  and  crowning 
'  Soiig  of  songs' was  prepared  for  the  now  mature  maiden  against  the  day  of  her  marriage  to  the 
King  of  kings."  iOrigen.]  Solomon  was  peculiarly  fitted  to  clothe  this  holy  mystery  with  the  lovely 
natural  imagery  with  which  the  Song  aliounds;  for  "  he  spake  of  trees,  from  ilie  cedar  in  Lebanon, 
even  unto  the  hyssop  that  springeth  out  of  the  wall"  (1  Ki.  4.  33).  A  higher  qual'.ticati<  n  was  his 
knowledge  of  the  eternal  Wisdom  or  AVord  of  dod  (Pro.  8,),  the  heavenly  bridegroom,  David,  his  father, 
hadprep.'iredthe  way.  in  Ps.  45.  and  72.;  the  sou  perfected  the  allegory.  It  seems  to  have  been  written 
in  early  lite,  long  before  his  declension;  for  after  it  a  song  of  holy  gladness  would  hardly  be  appro- 
priate. It  was  the  song  of  his  first  love,  in  the  kindness  of  his  youthful  espousals  to  Jehovah.  Like 
other  inspired  books,  its  sense  is  not  to  be  restricted  to  that  local  and  temporary  one  in  which  the 
writer  may  have  understoodit:  it  extends  to  all  ages,  and  shadows  forth  everlasting  truth  (1  Pet.  1* 
11, 12;  2.  Pet.  1.  iO,  21  ). 

"  O  that  1  kuew  how  all  thy  lights  combine,  and  the  configurations  of  their  glorie, 
Seeing  not  only  how  each  verse  doth  shine,  but  all  the  coustellationsof  the  storie." — Berbert. 

Threenutesof  time  occur,  i^f.  Stuart.'\  (1.)  The  Jewish  Church  speaks  of  the  Gentile  Church 
(ch.  8.  8,),  towards  the  end;  (2.)  Christ  speaks  to  the  apostles  (ch.  5.  1,),  in  the  middle;  (3.)  The  Church 
speaks  of  the  coming  of  Christ  (ch.  1.  2,).  at  the  beginning.  Thus  we  have,  in  direct  order,  Christ 
about  to  come,  and  the  cry  for  the  advent;  Chri>t  tinislm'g  his  work  on  earth,  and  the  last  supper; 
Christ  ascended,  and  the  call  of  the  Gentiles.  In  auothtr  aspect,  we  have:  (1.)  In  the  individual  soul, 
the  longing  for  the  manifestation  of  Christ  to  it.  and  tlie  various  alternations  in  its  experence  (ch. 
1.  2,  4;  2.  8;  3.  1,  4,  6,  7)  of  His  manifestation;  (2.)  The  alundailt  enjoyment  of  His  sensible  consola- 
tions, which  is  soon  witl.dra\\n  throng,  the  bride's  carelessness  (ch.  5.  1-H,  Ac, ),  and  her  longings 
atter  Him,  and  reconciliation  (ch.  5.  8-16;  6.  3,  &c.;  7.  1,  &c.;);  (3.)  Effects  of  Christ's  manifestation  on 
the  believer,  viz.,  assurance,  labours  of  love,  anxiety  for  the  salvation  of  the  impenitent,  eagerness  for 
the  Lord's  second  coming  (ch.  7. 10, 12;  8, 8-10, 14). 


CHAPTER  I. 

Ver.    1-17.     Canticle  I. —  The  Bribe 

Seakching  for  and  Finding  the  Ki>g. 

— Ch.  i.  '.i  — ii.  7.     1.   Seng   of   songs  — 'J  lie 

IV) ost  excellent  of  all  songs,  heh.  idiom  (Lx. 


as  a  suflFering  king;  Solomon,  as  thetnumpli- 
ant  prince  of  peace.  The  camp  in  the  wilder- 
ness represents  the  Church  in  the  world;  the 
jieaceiul  reign  of  I'-olonion,  after  all  enemies 
ad  been  subdued,  represents  the  Church  in 


Deut.  10.  14.1.  A  foretaste  on  earth  jheaven,  of  which  joy  the  Song  gives  a  fore- 
of  the  "new  song"  to  be  sung  in  glory  (Eev.  laste.  2.  liiu  —abruptly.  She  names  him 
6.  9;  14.  3;  15.  2-4..  Soloim  n's  — "  King  of  not,  as  is  natural  to  one  whose  heart  is  full 
Israel."  or  "Jerusalem  "  is  not  added,  as  in  (f  some  natch  desired  friend:  so  -Mary  IMag- 
the  opening  of  Proverbs  and  Ecclesiastes,  dalene  at  the  sepulchre  (John.  2().  li,),  as  if 
not  because  Solomon  had  not  yet  ascended. every  one  must  know  whom  she  means,  the 
the  thr<  ne  [M.  StuartJ,  but  because 't)ne  chief  object  of  her  desire  (Ps.  73.  l'.o;  Mat. 
his  personality  is  hid  under  that  of  Christ,  13.  44-46;  Phil.  3.  7.  8.1.  kiss— the  token  of 
the  true  Solomon  (equivalent  to  Prince  of  peace  from  the  Prince  of  Peace  iLuke,  l,i.  20;); 
Peace.K  The  earthly  Solomon  is  iiot  intro-  'our  Peace"  (Ps.  8.5.  10;  Col.  1.  21;  Eph  2. 14.). 
duced.  which  would  break  the  consistency  oi;of  his  nouth— marking  the  tenderestatl'ecti  on. 
the  allegory.  Though  the  bride  bears  the! For  a  king  to  permit  his  hands,  or  even 
chief  part,  the  Song  throughout  is  not  hefs,;  garment,  to  be  kissed,  was  counted  a  great 
butthatof  her  "Solomon."  He  animates  her. 'honour;  but  that  he  should  himself  kLss 
He  and  she,  the  Head  and  the  members,  form  'another  icithh  ismouth  is  the  greatest  honour. 
but  one  Christ.  [A.  Mevitton.]  Aaron  preft-ur-:  God  had  in  times  past  snoken  by  tlte  mouth 
ed Him  as  priest;  Moses,  as  prophet;  David, 'Of  His  prophets,  who  hath  declared  the 
450  m 


The  mufKoZ  low 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  in,  FV. 


ef  Christ  and  htt  ehureh. 


wood,  80  ia  my  beloved  among  the  sons. 
1 1  sat  down  ander  his  shadow  with  great 
delight,  »  and  his  fruit  was  sweet  to  my 
s  taste. 

4  He  brought  me  to  the  »  banqueting 
house,  and  his  banner  over  me  was  love. 

5  Stay  me  with  flagons,  *  coml'ort  me  with 
apples :  for  I  am  sick  of  love. 

6  1  lis  *  left  hand  is  under  my  head,  and  ; 
his  right  hand  doth  embrace  me.  j 

7  B  I  charge  you,  0  ye  daughters  of  Jeru-  i 
•alem,  by  the  roes,  and  by  the  hinds  of  the  I 
field,  that  ye  stir  not  up,  nor  awake  my 
love,  till  he  please, 

8  T  The  "  voice  of  my  beloved!  behold,  he 
•ometh  leaping  upoa  the  mountains,  skip- 
ping upon  the  nills. 

9  My  beloved  is  like  a  roe  or  a  young 
hart:  behold,  he  standeth  behind  our  wall, 
he  looketh  forth  at  the  windows,  6  showing 
himself  through  the  lattice. 

10  My  beloved  spake,  and  said  unto  me, 
Kise  up,  my  love,  my  fair  one,  and  come 
away. 

11  For,  lo,  the  winter  is  pait,  the  rain  is 
•ver  and  gone; 

12  The  flowers  appear  on  the  earth;  the 
time  of  the  singing  of  birds  is  come,  and 
the  voice  of  the  turtle  is  heard  in  our 
land; 

13  The  fig  tree  putteth  forth  her  green 
figs,  and  the  ^ines  with  the  tender  grape 
give  a  good  smell.  Arise,  my  love,  my  lair 
one,  and  come  away. 

14  0  ray  dove,  tiMt  art  in  the  clefts  of  the 
rock,  in  the  secret  places  of  the  stairs,  let 
me  see  thy  countenance.  <*  let  me  hear  thy 
voice;  for  sweet  is  thy  voice,  and  thy  coun- 
tenance is  comely. 

15  Take  us  '  the  foxes,  the  little  foxes, 
that  spoil  the  vines:  for  our  vines  have  ten- 
der grapes. 

16  IT  My/  beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am  his: 
he  feecleth  among  the  lilies. 

17  Until "  the  day  break,  and  the  shadows 
flee  away,  turn,  my  beloved,  and  be  thou 
like  *  a  roe  or  a  young  hart  upon  the 
mountains  7  of  Bether. 

CHAPTER  III. 

1  TlUchnroh'iJlght  and  victory  in  Utnptation.   6 

She  gloriisa  in  Christ, 

T)  Y  *  night  on  my  bed  I  sought  him  whom 
■*-'  my  soul  loveth:  I  sought  him,  but  I 
found  him  not. 

2 1  will  rise  now,  and  go  about  the  city  in 
the  streets,  and  m  the  broad  ways  I  will 
seek  him  whom  my  soul  loveth:  I  sought 
him,  but  I  found  him  not. 

3  The  *  watchmen  that  go  about  the  city 
found  me:  to  whom  I  taid.  Saw  ye  him 
whom  my  soul  loveth? 

4  It  was  but '  a  little  that  I  passed  from 
them,  but  I  found  him  whom  my  soul 
loveth:  1  <*  held  him,  and  would  not  let  him 
go,  until  I  had  brought  him  into  my 
mother's  house,  and  into  the  chamber  of 
her  that  conceived  me. 

5  1*  charge  you,  O  ye  daughters  of  Jeru- 
salem, by  the  roes,  and  by  the  hinds  of  the 
field,  that  ye  stir  not  up,  nor  awake  my 
love,  till  he  please. 

6  U  Who  /  w  this  that  cometh  out  of  the 
wilderness  like  pillars  of  smoke,  perfumed 
with  myrrh  and  frankincense,  with  all 
powders  of  the  merchant? 

7  Behold  his  bed,  which  is  Solomon's; 
threescore  valiant  men  are  about  it,  of  the 
valiant  of  laraeL 

451 


»  Rey.  a.  1. 

2  pklktt. 

3  houie  of 
wine. 

4  straw  ma 
with  ap- 
ples. 

b  ch.  8  3. 
laHJura 

Ik  3.  6. 


d  ch.  8.  13. 
•  Pa.  80.  13. 
E«ek.  13.  4. 


Luke  1.78. 

2  Pet.  1.19. 
hch-S.  14. 
1  Ot.ol 

di»islon. 

2  Sa.  8. 29. 


CHAP.  8. 

a  U.  26.  9. 
b  ch.  6.  7. 
c  ProT.  8. 17. 
./  ProT.  4. 13. 
a  ch.  2.  7. 

ch.  8.  4. 
/  ch.  8.  6. 
1  Or,  *  bed, 

or,  throne. 

ReT.  3.  21. 
9  BeT.  11.16. 

P».  110.  3. 

Is.  63.  6. 


a  eh.  1. 16. 
ch.  S.  12. 
b  ah.  6.  6. 

1  Or,  that 
eat  of,  etc. 

e  ch.  6.  6. 
d  ch.  7.  4. 
«  Neh.  3. 19. 
/Prov.5.19. 
ch.  7.  3. 

2  breathe, 
ch.  2.  17. 
Lu.  1.  78. 

Acta,  3. 21. 

2  Pe.1.19 
g  Eph.  6.  27. 
h  Deut.  3.  9. 

3  Or,  taken 

heart. 
i  2  Cor.11.2. 

Is.  54.  5. 

Rot.  21.  9. 
;•  Pro.  24. 

13,  14. 
ft  Qen  27.27. 

Boa.  14. 

6,7. 
{  li.  58. 11. 

Uosea  3.  8. 

4  barred. 
6  Or, 

eypresi. 


ch. 


14. 


«»  John  4. 10. 
John  7.  38. 
n  Gal.  5  22. 
0  Ob.  6. 1. 


8  They  all  hold  swords,  being  expert  iD 
war:  every  man  hath  his  sword  upon  his 
thigh,  because  of  fear  in  the  night. 

9  King  Solomon  made  himseljf  i  a  chariot 
of  the  wood  of  Lebanon. 

10  He  made  the  pillars  thereof  0/  silver, 
the  bottom  thereot  of  gold,  the  covering  ol 
it  0/  pm-ple,  the  midst  thereof  being  paved 

\with  love,  for  the  daughters  of  Jerusa- 
i  lem. 

11  60  forth,  0  ye  daughters  of  Zion,  and 
behold  king  Solomon  with  the  crown  where- 
with  his  mother  crowned  him  in  the  "  day  ot 
his  espousals,  and  in  the  day  of  the  glad- 
ness 01  his  heart. 

CHAPTER  IV. 
1  Christ  sets  forth  the  graces  of  the  church :  8  h^ 

shows  his  wve  to  her,    16  She  prays  to  be  made 

fit  for  his  presence. 
"DEHOLD,  "thou  art  fair,  my  love;  be- 
•"  hold,  thou  art  fail-;  thou  hast  doves' 
eyes  within  thy  locks:  thy  hair  is  as  >>  a 
Hock  of  goats,  1  that  appear  from  mount 
Gilead. 

2  Thy  'teeth  are  like  a  flock  of  sheep  that 
are  even  shorn,  which  came  up  from  the 
washing;  whereof  every  one  bear  twins, 
and  none  is  barren  among  tl.  jm. 

3  Thy  lips  are  like  a  thread  of  scarlet,  and 
thy  speech  is  comely:  thy  temples  are  like 
a  piece  of  a  pomegranate  within  thy 
locks. 

4  Thv  <*  neck  is  like  the  tower  of  David 
builded  *  for  an  armoury,  whereon  there 
hang  a  thousand  bucklers,  all  shields  of 
mighty  men. 

5  Thy  /two  breasts  are  like  two  young 
roes  that  are  twins,  which  feed  among  the 
lilies. 

6  Until  the  day  2  break,  and  the  shadows 
flee  away,  I  will  get  me  to  the  mountain 
of  myrrn,  and  to  the  hill  of  irankin- 
cense. 

7  Thou  '  art  all  fair,  my  love ;  there  m  no 
spot  in  thee. 

8  ^  Come  with  me  from  Lebanon,  my 
spouse,  with  me  from  Lebanon:  look  frmn 
tne  top  of  Amana,  from  the  top  of  Shemr 
and  "  Hermon,  from  the  lions'  dens,  from 
the  mountains  of  the  leopards. 

9  Thou  hast  3  ravished  my  heart,  my 
sister,  tn^ » spouse ;  thou  hast  ravished  my 
heart  with  one  of  thine  eyes,  with  one 
chain  of  thy  neck. 

10  How  fair  is  thy  love,  my  sister,  my 
sin;usel  how  much  better  is  thy  love  than 
wine;  and  the  smell  of  thine  ointments 
than  all  spices! 

11  Thy  lips,  O  my  spouse,  drop  as  the 
honey-comb;  i  honey  and  milk  are  under 
thy  tongue ;  and  the  smell  of  thy  garments 
is  *  like  the  smell  of  Lebanon. 

12  A  *  garden  *  inclosed  is  my  sister,  my 
spouse;  a  spring  shut  up,  a  fountaia 
sealed. 

13  Thy  plants  are  an  orchard  of  pome- 
granates, with  pleasant  fruits;  ^camphiie, 
with  spikenard, 

14  Spikenard  and  saflron:  calamus  and 
cinnamon,  with  all  trees  ot  frankincense; 
myrrh  and  aloes,  with  all  the  chief  spices: 

15  A  fountain  of  gardens,  a  well  of  •"living 
waters,  and  streams  from  Lebanon. 

16  U  Awake,  O  north  wind;  and  come, 
thou  south;  blow  upon  my  garden,  that 
the  "  spices  thereof  may  flow  out.  "  Let 
my  beloved  come  into  his  garden,  and  eat 
his  pleasant  fruits. 


The  Bride  Searching  for 


SOLOMOg;S  SONG.  I 


and  Finding  the^Kin^ 


Church's  betrothal;  the  bride  now  longs  for 
cSci  with  the  mmdh  vj  !^^  i^^^'(f[T^' 
Himself  'Job  2.i.  12;  Luke,  4.  •It;  Heb.  1.  l.  -.;. 
K  of  the  U Lnx-h  before  t^I.e  first  advent 
iniunnc  for  the  hope  ot  Israel,  ine  aesire 
felnattons;"a!sot\;eawakenedsou^^^^^^^^ 
for  the  kissot  reconciliation;  and  turtner.ine 
InUth-it  is  the  token  of  the  marnagecon- 
^roctlHos  2. 19  20?!  and  oifriend.Uv  d  gam. 
4)  41- John  14.  21    15.  15J.    ti,y  \ov6-Heh, 

6  :  rS  tokens  of  love  lovmg  Wand^^^^^ 
nients.  wine— which  nuikes  slad  the  lieayy 
hea  t"  of  one  ready  to  perish,  „so  tha,t  he 
"  venieii  bers  his  uiisery  no  more'  (Pro.  .il.  0, 

7  so  in  a  '-better'^  sense,  Christ's  love 
m<,b^;  n  08  )     He  Rives  the  same  praise 

S'Se  bride^  -Le,  with  the  emphatic  addi- 
tion, -How  much"  ,ch.  4.  10.).  VVine  was 
rrpated  bv  His  first  miracle  (John,  2.,  and 
^vas  the  pfedge  given  of  his. love  at  the  last 
'\ipper  ^Ihe  spiritual  wine  is  His  blood  and 
THIS  snirit  the  "  new"  and  better  wine  of  the 

^rirrSes  the  praise  of  the  bride  in  the  same 
ciprocates  ine  prcusc  .    character  and 


on  earth  was  the  next  John,  2.  -Jl,!.  ^^.  >t[eby 
believers  are  brought  within  the  vaii  1-ph. 
2  c  Hel)  10.  ly,  20.i.  Entrance  into  the 
closet  lor  prayer  is  the  first  step.  'Ihe  ear- 
nest of  the  Vuture  bringing  into  heaven  John. 
14  3?  JHi^chaM.bers  are  the  bride's  also 
(Isa  26  20  ).  There  are  various  chamlers, 
S.  Johnl-U.  2.)     be  e^fl^'^l^Z.-'ii"^ 

rames  ;Ps\'hJ:677./.  .remember-rather,  com- 
numorate  with  prames  ilsa.  CJ.  (.  .  ine 
nreTem.um6raJe.of  spiritual  Joys  is  beUer 
tlmn  the  tiresfnt  enjovnient  ol  carnal  ont.'>  lr^s. 
than  the  3^'  ^«-\\«_f^ij,er.  npriuhtly,  sinc^rdv 
(Ps  58  l;Kori..  12.y;,;  so  Nathanael  (John, 
1  47) -Peter  (John,  21.  17;);  or  defivedly 
IMAuk]  5.  black-i;iz.,  "as  the  tents  of 
kedar'-^eonivalent  to  blackness  (Is.  p.  o.). 
^he  draws  he  image  from  the  black  goat- 
skins with  which  the  Scenite  Ambs 
r  Kedaf  ^  was  in  Arabia  Petra^a)  cover  their 
tents  (contrasted  with  the  splendid  state 
tPnt  in  which  the  King  was  awaiting  His 
a  accorchng  to  Easte%  custo^^^^^^^^ 
in,,  thp  darkness  ot  man  s  natural  state. 
Tofeel  th  s.  and  yet  also  feel  one's  sdi  m 
JesusChrist  "  comely  as  the  curtams  o.  bo  lo- 


lirisi     coiueiy  jia  >•" ^  v; .  vv.™-  -  ■  - 
marks  the  ..believer  .(Kom.  7  1^-  ^.c. 


S%s  «^  "  Anointed"  ilsa.  9.  6;  61.  1.K  as  ^^^^^^^^ V^s,"\^^ am," .ti^n?iackin 


1  15      Iftwcnici;   ou  aiic  •'"j" 

aTgs  S  '^aii\n\hl:  teSe  of  SSn^on 
^Ez.'S;trthen.  also,  the  .tine  men  which 
is  the  righteousness  of  saints  iKev.  ij.  «,;. 
tViP  white   wedding   garment  provided  by 

SeffitSts^o&S^iprekr^^h^emi^ 

r S5sf  fs  Sa^Jefr^ek  fr^'^hel'er  ^ho 
had  not  kept  their  own.  to  the  Gentiles,  so 
he  (ientiles  are  introduced  at  the  commenc^ 


••  tne  savour  oi  umw.-wxv..   -.;-  ----  ^ 
surround  His  person  (Pf.- f  •  J.  8  )     ^^tl.  7^i, 
in  its  fullest  sense  apphesto Him     ihe  hoJ; 

God's  character  m  <-bristl  John,  4.9,  ij.. 
So  the  penitent  woman  (Luke,  7.  o7. ^8  47.J. 

^\f,.i^t  fls  loined  in  a  communion  of  saints 
Sin  1  41  I&.  Individuality  and  com- 
i'i?&  meet  in  the  bride,    ruu-herearnest- 

if1ofl\ter"th?ei-?i"rbSe?Jo& 
,^it  chamberJ-hetprayer  ismsweredeven 


^V'A^'f  &  brlae'  •  tloved-  'becon'e's 

i?lie'rfaa1kSVa\|g^^^ 
iX'\  fl^rtT'^eVow- People  1ml  h^^ 
r  *1  !•=   v,nnsH  "  i  *>     the   worldly   connec- 
ts of  her  unreg^erate  state  ^Ps.  46.  10;); 

wherebv  the  sun  looked  upon,  i.e..„burniher: 
Ai- 1  1R  »fi  T  uke  1)  '^5  )    The  believer  has  to 

»ri'p»s'on4aer.'s 


The  Bride  Searching  for 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  I. 


and  Finding  the  King. 


tures,  under  the   Shepherd  King  iPs.  23.).  (Ez.  16.  11.).    The  comparison  to  the  horses 

The  bride,  having  first  enjoyed  communion  (".  9)  implies  the  vital  energy  of  tlie  bride; 

with  him  in  the  pavilion,  is  willing  to  follow  ,  this  verse,  her  superadded  graces  (Pro.  i.  9; 

Him  into  labours  and  dangers;  arising  from  4.  9;  1  Tim.  2.  9;  2  I'et.  1.  5.)     11.  We— The 

all  absorbing  love    Luke,  14.  •■fC;);  this  dis-  Trinity  implied  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  whether 

tin;^islies  her  from  the  formal  st  (-lohn.  10.  it  was   so   by  the  writer   of  the   Song,  or 

27;  Rev.  14.4.).  feedest— tendest  thy  tlock  (Isa.  not  (Gen.   1.  26;  Pro.   8.  30;  30.  4.).     "The 

40.  11;  Heb.  13.  20;  1  Pet.  2.  25;  5.  4;  Rev.  7. 17.).  Jews  a-cknowledged  God  as  king,  and  IMes- 

No  single  type  expresses  all  the  otiice  of  Jesus  siah  as  king,  in  interpreting  the  iSong,  but  did 


Christ,  hence  arises  the  variety  of  diverse  not 


know  liiat  these  two  1 


are  one.    [Lkigh- 


images  used  to  portray  the  manifold  aspects  ton.]  make— not  merely  give  Eph.  2.  lo.). 
of  Him:  the.se  would  be  quite  incongruous,  borders  of  gold,  with  stuas  [i.e.,  spots]  of  si  ver 
if  tne  song  referred  to  the  earthly  f^olomon.  —Jesus  Christ  delights  to  aive  more  "  to  him 
Her  intercourse  mth  Him  is  peculiar.  She  that  hath"  (Mat.  25.  29.;.  He  crowns  His  nvjn 
hears  His  voice,  and  addre.sses  none  but  Him-  work  inns  (Isa.  26.  12.).  The  "borders"  here 
self.  Yet  it  is  through  a  veil;  she  sees  Him  are  equivalent  to  "  rows"  v.  lO;) ;  but  here,  the 
not  (Job,  23.  8,  9.).  If  we  would  be  fed,  we  I  King  seems  to  give  the  finish  to  her  attire, 
must  follow  the  Sheiiherd  through  the  w'/io/e  by  adding  a  croion  [borders,  or  circles  or 
breadth  of  His  word,  and  not  stay  on  one  gold  studded  with  silver  spots,  as  in  Esth.  2. 
spot  alone,  makest ...  to  rest— distinct  from  17.  Both  the  royal  and  jMptial  crown,  or 
feedest:"  periods  of  rest  are  vouchsafed  !  chaplet.  Theii/eb.  for  "spouse"  (ch.4.  8j  is  a 
after  labour  (Isa.  4.  6;  49.  10;  Ez.  34.  13-15.).  \crowneel  one  (Ez.  16.  12;  Rev.  2.  10.).  The 
Communion  in  private  must  go  along  with  I  crown  is  given  at  once,  upon  conversion,  in 


public  lollowing  of 
rather,  one  veiled. 


Him.     turneth  aside  — i 
.,  as  a  harlot,  not  His 


title,  but  in  sensible  possession  afcerwards 
2  Tim.  4.  8.).    12.  Wiule— It  is  the  presence 


true  bride  (Gen.  38.  15)  [Ges.];  or  as  a  mour-  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  ihat  draws  out 

ner  2  Sam.  15.  30)  [WeissJ-  or  as  one  un-  the  believer's  odours  of  grace.    It  v.as  the 

knoicn.  [Maur.]     All  imply  estrangement  sight  of  Him  at  table  that  caused  the  two 

from  the  Bridegroom.     She  feels  estranged  women  to  bring  forth  their  ointments  for 

even  among  Christ's  true  servants,  answer-  Him  (Luke,  7.  37,  38;  John,  ]2.  3;  2  Cor.  2.  15). 

iui;  to  "thy  companions"  (Luke.  22.  28,),  so  '  Historically  fulfilled  (Mat.  2.  11;;;  spiritually 

long  as  she  has  not  Himself  present.    The  (Kev.  3,  20;;;  and  in  church  worship  (Mat.  18. 


opposite  spirit  to  1  Cor.  3.  4.  8.  If— She  ought  20:) ;  and  at  the  Lord's  supper  especially,  for 
to  have  knoicn  (John,  14.  8,  9.).  The  confes-  here  public  communion  with  Him  at  table 
sion  of  her  ignorance  and  blackness  (v.  5,),  amid.st  His  friends  is  spoken  of,  as  y.  4  refers 
leads  Him  to  call  her  "  fairest"  (Mat.  12,  2U. .  to  private  communion  (l  Cor.  10.  16,  21 ;) ;  typi- 
Her  jealousy  of  letting  even  "His  compa-  cally  (Kx.  24.9-11;,;  the  future  perfect  fulfll- 
nions"  take  the  place  of  Himself  (v.  7)  led  her  I  ment  Luke,  22.  30;  Rev.  19.  9.  i.  The  allegory 
too  far.    He  directs  her  to  follow  them,  as  j  supposes  the  King  to  have  stopped  in  His 

movements  and  to  be  seated  with  His  friends 
on  the  divan.  What  grace  that  a  table  should 
be  prepared  for  us,  whilst  stiJl  militant  (Ps. 
23.  5.)  my  spikenard— not  boasting,  but  own- 
ing the  Lord's  grace  to  and  in  her.  The 
spikenard  is  a  loM-ly  herb,  the  emblem  of 
humility.  She  rejoices  that  He  is  well- 
pleased  with  her  graces,  His  own  work  (Phil. 
4.  18.1.  13.  bundle  of  myrrh— abundant  pre- 
ciousness  [Gr.]  (1  Pet.  2.  7.).  Even  a  little 
myrrh  was  costly;  much  more  a  bundle  (Col. 
2.  9.).    Bur.  takes  it  of  a  scent-bux  filled  with 


they  follow  Him  (l  Cor.  11.  1;  Heb.  6.  10, 
12:):  to  use  ordinances  and  the  ministry: 
where  they  are  He  is  Jer.  6.  16;  Mat.  l^.  19, 
20;  Heb.  10.  25.).  Indulging  in  isolation  is 
not  the  way  to  find  Him.  It  was  thus,  lite- 
rally, that  Zipporah  found  her  bridegroom 
(Ex.  2.  16.).  The  bride  imhesitatingly  asks 
the  watchmen  afterwards  (ch.  3.  3.).  kids— 
(John,  21. 15.).  Christ  is  to  be  found  in  active 
ministrations,  as  well  as  in  prayer  (Pro.  11. 
25.).  shepherds'  tents— ministers  in  the  sanc- 
tuary (Ps.  84.  1.^  9.  horses  iu  Pharaoh's  cha- 
riots—celebrated for  beauty,  swiftness,  and 
ardour,  at  the  Red  sea  (Ex.  14.;  15.;.  These 
Qualities,  which  seem  to  belong  to  the  un- 
godly, really  belong  to  the  saints.  [M.  Stu- 
art.] The  allusion  may  be  to  the  horses 
brought  at  a  high  price  by  Solomon  out  of 
Egypt  (2  Chr.  1.  16,  17.).  So  the  bride  is  re- 
deemed out  of  spiritual  Egypt  by  the  true 
Solomon,  at  an  infinite  price  Isa.  51.  1;  1  Pet. 
1. 18, 19.).  But  the  deliverance  from  Pharaoh 
at  the  Red  sea  accords  with  the  allusion  to 
the  tabernacle  (ch.  1.  5;  3.  6,  7;);  it  rightly  is 
put  at  the  beginning  of  the  Church's  call. 
The  ardour  and  beauty  of  the  bride  are  the 
point  of  comparison ;  iv.  4)  "  run;"  (o.  5) 
'  comely."  Also,  like  Pharaoh's  horses,  she 
forms  a  great  company  (Rev.  19.  7, 14.).  As 
Jesus  Christ  is  both  Shepherd  and  Conqueror, 
so  believers  are  not  only  His  sheep,  but  also, 
as  a  Church  militant  now.  His  chariots  and 
horses  (ch.  6.  4.).  10.  rows  of  jewels— (Ez.  16. 
11,  12,  13.).  Olearius  says,  Persian  ladies 
wear  two  or  three  rows  of  pearls  round  the 
head,  beginning  on  the  forehead  and  descend- 
ing dosvn  to  the  cheeks  and  under  the  chin, 
SO  that  their  faces  seem  to  be  set  in  pearls 
451  (IJ 


liquid  myrrh;  the  liquid  obtained  by  inci- 
sion gave"  the  tree  its  chief  value,  he— rather, 
it;  it  IS  the  myrrh  that  lies  in  the  bosom,  as 
the  cluster  of  camphire  is  in  the  vineyards 

{V.  14.).  all  night— an  undivided  heart  (Eph. 
3.  17;  contrast  Jer.  4.  14;  Ez.  16.  15.  oO.  .  Yet 
on  account  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  God 
restores  the  adulteress  Ez.  16.  60,  62;  Hos.  2. 
2,  (fee).  The  night  is  the  whole  present  dis- 
pensation till   the   everlasting  day   dawns 

Rom.  13. 12.).  Also,  lit,  night  (Ps.  119.  147. 
14S,),  the  night  of  affliction  (Ps.  42.  8.).  14. 
cluster  — Jesus  Christ  is  one,  yet  manifold 
in  His  graces,  camphire— or,  cypress.  The 
hennah  is  meant,  whose  odorous  flowers 
grow  in  clusters,  of  a  colour  white  and  yel- 
low softly  blended;  its  bark  is  dark,  the 
foliage  light  green.  Women  deck  their  per- 
sons with  them.  The  loveliness  of  Jesus 
Christ,  vineyards— appropriate  in  respect  to 
Him  who  is  "  the  vine."  The  spikenard  was 
for  the  banquet  [v.  12;) ;  the  myrrh  was  in  her 
bosom  continually  [v.  13;  ;  the  camphire  is  in 
the  midst  of  natural  beauties,  which,  though 
lovely,  are  eclipsed  by  the  one  cluster  Jesus 
Christ  pre-eminent  above  them  all.   Eu-gedi 


T}\e  Bride  Searching  for 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  H. 


and  Finding  the  King, 


-In  S  Palestine,  near  the  Dead  sea  (Josh,   citron,  pomegranate,  and  orange  apple  fl'ro' 
15.  62;  iLz.  47. 10,),  famed  for  aromatic  shrubs.  25.  11.).    He  combines  the  sltadmi)  and  l'ra«r- 


15.  fair— He  discerns  beauty  in  her,  who  had  ance  of  the  citron  with  the  sv;cethess  of  the 
said.  '  I  am  black"  'v.  5.),  because  of  the  orange  and  iiome^jranate  fruit.  The  foliage 
everlastmg   covenant  iPs.  45.  11;  Isa.  62.  5;  isperpetual;tliroughouttheyearasuccession 

Eph.  1.4,5.).    ^ ' '  '- '■'     -"•" '--^-      -  '        '•         '■         -     -• 

ful  in  the 
features 


tmg  covenant  iPs.  45.  11;  Isa.  62.  5;  isperpetual;tliroughouttheyearasuccessioi 
4,5.).  doves  eyes— large  and  beauti-  of  blossoms,  fruit,  and  perfume;  (.Jan,,  l.  i7.), 
he  doves  of  Syria.  The  prominent  among  the  sons  —  parallel  to  "among  th( 
s  of  her  beauty  (Mat.  10.  16:):  gentle-  daughters"  (i;.  2.).    He  alone  is  ever  IruitfuJ 


ness,  innocence,  and  constant  love,  emblem  among  tJie  fruitless  wild  trees  (Ps.  89.  6;  Heb. 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  changes  us  to  iiw|l_.  0.).    I  sat .  .  .  with  delight— /i«.,  /  aKiarly 


otvn  likeness  (Gen.  8.  10,  11;  Mat.  3.  16... 
The  opposite  kind  of  eyes  (Ps.  101.  5;  Mat. 


desired  and  sat  (Ps.  94.  19;  Mark,  6.  31;  Kph. 
2.  C;  1  Pet.  1.  8.).    shadow— (Ps.  12l.  5;  Jsa.  4. 


15;  2  Pet.  2.  14.).  16.  Repkj  of  the  Bride.  \6;  25.  4;  32.  2.).  Jesus  Christ  interposes  the 
She  presumes  to  call  Him  beloved,  because  i  shadow  of  His  cross  between  the  blaz  ng  rays 
He  called  her  so  first.  Thou  callest  me  i  of  justice  and  us  sinners,  fruit— faith  pnicks 
fair;'  If  I  am  so  it  is  not  in  myself,  it  is  ail  lit  (Pro.  3.  18.).  Man  lost  the  tree  oi  life  (Gen. 
from  thee  (Ps.  00.  17;;;  but  Thou  art  fair  in  1 3.).  Jesus  Christ  has  regained  it  for  hii.,;  he 
thyself  iPs.  45.  2.).  pleasant— (Pro.  3.  I7j  to-  eats  it  partly  now  (Ps.  119.  lo:;;  John,  6.  55,57; 
wards  thy  friends  (2Sam.l.  26.j.    bed... green  1  Pet.  2.  3,),  fully  hereafter  (Rev.  2.  7;  22.  2, 


—the  couch  of  green  grass  on  which  the  King  14;) :  not  earned  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow,  of 
and  His  bride  sit  to  '"  rest  at  noon.'  Thus  her  ,  by  his  rigliteousness    (Rom.  10.).     Ci  ntrast 


%y 


prayer  m 


is  here  granted:  a  green  oasis  the  worldling's  fruit  (Deut.  32.  32;  Luke,  15. 


the  desert,  always  found  near  waters  in  16.).  4.  Historically  fulfilled  in  tlie  joy  of 
the  E.  Ps.  23.  2;  Isa.  41.  17-19.).  The  scene  Simeon  and  Anna  in  the  temple,  over  the 
IS  a  kiosk,  or  summer-house.  Historicaihj , '  infant  Saviour  (Luke,  2.,).  and  that  of  .Mair 
the  literal  resting  of  the  Babe  of  Bethleiiem  !too  (cf.  Luke.  1.  5;;;);  typified  (Ex.  24.  9-11.), 
and  His  parents  on  the  green  gi-ass  provided  i  Spiritually,  the  bride  or  beloved  is  led  (v.  4) 
for  cattle  (Luke,  2.).  In  this  verse  there  is  \^r&iintot}ie  King's  chamhers,ihenc&\&drawn 
an  incidental  allusion,  in  v.  15,  to  the  otiering  j  after  Him  in  answer  to  her  prayer:  is  next 

received  on  a  grassy  couch  under  a  cedar 
kiosk;  and  at  last  in  a  "  banqueting  hail," 
such  as,  Josephus  says,  Solomon  had  in  his 
palace,  "wherein  all  the  vessels  we.e  o)  gold" 
{Antiq.,  8.  5,  2.).  The  transition  is  from  holy 
retirement  to  public  ordinances,  church  wor- 
ship, and  tlie  Lord's  supper  (Ps.  36.  8.).  The 
bride,  as  the  queen  oi  Sheba,  is  given  "  all 
her  desire"  (1  Ki.  10.  13;  Ps.  63.  5;  Eph.  3.  8, 
16-21;  Phil  4.  19;  ;  type  of  the  heavenly  feast 
iiereafter  (Isa.  25.  6, 9.).  his  banner  .  .  .  love — 
After  having  rescued  us  from  the  enemy,  our 
victorious  captain  (Heb.  2. 10,),  seats  us  at  the 
banquet  under  a  banner  inscribed  with  His 
name,  "love"  (1  John,  4.  8.).  His  love  con- 
quered us  to  Himself:  this  banner  rallies 
round  us  the  forces  of  Omnipotence,  as  our 
protection:  it  marks  to  what  country  we  be- 
long, heaven,  the  abode  of  love,  and  in  what 
we  most  glory,  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ, 
through  which  we  triumph  (Rom.  8.  >,7;  l  Cor. 
15.  57;  Rev.  3.  21.).  Cf.  with  "  over  me"  (Deut. 
33.  27,),  '"'underneath  are  the  everlasting 
arms."  5.  flagons— Maur.  prefers  IrunsL, 
"  dried  raisin  cakes:"  from  the  Btb.  root 
fire,  viz.,  dried  by  heat.  But  the  "house  of 
wine"  (Marg.,  v.  4)  favours  "flagons:"  the 
"new  wine'  of  the  kingdom,  the  Spirit  of 
Jesus  Christ,  apples— from  the  tree  [v.  3,),  so 
sweet  to  her,  the  promises  of  God.  sick  of 
love  —  the  highest  degree  of  sensible  enjoy- 
ment that  can  be  attained  here.  It  n.ay  be 
at  an  early  or  late  stage  of  experience. 
Paul  (2  Cor.  12.  7.).  In  the  last  sickness  of  J. 
Welch,  he  was  overheard  saying,  "  Lord, 
hold  thine iand,  it  is  enough;  tliy  servant  is  , 
a  clay  vessel,  and  can  hold  no  more."  [Flkm-' 
iKG,  Fulf.  Script.]  In  most  cases  this  inten- 
sity of  joy  is  reserved  for  the  heavenly  ban- 
quet. Historically,  Israel  had  it,  when  the 
Lord's  glory  filled  the  tabernacle,  and  after- 
wards the  temple,  so  that  the  priests  could 
not  stand  to  minister:  so  in  the  Christian 
Church,  on  Pentecost.  The  bride  all(lre^^ses 
Chriat  mainly,  though  in  her  rapture  she  uses 
the  plur.,  "Stay  {ye}  me,"  speaking  generally. 
ISo  far  from  asking  the  withdrawal  of  the 
manii'estationa  which  had  overpowered  her. 


(Luke,  2.  24./.  So  the  "  cedar  and  fir"  ceiling 
refers  to  the  temple  (l  Ki.  5.  e-lO;  6.  15-18;;; 
type  of  the  heavenly  temple  (Rev.  21.  22.). 
17.  our  house— see  note,  v.  16;  but  ijriniarily, 
the  kiosk  (isa,  11.  10,),  "His  rest."  Cedar  is 
pleasing  to  the  eye  and  smell,  hard,  and 
never  eaten  by  worms,  fir— rather,  cypress, 
which  is  hard,  durable,  and  fragrant,  oi  a 
reddish  hue.  [Ges.,  Weiss,  and  xMaur.] 
Contrasted  with  the  shifting  "  tents"  {v.  5,), 
His  house  is  "  our  house"  iPs.  92.  13;  E{>h. 
2.  19;  Pleb.  3.  6.).  Perfect  oneness  of  Him 
and  the  bride  (John,  14.  20;  17.  21.).  There  is 
the  slielter  of  a  princely  roof  from  the  sun 
(Ps.  121.  6,),  without  the  confinement  of  walls, 
and  amidst  rural  beauties.  The  carved  ceil- 
ing represents  the  wondrous  excellencies  of 
Bis  divine  nature. 

CHAPTER  n. 
Ver.  1-17.  1.  rose  — if  applied  to  Jesus 
Christ,  it,  with  the  white  lily  (lowly,  2  Cor. 
8.  9,),  answers  to  "white  and  ruddy"  (ch.  5. 
10.).  But  it  is  rather  the  meadov-saffroro;  the 
Heb.  means  radically  a  plant  with  a  pungent 
bulb,  inapplicable  to  the  rose.  So  Syr.  It  is 
of  a  white  and  violet  colour.  [Maur.,  Ges., 
and  Weiss.]  The  bride  thus  speaks  of  her- 
self as  lowly  though  lovely,  in  contrast  with 
the  lordly  "  apple"  or  citron  tree,  the  Bride- 
groom \v.  3;);  so  the  "lily"  is  applied  to  her 
{v. 2.].  Sharon— (Isa.  35. 1,2.).  InN.  1  alestine, 
between  Mount  Tabor  and  Lake  Tiberias  (1 
Chr.  6.  16.).  LXX.  and  Vulg.  transl.  it  "a 
plain:"  though  they  err  in  this,  the  Heb.  Bible 
not  elsewhere  favouring  it,  yet  the  parallel- 
ism to  valleys  shows  that,  in  the  proper  name 
Sharon,  there  is  here  a  tacit  reference  to  its 
meaning  of  lowliness.  Beauty,  delicacy,  and 
ii  lowliness,  are  to  be  in  her,  as  they  were  in 
iHim  (Mat,  11.  29.).  2.  Jesus  Christ  to  the 
Bride.  (Mat.  10. 16;  John,  15. 19;  i  John,  h.  19.). 
Thorns,  equivalent  to  the  wicked  (2  Sam.  23. 
6;  Ps.  67.  4.).  daughters— of  men,  not  Oj  God; 
not  "the  virgins."  "If  thou  art  the  hly  of 
Jesus  Christ,  take  heed  lest  by  impatience, 
rash  judgments,  and  pride,  thou  thyself  be- 
come a  thorn."  |Luther.]  3.  Her  rejjly. 
apple  —  generic  term;  including  the  golden 
461  t2j 


The  Ministry  of 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  H. 


Joh7i,  the  Bavtist. 


she  asks  for  more:  so  "fainteth  for"  (Ps.  84.  soin  a  secondary  sense.  "The  voice"  of  Jesus 
2:):  also  Peter,  on  the  mount  of  transfigura- j  Christ  is  indirect. through  "the  friend uf  liie 
tion  (Luke,  9.  33,),  "Let  us  make  &c.,  woi  I  Bridegroom"  (Jomi,  a.  :j9,),  John  the  Baptist. 
knowing  what  he  said."  6.  The  "  stay"  she  i  l-ersonally.  He  is  silent  during  John's  minis- 
prayed  for  (v.  5)  is  granted  (Deut.  3.3.  12,  27;  tration,  who  awoke  the  long  slumbering 
Ps.  37  24;  Isa.  41. 10.).  None  can  pluck  from  j  Church  with  the  cry,  "Every  hill  shall  be 
that  embrace  (John.  10.  28-30.).  His  hand  ,  made  low."  in  the  spirit  of  Elias,  on  the  "  rent 
keeps  us  from  falling  (Mat.  14.  30,  31,),  to  it '  mountains"  il  Ki.  19. 11;  cf.  Isa.  52.  7.).  Jesus 
we  may  commit  ourselves  (Ps.  31.  6.).  The  Christ  is  implied  as  coniing  with  intense  de- 
"  left"  is  the  inferior  hand,  by  wMch  the  Lord:  sire  (Luke.  r2.  15;  Heb.  10.  7,),  disregarding 
less  signally  manifests  His  love,  than  by  the  the  mountain  hindrances  raised  by  man's 
rightrthesecrethandof  ordinary  providence,  sin.  9.  he  standeth— after  having  bounded 
as  distinguished  from  that  of  manifested  i  over  the  intervening  space  like  a  roe.  He 
the  "right.").    They  really  go  together, '  often  stands  near,  M'hen  our  unbelief  hides 

■         ■-  '"■     '  "^  -"-.Rev. 3. 14-20.).   His 

_      ..   _   „.  i  and  expected;  sud- 

den at  last:  so,  in  visiting  the  second  temple 
(Mai.  3. 1;);  so  at  Pentecost  (Acts,  2. 1,  2;i ;  so  in 
visiting  an  individual  soul,  Zaccheus  (Luke, 
19.  5,  6;  John.  3.  8;);  and  so,  at  the  second 
coming  (Mat.  24. 48, 60;  2  Pet.  3.  4, 10.).  So  it 
shall  be  at  His  second  coming  (1  Thes.  5.  2. 3.). 
wall— over  the  cope  of  which  He  is  first  seen: 
next.  He  looks  through  (not  Jorth;  for  He  is 
outside)  at  the  windows,  glancing  suddenly 
and  stealthily  Inot  as  ^B.F.  "showing  Him- 
self) through  the  lattice.  The  prophecies, 
types,  &c.,  were  lattice  glimpses  of  Hun  to 
the  O.  T.  Church,  in  spite  of  the  ivall  of  sepa- 
ration which  sin  had  raised  (John,  8.  56:): 
clearer  gliniv)ses  were  given  by  John  Baptist, 
but  not  unclouded  John,  1.  26.).  The  legal 
wall  of  partition  was  not  to  be  removed  until 
His  death  (Eph.  2.  14,  15;  Heb.  lO.  I'O.  .  Even 
now.  He  is  only  seen  by  faith,  ihrouL'h  the 
windows  of  His  Word,  and  the  laii  _e  of 
ordmances  and  sacraments  (Luke,  24.  35; 
John,  14.  21;);  not  full  vision  ;1  Cor.  13.  12:): 
an  incentive  to  our  looking  for  His  second 
coming  (Isa.  33. 17;  Tit.  2. 13.).  10,  11.  Loving 
reassurance  given  by  Jesus  Christ  to  the 
bride,  lest  she  .should  think  that  He  had 
cea.sed  to  love  her,  on  account  of  her  txnfaith- 
fulness,  which  had  occasioned  His  temporary 
withdrawal,  He  allures  her  to  bri;-hler  than 
worldly  joys  (Mic.  2.  10.).  ISot  oi:ly  does  the 
saint  wish  to  depart,  to  be  with  Him.  but  He 
still  more  desires  to  have  the  saint  with  Him 
above  (John.  17.  24.).  Historically,  the  vine- 
yard or  garden  of  the  King,  here  first  intro- 
duced, is  ' '  hf  kingdom  of  heaven  preached" 
'■  the  Law  and 
win- 


_  _      >gi 

though  sometimes  they  'seem  divided:  here  !  Him  from  us  (Cen.  28 
both  are  felt  at  once.  Theodoret  takes  the  |  usual  way;  long  promi 
left  ha,nd,  equivalent  to  judgment  and  ivrath; 
the  right,  equivalent  to  honour  and  love. 
The  hand  of  justice  no  longer  is  lifted  to 
smite,  but  is  under  the  head  of  the  believer 
to  support  (Isa.  42.  21,),  the  hand  of  Jesus 
Christ  pierced  by  justice  for  our  sin  supports 
us.  The  charge  not  to  disturb  the  beloved 
occurs  thrice:  but  the  sentiment  here,  "  His 
left  hand,"  &c.,  nowhere  else  fully;  which  ac- 
cords with  the  intensity  of  joy  {v.  5)  found 
nowhere  else:  inch,  8. 3,  it  is  only  conditional, 
" should  embr-Ace,"  not  "doth."  7.  Not  an 
oath  "  by  the  roes:"  but  a  solemn  charge,  to 
act  as  cautiously  as  the  himter  wotild  with  the 
wild  roes,  which  are  proverbially  timorous: 
he  must  advance  with  breathless  circumspec- 
tion, if  he  is  to  take  them:  so  he  who  would 
not  lose  Jesus  Christ  and  His  Spirit,  which 
is  easily  grieved  and  withdrawn,  must  be 
tender  of  conscience  and  watchful  (Ez.  in.  43; 
Eph.  4.  30;  6.  15;  1  Thes.  5.  19.;.  In  Marg. 
title  of  Ps.  22..  Jesus  Christ  is  called  the 
"  Hind  of  the  morning,"  hunted  to  death  by 
the  dogs  (cf.  V.  8,  9.  where  He  is  represented 
as  bounding  on  the  hills.  Ps.  18.  33.).  Here 
He  is  resting,  hut  with  a  repose  easily  broken 
jZeph.  3. 17.).  It  is  thought  a  gross  rudeness 
xa  the  E.  to  awaken  one  sleeping,  especially 
a  person  of  rank,  my  love— in  Heb.,  Fern,  for 
Masc,  the  abstract  for  concrete,  Jesus  Christ 
being  the  embodiment  of  love  itself  (ch.  3.  6; 
8.  7,).  where,  as  here,  the  context  requires  it 
to  be  applied  to  Him,  not  her.  She  too  is 
"  love"  (ch.  7.  6,),  for  His  love  calls  forth  her 
love.     Presumption  in   the   convert   is 


grieving  to  the  Spirit  as  despair.  The  loving-  \  by  John  l^aptist,  before  whom  "  the  Law 
ness  and  pleasantness  of  the  hind  and  roe  the  Prophets  were"  Luke,  16. 16.).  11. '.he 
(Pro.  5. 19)  is  included  in  this  image  of  Jesus  ter— the  law  of  the  covenant  of  works  (Mat.  4, 


Christ. 

Canticle  II.— Ch.  ii.  8— iii.  .5.— John  the 
Baptist's  Ministry.    8.  voice— an  exclama- 


16.).  ram  IS  over— (Heb.  12.  18-24;  1  John,  2. 
8.).  Then  first  the  Gentile  Church  i.-  illed 
'  beloved,  which  was  not  beloved"  ilvum. 


tion  of  joyful  surprise,  evidently  after  a  long  \  25.).  So  "  the  winter"  of  estrangement  and  sin 


silence.    The  restlessness  of  sin  and  fickle 
ness  in  her  had  disturbed  His  rest  with  her, 


past"  to  the  believer  (Isa.  44.  22;  Jer.  50. 
Cor.  5. 17;  Eph.  2.  1.).    The  rising  "  Sun 


in  sov 
return 


■which  she  had  professed  not  to  wish  disturb-!  of  righteousness"  dispels  the  "rain"  (2  Sam. 
ed  "  tlU  He  should  please."   He  left  her,  but  23.  4;  Ps.  126.  5;  Mai.  4.  2.).    The  winter  in 
ereign  grace  miexpectedly  heralds  His  Palestine  is  past  by  April,  but  all  the  showers 

1.    She  awakes,  and  at  once  recognises  were  not  over  till  May.    Tiie  time  described 

His  voice  (1  Sam.  3.  9,  10:  John,  10.  4:  :  her  here  is  that  which  comes  directly  after  these 
sleep  is  not  so  sinfully  deep  as  in  ch.6.  2.  last  showers  of  winter.  In  the  hiKliest  sense, 
leapiag— bounding,  as  the  roe  does,  over  the  !  the  coming  resurrection  and  deliverance  of 
roughest  obstacles  (2  Sam.  2.  18;  l  Chr.  12.  8;);  the  earth  from  the  past  curse  is  here  iuiplied 
as  the  Father  of  the  prodigal  "  had  compas- 1  (Rom.  8.  19;  Rev.  21.  4;  22.  3.).  No  more 
sion  and  ran"  (Luke.  15.  20.).  upon  the  hills  "clouds"  shall  then  "return  after  the  rain" 
—as  the  sunbeams  glancing  from  hill  to  hill.  (Eccl.  12.  2;  Rev.  4.  3;  cf.  Gen.  9. 13-17:):  "  the 
So  Marg.  title  of  Jesus  Christ  (Ps.  22.;  "Hind  rainbow  round  the  throne"  is  the  "token"  of 
of  the  momiyig"  (type  of  His  resurrection.).  |  this.  12.  flowers— tokens  of  anger  past,  and 
Historically,  the  coming  of  the  kingdom  of  of  grace  come.  "  The  summoned  bride  is 
heaven  (the  gospel  dispensation,),  announced  welcome,"  say  some  Fathers, "  to  weave  from 


by  John  Baptist,  is  meant:  it  primarily  is  them  garlands  of  beauty,   wherewith   she 
the  garden  or  vineyard;  the  bride  is  called ;  may  adorn  herself  to  meet  the  liing,"   "=- 
451  [3J  ' 


His- 


The  Ministry  of 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  U. 


John  the  Baptist. 

torically,  the  flowers,  (fee.  only  give  promise;  an  afflicted  condition  for  tlieir"siibjectr~A3 


the  fruit  is  not  ripe  yet:  suitable  to  the 
preaching  of  John  Baptist,  "  The  kingdom 
of  heaven  is  at  hand-"  not  yet  fully  come, 
the  time  of. .  .singing— the  re.joicin«  at  the  ad- 
vent of  Jesus  Christ.  Gregory  Mys.sknus 
refers  the  voice  of  the  turtle  dove  to  John 
Baptist.  It  with  the  olive  branch  announced 
to  Noah  that  "  the  rain  was  over  and  gone" 
(Gen.  8. 11.).  So  John  Baptist,  spiritually.  Its 
plaintive  "voice"  answers  to  his  preaching 
of  repentance  (Jer.  8.  6,  7.).  Vulg.  and  LXX. 
transl.  "  The  tijne  of  prtming,"  viz.,  spring 
(John.  15.  2.).  The  mention  oi  the  "  turtle's 
cooing  better  accords  with  our  text.  The 
turtle  is  migratory  (Jer.  8.  7,),  and  "comes" 
early  in  May;  emblem  of  love,  and  so  of  .the 
Holy  Ghost.  Love,  too,  shall  be  the  keynote 
of  the  "new  so^ig"  hereafter  (Isa.  36.  10;  Kev. 
1.  6;  14.  3;  19.  6.).  In  the  individual  believer 
now,  joy  and  love  are  here  set  forth  in  their 
earlier  manifestations  (Mark.  4.  28.).  13. 
putteth  forth— rather,  ripens,  lit.,  makes  red. 
[MauPw]  The  unripe  fi}:s,  which  grow  in 
winter,  begin  to  ripen  in  early  spring,  and  in 
June  are  luUy  matured.  [Weiss.]  vines  with 
the  tender  grape — rather, "  the  vines  in  flower" 
lit.,  a  flov>tr,  in  apposition  with  "vines." 
[Maur.]  The  vine  flowers  were  sc  sweet, 
that  they  were  often  put,  when  dried,  into 
new  wine  to  give  it  flavour.  Applicable  to 
the  first  manifestations  of  Jesus  Christ, "  the 
true  Vine,"  both  to  the  Church,  and  to  indi- 
viduals: as  to  Nathanael  under  the  fig-tree 
(John,  1.  48.).  Arise,  &c.— His  call,  described 
by  the  bride,  ends  as  it  began  [v.  10:):  it  is  a 
con.sistent  whole;  "love"  from  first  to  last 
(Isa.  62. 1.  2;  2  Cor.  6. 17, 18.).  "  Come,"  in  the 
close  of  Eev.  22. 17,  as  at  His  earlier  manifes- 
tation (Mat.  11.  28.).  14.  dove— here  express- 
ing endearment  (Ps.  74. 19.).  Doves  are  noted 
for  constant  attachment;  emblems,  also,  in 
their  soft,  plaintive  note,  of  softened  inni- 
tents  (Isa.  69.  11;  Ez.  7. 16:):  other  points  of 
lilceness  are  their  beauty;  "their  wings  co- 
vered with  silver  and  t;old"  (Ps.  ti8.  13,),  typi- 
fying the  change  in  the  converted:  the  dore 
like  spirit,  breathed  into  the  saint  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  whose  emblem  is  the  dove:  the 
messages  of  peace  from  God  to  sinful  men,  as 
Noah  s  dove,  with  the  olive  branch  (Gen.  8.,), 
intimated  that  the  flood  of  wrath  was  past: 
timidity,  fleeing  with  fear  from  sin  and  self 
to  the  cleft  Rock  of  ages  [Marg.,  Isa.  26.  4; 
Hos.  11.  11:):  gregarious,  flockijig  together  to 
the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  (Isa.  60.  8:): 
harmless  simplicity  (Mat.  10.  16.).  clefts— the 
refuge  of  doves  from  storm  and  beat  Jer.  48 
28;  see  Jer.  49.  16.).  Ges.  transl.  the  Eeh. 
from  adifterent  root,  "the  refuges."  But  see, 
for  "  clefts,"  Ex.  33.  18-23.  It  is  only  when 
we  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  that  our  "  voice  is 
sweet  (in  prayer,  ch.  4.  3, 11;  Mat.  10.  20;  Gal 
4.  6,  because  it  is  His  voice  in  us;  also 
in  speaking  of  Him,  Mai.  3. 16;) ;  and  our  coun 
tenance  comely"  (Ex.  34.  29;  Ps.  27.  5;  71.  3; 
Isa.  33.  16;  2  Cor.  3. 18.).  stairs— ;Ez.  38.  20.). 
Marg.,  a  steep  rock,  broken  into  stairs,  or 
terraces.  Jt  is  in  "  secret  places"  and  rugged 
scenes,  that  Jesus  Christ  woos  the  soul  irom 
the  world  to  Himself  (Mic.  2. 10;  7.  14.).  So 
Jacob  amidst  the  stones  of  Bethel  (Gen.  28. 
11-19;);  Moses  at  Horeb  (Ex.  3.;);  so  Elijah 
(1  Ki.  19.  9-13;);  Jesus  Christ  with  the  three 
disciples  on  a  "high  mountain  apart,"  at  tlie 
transfiguration  (Mat.  17.  1;  ;  John  in  Patmos 
(Eev.  1.).  "Oi  the  eight  beatitudes,  five  have 
451  L4J 


long  as  the  waters  are  on  the  earth,  we  d  weU 
in  the  ark;  but  when  the  land  is  dry,  the  dove 
itself  will  be  tempted  to  wander."  [Jer. 
Taylor.]  Jesus  Christ  does  not  invite  her 
to  leave  the  rock,  but  in  it  (Himself, ,  yet  in 
holv  freedom  to  lay  aside  the  timorous  s)/irit, 
look  up  boldly  as  accepted  in  Him,  jiray, 
praise,  and  confess  Him  (in  contrast  to  her 
shrinking  from  being  Looked  at,  ch.  1.6;  iEpli. 
6. 19;  Heb.  13.  16;  1  John,  4.  18;);  .stiU  thon-h 
trembling,  the  voice  and  countenance  of  the 
soul  in  Jesus  Christ  are  pleasant  to  Him. 
The  Church  found  no  cleft  in  the  Simutic 
legal  rock,  though  good  in  itself,  wherein  to 
hide;  but  in  Jesus  Christ  stricken  by  God  for 
us,  as  the  rock  smitten  by  Moses  (Num.  20. 
11,),  there  is  a  hiding  place  (Isa.  32.  2.i.  She 
praised  His  "  voice"  (v.  8, 10:):  it  is  thus  that 
her  voice  also,  though  tremulous,  is  "sweet" 
to  Him  here.  15.  Transition  to  the  vineyard, 
often  formed  in  "  stairs"  (v.  14,),  or  terraces, 
in  which,  amidst  the  vine  leaves,  foxes  hid. 
foxes— generic  term,  including  j«c7.-o/s.  ITiey 
eat  only  grapes,  not  the  vine  flowers ;  but  they 
need  to  be  driven  out  in  time  before  the  grape 
is  ripe.  !She  had  failed  in  watchfulness  be- 
fore (ch.  1.  6,),  now  when  converted,  she  is 
the  more  jealous  of  subtle  sins  (Ps.  139.  23.). 
In  spiritual  winter  certain  evils  are  frozen 
up,  as  well  as  good:  in  the  spring  of  revivals 
these  start  up  imperceived,  crafty,  false 
teachersv  spiritual  pride,  unchantableness, 
&c.  (Ps.  19.  12;  Mat.  13.  26;  Luke,  8. 14;  2Tin-i. 
2. 17;  Heb.  12. 15  J.  "  Little"  sins  are  parents 
of  the  greatest  (Eccl.  10.  l;  1  Cor.  5.  6.).  His- 
torically, John  iiaptist  spared  not  the  fox- 
like Herod  (Luke,  13.  32,),  who  gave  vine-like 
promise  of  fruit  at  first  (Mark,  C.  20,),  at  the 
cost  of  his  life;  nor  the  viper-Sadducees,  <fcc.; 
nor  the  varied  subtle  forms  of  sin  (Luke,  3. 
7-14.).  16.  mine,...  his  — rather,  "is./o;-  me, 
. .  .for  Him!'  (Hos.  3.  3,),  where,  as  here,  there 
is  the  assurance  of  indissoluble  union,  in 
spite  of  temporary  absence.  Next  verse,  en- 
treating Him  to  return,  shows  that  He  has 
gone,  perhaps  through  her  want  of  guarding 
against  the  "  little  sins  (v.  15.).  The  order  of 
the  clauses  is  reversed  in  ch.  6.  3,  when  she 
is  riper  in  faith:  there  she  rests  more  on  her 
being  His;  here,  on  His  being  hefs;  and  no 
doubt  her  sense  of  love  to  Him  is  a  pledge 
that  she  is  His  (John.  14.  21,  23;  1  Cor,  8.  3:;: 
this  is  her  consolati  on  in  His  withdrawal  now. 
I  ;;m  Lis— by  creation  (Ps.  100.  3,),  by  redemp- 
tion (John,  17.  10;  Bom.  14.  8;  1  Cor.  6.  19.). 
feedeth— as  a  "roe,"  or  gazelle  (i'.  17;);  instinct 
is  sure  to  lead  him  back  to  His  feeding 
ground,  where  the  lilies  abound.  So  Je.>u3 
Christ,  though  now  withdrawn,  the  bride 
feels  sure  will  return  to  His  favourite  re.-ting- 
place  (ch.  7,  10;  Ps.  132.  14.).  So  hereafter. 
(Kev.  21.  ;^.).  Ps.  4.i.,  title,  terms  His  lovely 
bride's  "lihes"  [Hengst.]  pure  and  white. 
thou;:;h  among  thorns  [v.  2.).  17.  Night  is 
the  image  of  the  present  world  (Eom.  13. 12.) 
"  Behold  men  as  if  dwelling  in  a  suhterranear 
cavern."  [Plato,  Rep.  vii.  1.1  Until— i.e.. 
Before  that.  <fcc.  break— rather,  breathe;  re 
ferring  to  the  refreshing  breeze  of  dawn  ic 
the  E. ;  or  to  the  air  of /V 'e,  which  distinguishei 
morning  from  the  death-like  stillness  ol 
night.  Maur.  takes  thi.s  verse  of  the  ap- 
proach  of  night,  when  the  breeze  arises  after 
the  heat  of  day  (cf.  Marg.  Gen.  3. 8,  will  (ien. 
IS.  1,),  and  the  "shadows"  are  lost  in  ni-ht 
(Ps.  102. 11:):  thus  our  life  will  be  the  day; 


The  mutual  love 


SOLOMONS  SONG,  V-VH. 


of  Christ  and  his  ehureh. 


CHAPTER  V. 

I  Christ  awakes  the  ehureh  with  his  eaUing.    2 
Bhe,  havina  a  taste  of  his  love,  is  siek  of  it.    9 
Be,  the  Beloved  of  the  church,  described  by  his 
graces. 
r  AM  "  come  into  my  garden,  my  sister, 
■*■    my  spouse:  I  have  gathered  my  myrrh 
with  my  spice;  I  have  eaten  my  honey- 
comb with  my  honey;  I  have  drunk  my 
wine  with  my  milk:  eat,  O  ''  Mends :  drmk, 
1  yea,  drink  abundantly,  O  beloved. 

2  H  I  sleep,  but  my  heart  waketh:  it  is 
the  voice  of  my  beloved  *  that  kiiocketh, 
saying,  Open  to  me,  my  sister,  my  love, 
my  dove,  my  undetled:  for  my  head  is 
filled  with  dew,  and  my  locks  with  the 
drops  of  the  night. 

3  I  have  put  off  ray  coat;  how  shall  I  put 
it  on?  I  have  washed  my  feet;  how  shall 
I  defile  them? 

4  My  beloved  put  in  his  hand  by  the  hole 
of  the  door,  and  my  bowels  were  moved 
s^for  him. 

5  I  rose  up  to  open  to  my  beloved;  and 
my  hands  dropped  with  myrrh,  and  my 
fingei-s  with  3  sweet-smelling  myi'rh,  upon 
the  handles  of  the  lock. 

6  I  opened  to  my  beloved;  but  my  beloved 
had  "withdrawn  himself,  and  was  gone: 
my  soul  failed  when  he  si)ake:  I  sought 
him,  but  I  could  not  find  him;  1  *  called 
him,  but  he  gave  me  no  answer. 

7  The  /■  watchmen  that  went  about  the 
city  found  me,  they  smote  me,they  wounded 
me;  the  keepers  of  the  walls  took  away 
my  veil  from  me. 

8  I  charge  you,  O  daughters  of  Jerusalem, 
if  ye  find  my  beloved,  *  that  ye  tell  him, 
that  1  am  sick  of  love. 

9  H  What  ii  thy  beloved  more  than  an- 
other beloved,  0  thou  fairest  among  wo- 
men? what  is  thy  beloved  more  thau  an- 
other beloved,  that  thou  dost  so  charge  us? 

10  H  My  beloved  is  white  and  ruddy,  6  the 
chiefest  among  ten  thousand. 

11  His  head  is  as  the  most  fine  gold;  his 
locks  are  «  bushy,  and  black  as  a  raven: 

12  His  0  eyes  are  as  the  eyes  of  doves  by 
the  rivers  of  waters,  washed  with  milk, 
and  7  fitly  set: 

13  His  cheeks  are  as  a  bed  of  spices,  as 
•  sweet  flowers ;  his  lips  like  lilies,  dropping 
sweet-smelling  myrrh: 

14  His  hands  are  as  gold  rings  set  with 
the  beryl ;  his  belly  is  as  bright  ivory 
overlaid  with  sapphires: 

15  His  legs  are  as  pillars  of  marble  set 
upon  sockets  of  fine  gold;  his  counteuauce 
is  as  Lebanon,  excellent  as  the  cedars: 

16  9  His  mouth  is  most  sweet:  yea,  "  he  is 
altogether  lovely.  This  is  my  beloved,  and 
this  IS  my  friend,  0  daughters  of  J  erusalem. 

CHAPTER  VI.  .^ 

1  The  church  pro/esses  htr  faith  in  Christ.    4  He 
shows  her  graces,  10  and  his  iot'«  toward  her. 

WHITHER  is  thy  beloved  gone, "  0  thou 
'  *  fairest  among  women?  whither  is  thy 
beloved  turned  aside?  that  we  may  seek 
him  with  thee. 

2  ^  My  beloved  is  gone  down  into  his 
garden,  to  the  beds  of  spices,  to  *  feed  in 
the  gardens,  and  to  *  gather  lilies. 

3  I  <*  am  my  beloved's,  and  my  beloved  is 
mine:  he  feedeth  among  the  lilies. 

4  M  Thou  art  beautiful,  O  my  love,  as  Tir- 
zah,  comely  as  Jerusalem,  •  terrible  as  an 
army  with  banners. 

6  Turn  away  thine  eyes  from  me,  for  i  they 


CHAP.  5. 
Och  4.18. 
b  Luke  15  7. 

John  3.  29. 

John  15.11. 

1  Or,  and  be 
drunken 
with  loves. 

e  ProT.  8.  4. 
Bey.  3.20. 

2  Or,  (as 
Bome  read) 

3  passing, 


d  Hos.  5.  15. 
e  Lam.  3.  S. 
fob  3.3. 
4  what. 
6  a  standard- 

6  Or,  curled. 
9  ch.  i.  16. 

ch.  4.  1. 

7  Bittins  in 
fulness, 
that  is, 
fitly 

placed,  and 
set  as  a 
precious 
stone  in 
the  foil  of 
a  ring. 

8  Or,  towers 
of  per- 

9  His  piilate. 
Luke  4. 22. 

h  Phil.  3.  S. 


CHAP.  e. 
a  ch.  1.  8. 
b  Zeph.  3.17. 
«  Is.  50.  8. 

John  10.16. 

d  ch.  2.  16. 

ch.  7.  10. 

e  2  Cor.  10.4. 

1  Or,  tbey 
have  pulfed 

/  ch.  4. 1. 
ff  ch.  7.  12. 

2  1  knewnot. 

3  Or,  8<t  me 


willing 

people. 

4  Or,  of 


a  Pa.  45. 13. 

1  mixture. 
6  ch.  4.  6. 

2  Ur,  crim- 

3  bound. 

4  Btraightly. 

5  Or,  of  the 
ancient. 

c  ch.  2.  16. 

ch.  6.  3. 

Gal.  2.  20. 
d  Pa.  45.  11. 
•  eh.  6. 11. 

2  Car.l3.&. 

6  open. 

/  Eiek.  20. 

40,41. 
g  Uen.  30. 14, 
/)Mat.l3.t2. 


have  overcome  me:  thy  hair  is /as  a  flock 
of  goats  that  appear  from  Gilead: 

6  Thy  teeth  are  as  a  flock  of  sheep  which 

fo  up  from  the  washing,  whereof  every  one 
eareth  twins,  and  there  is  not  one  biirren 
among  them. 

7  As  a  piece  of  a  pomegranate  are  thy  tem- 
pies  witnin  thy  locks. 

~  There  are  threescore  queens,  and  four- 
score concubines,  and  virgins  without 
number. 

i)  My  dove,  my  undefiled  is  but  one ;  she  is 
the  only  one  of  her  mother,  she  is  the 
choice  one  of  her  that  bare  her.  Tiie 
daughters  saw  her,  and  blessed  her;  yta, 
the  queens  and  the  concubines,  and  they 
praised  her. 

10  11  Who  is  she  that  looketh  forth  as  the 
morning,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the 
sun,  and  tenible  as  an  army  with  ban- 
ners? 

11 1  went  down  into  the  garden  of  nuts  to 
see  the  fruits  of  the  valley,  and  ^  to  see 
whether  the  vine  flourished,  and  the  pome- 
granates budded. 

12  a  Or  ever  1  was  aware,  my  soul  3  made 
me  like  the  chariots  of  Amnii-iiadib. 

13  lietuni,  return,  O  Shidianite ;  return, 
return,  that  we  may  look  upon  thee.  What 
wUl  ye  see  in  the  Shulamite?  As  it  were 
the  company  *  of  two  armies. 

CHAPTER  Vll. 
1  A  further  descriptiotiof  the  graces  of  the  ehureht 
10  she  professes  her  faith  and  assurance  oj 
Christ's  love. 

XlOW  bcautilld  are  thy  feet  with  shoes, 
^^  O  "  pruice's  daughter!  thejointsof  thy 
thighs  are  like  jewels,  the  work  of  the 
hands  of  a  cunning  workman: 

2  Thy  navel  is  Like  a  round  goblet,  which 
waiiteth  not  ^  liquor:  thy  belly  is  like  aa 
heap  of  wheat  set  about  with  lilies: 

3  Thy  b  two  breasts  are  like  two  young 
roes  that  are  twins: 

4  Thy  neck  is  as  a  tower  of  ivory;  thine 
eyes  like  the  fish-pools  in  Heshbon,  by  the 
gate  of  iiath-rabbim:  thy  nose  is  as  the 
tower  of  Lebanon  which  looketh  toward 
Damascus: 

5  'I'hine  head  upon  thee  is  like  2  Carmel, 
and  the  hair  of  thme  head  like  purple:  the 
king  is  ^  held  in  the  galleries. 

6  How  fah  and  how  pleasant  art  thou,  O 
love,  lor  delights! 

7  Tills  thy  statiue  is  like  to  a  palm  tree, 
and  thy  breasts  to  clusters  of  grapes. 

8 1  said,  1  will  go  up  to  the  palm  tree,  I  will 
take  hold  of  the  boughs  thereof:  now  also 
thy  breasts  shall  be  as  clusteis  of  the 
vine,  and  the  smeU  of  thy  nose  like  ap- 
pies; 

9  And  the  roof  of  thy  mouth  like  the  best 
wine  for  my  beloved,  that  goeth  down 
*  sweetly,  causing  the  lips  •">  of  those  that 
are  asleep  to  speak. 

10 11  1  *  am  my  beloved's,  and  <*  his  desire 
t5  toward  me. 

11  (Jouie,  uiy  beloved,  let  us  go  forth  into 
the  field;  let  us  lodge  in  the  villages. 

12  Let  us  get  up  early  to  the  vineyards; 
let  us  *  see  if  the  vine  flourish,  whethtr  the 
tender  grape  •*  appear,  and  the  pomegran- 
ates bud  forth:  there  wiU/ 1  give  thee  my 
loves. 

13  The «'  mandrakes  give  a  smell,  and  at 
our  gates ''  are  all  manner  of  pleasant 
fruits,  new  and  old,  which  I  have  laid  up 
for  thee,  0  my  beloved. 


Hie  Mini^ry  of 


death,  the    night  (John,  9.  4.), 

better  accords   with   (ch.  3.  1)  "By  nh/ht' 

(Rom.  13.  12.).    turn— tome.    Bether— Mdun 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  HI. 
Th 


John  the  Baptist. 


E.  V    them,  seekmg  Jesus  Christ  alone;  but  she 

was   desired   to   seek   the  footsteps  of  the 

ilock  (ch.  1.  8,),  so  now  in  lier  .second  trial 


tains  of  Bithron,  separated  from  the  rest  of  she  goes  forth  to  them  of  herself  "The  more 
Israel  by  Jordan  (2  bam.  2.  2D,),  not  far  from  the  soul  grows  in  Krace,  and  the  less  it  leans 
Jiethabara.  where  John  baptised  and  Jesus  on  ordiuMnces.  the  more  it  prizes  and  i>rofit3 
was  first  manifested.  Eather,  as  Marf/.,  o/  by  them"  [M.  Stuart]  (Ps.  73  16  17) 
aiytstons,  and  LXX.,  mountains  intersected  iom\d.\dm  not— nothint;  short  of  Jesus  Christ 
with  deep  gaps,  hard  to  pass  over,  separating  I  can  satisfy  her  (.lob,  23.  «-io-  Ps  f.3  '  2) 
the  bride  and  Jesus  Christ.  In  ch.  8.  14,  the  i  3.  wytchmen— ministers  (Isa  {\>  6-  ,]er  0  17- 
mountains  are  of  svices  on  which  the  roe  |  Ez.  3.  17;  Heb.  13.  17„i,  fit  persons  'to  consult 
feeds  not  at  separatton;  for  at  His  first  com-  ilsa.  21.  li;  Mai.  2.  7.).  f  nnd  me- the  t;eneral 
ing.  He  had  to  overpass  the  gulf  made  by  sin  ministry  of  the  word  "finds"  individually 
between  Hini  and  us  {Zech.  4.  6,  7;);  in  His  [souls  in  quest  of  Jesus  Christ  ((Jen.  24 
"  '         '         I  27,  end  of  v.;  Acts,  10.  14;);  whereas   for- 

,  ,    .,       „.  -      .     ,,-.-- -7,- ,-..--    malists  remain  unaffected.    4.  Jesus  Christ 

pared  bride.  Historically,  in  the  ministry  j  is  generally  "found"  near  the  watchmen  and 
ot  .John  Baptist,  Christ  s  call  to  the  bride  jmeans  of  grace;  but  they  arenotHin, self,  the 
was  not.  as  later  :ch.  4.  8,),  '  Come  with  me,"  star  that  points  to  Bethlehem  is  not  tlie  Sun 
but  come  away  "  riz.,  to  meet  me  (v.  2, 10,  that  has  risen  there:  she  hastens  p.-ist  the 
13.).  _  feittins  m  darkness  (Mat.  4.  16.).  She  guide  posts  to  the  goal.  [M.  Stuabt  J  Not 
waited,  and  'looked"  eagerly  for  Him.  i even  angels  could  satisfy  Mary,  instead  of 
the  "great  light"  (Luke,  1.  79;  2.  25,  38:):  at  -    •  .   .^  .       -  .  ."- 

His  rising,  the  "shadows"  of  the  law  (Col.  2. 
16.  17;  Heb.  10. 1)  were  to  "  flee  away."  So  we 
wait  for  the  second  coming,  when  means  of 
grace,  so  precious  now,  shall  be  superseded 


secoiid.  He  will  only  have  to  come  down  from 
the  fflljjrant  hill  above  to  take  home  his  i 


Tesus  Christ  (John,  20.  ii-ie.).    f  una  him 
(Isa.  46.  I'J;  Hos.  6.  1-3;  Mat.  13.  44-46.1.    held 
him,  &c.— willing  to  be  held;  not  willing,  if 
not  held  (Cen.  32.  26;  Mat.  2S.  0;  Luke,  24. 

=-.,,-,-      .    .  ,.        •  ,^     ^ 28,  29;  Bev.  3.  11.).    "As  a  little  weeping 

by  the  bun  of  righteousness  (1  Cor.  13. 10, 12;  |  child  will  hold  its  mother  fast,  not  because 
Kev.  21.  22. 23.).    The  Word  is  our  light  until  it  is  stron-er  than  .she,  but  because  her  bowels 

constrain  her  not  to  leave  it;  so  Jesus  Christ 
yearning  over  the  believer  cmivot  qo,  be- 
cause He  vnil  not."  [Dim.]  In  ch.  l.'4,  it  is 
He  who  leads  the  bride  into  His  chambers; 
here  it  is  she  who  leads  Him  into  her  mother's. 
There  are  times  when  the  grace  of  Jesus 
Christ  seems  to  draw  us  to  Him;  and  others, 
nights  and  dews  are  better  for  flowers,  than  when  we  with  strong  cries  draw  Him  to  us 
a  continual  sun,  so  Christ's  absence  (at  times)  i  and  ours.  In  the  K.  one  large  apartment  often 
giveth  sap  to  humility,  and  putteth  an  edge  serves  for  the  whole  fan:ily;  .so  the  bride 
on  hunger,  and  furnisheth  a  fairfleld  to  faith  here  speaks  of  her  mother'sapartmentand  her 


light 
then  (2  Pet.  1.  19.'. 

CHAPTER  m. 
Ver.  1-11.  1.  By  night  —  lit.,  " By  nights." 
Continuation  of  the  longing  for  the  dawn 
of  Messiah  ch.  2.  17;  Ps.  130.  6;  Mai.  4.  2.). 
The  spiritual  desertion  here  (ch.  2. 17—3. 6)  is 
not  due  to  indifference,  as  in  ch.  5.  2-8.    "As 


to  put  forth  itself.  "  [Ruthekfoiid.]  Con 
trast  ch.  1. 13;  Ps.  :>0.  6.  7.  ou  .  .  .  bed  —  the 
secret  of  her  failure  (Isa.  64.  7;  Jer.  29.  13; 
Amos.  6.  1,  4;  Hos.  7. 14.).  lovetn— no  want  of 
sincerity,  but  of  diligence,  which  she  now 
makes  up  for  by  leaving  her  bed  to  seek  Him 
(Ps.  22.  2;  03.  8;  Isa.  26.  9- John,  20.  17.).  Four 
times  (y.  1-4)  she  calls  Jesus  Christ  "  Him 
whom  my  soul  loveth,"  designating  Him  as 
absent:  language  of  desire:  "He  loved  me," 
would  be  language  of  present  fruition  (Rev. 
1.  5  ).  In  questioning  the  watchmen  («.  3,), 
she  does  not  even  name  Him.  so  full  is  her 


own  together.  The  mention  of  the  "  mother" 
excludes  impro|iriety,  and  imparts  the 
idea  of  heavenly  love,  pure  as  a  sister's,  v^  hilst 
ardent  as  a  bride's;  hence  the  frequent  tit'e, 
"  my  sister— spouse."  Our  mother  after  i  I.e 
Spirit,  is  ihe  Church,  the  new  Jerusalem 
(John,  3.  5-8;  Gal.  4.  19,  26;);  for  her  we  ought 
to  pray  continually  (Eph.  3.  14-19,),  also  for 
the  national  Jerusalem  (Isa.  6-?.  6,  7:  Rom. 
10.  1,),  also  for  the  human  famihi,  which  is 
our  mother  and  kndred  after  the  flesh:  these 
our  mother's  children  have  evil  treated  us 
(ch.  1. 6,),  but,  like  our  Father, >\e  are  to  return 


heart  of  Him.  Having  found  Him  at  dawn  I  good  for  evil  (Mat.  5.  44,  45,).  .and  so  bring 
(for  throughout  He  is  the  mo^niimj,),  she  j  Jesus  Christ  home  to  them  (\  Pet.  2.  12.). 
charges  the  daughters  not  to  abridge,  by  1 5.  So  ch.  2.  7;  but  tliere  it  was  for  the  non- 
intrusion, the  period  of  His  stay.  Cf.  as  to  I  interruption  of  her  own  fellowship  with 
the  thoughtful  seeking  for  Jesus  Christ  in  Jesus  Christ  that  she  was  anxious;  litre  it  is 
the  time  of  John  Baptist,  in  vain  at  first,  but  I  for  the  not  grieving  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  on 
presently  after  successful  (Luke.  3.  15-22;  the  part  of  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem. 
John,  1.  l9-:-!4.).  found  him  not  — O  for  such  j  Jealously  avoid  levity,  heedlessness,  and 
honest  dealings  with  ourselves  (Pro.  25.  14;  offences,  which  would  inar  the  gracious  work 
Jude,  12.).  2.  Wholly  awake  for  God  (Luke,  begun  in  others  (Mat.  18.  7;  Acts,  2.  42,  43; 
15.  18-20;  Eph.  5. 14.).  "  An  honest  resolution  '  Eph.  4.  30.). 

is  often  to  (the  doing  of)  duty,  like  a  needle  I  Canticlk  IH.  —  Ch.  iii.  6— v.  1.  —  Thk 
that  draws  the  thread  after  it."  [Dub.]  Not  Bridegroom  with  the  Bride.  Histmi- 
a  mere  wish,  that  counts  not  the  cost— to  :  cally,  the  ministry  of  Jesus  Chri.st  on  earth, 
leave  her  easy  bed.  and  wander  in  the  dark  j  6.  New  scene  (f .  6-11.).  The  friends  of  the 
night  seeking  Him  (Pro.  13.  4;  Mat.  21.  30;  i  Bridegroom  see  a  cortege  approach.  His 
Luke,  14.  27-33.).  the  city  — Jeriisalem,  Ki. '  palanquin  and  iiuard.  cometh  out— rather, 
(Mat.  3.6;  John,  1.  19,).  and  spiritually,  the  ztp/rom;  the  wilderness  was  lower  than  Jeru- 
Church  here  (Heb.  12.  22,),  in  glory  (Rev.  21. '  salem.  [Maur.1  pillars  of  smoke— from  the 
2.).  broad  ways— open  spaces  at  the  gates  of  jierfumes  burned  round  Him  and  His  bride. 
E.  cities,  where  the  public  assembled  for  image  from  Israel  and  the  tabernacle 
business.  So,  the  a.ssemblies  of  worshippers  (answering  to  "bed," «.  7)  marching  through 
(ch-  8.2,3;  Pro.  1.  20-23;  Heb.  10.  25.).  She  the  desert  with  the  pillar  of  smoke  by  day. 
had  in  her  first  awakening  shrunk  from  |  and  tire  by  night  (Ex.  14.  20,),  and  the  piilara 


The  Bridegroom 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  IV. 


with  the  Bride. 


of  smoke  ascending  from  the  altars  of  incense 
and  of  atonement;  so  Jesus  Christ's  right- 
eousness, atonement,  and  ever-livinu  inter- 
cession. Balaam,  the  last  representative  of 
patriarchism,  was  required  to  curse  the  Jew 
fsh  Church,  just  as  it  afterwards  woidd  not 
succumb  to  Christianity  without  a  struggle 
(Num.  22,  41,),  but  he  had  to  bless  in  lan- 
guage like  that  here  (Num.  24.  5,  6,|.  Angels 
too  joyfully  ask  the  same  question,  when 
Jesus  Christ  with  the  tabernacle  of  His 
body  -answering  to  His  bed,  v.  7:  John,  1. 
14.  "dwelt,"  (Gr.)  tabernacled,  John,  2.  21) 
ascends  into  heaven  (Ps.  24.  8-10,',  also  when 
they  .see  His  glorious  bride  with  Him  Ps. 
68.  IS;  Kev.  7. 13-17.).  Encouragement  to  her; 
amidst  the  darke.st  trials  (w.  1,),  she  is  still  on 
the  road  to  glory  [v.  11)  in  a  palanquin  "  paved 
•with  love"  (v.  10;);  she  is  now  in  soul  spiritu- 
ally "coming,"  exhaling  the  sweet  graces, 
faith,  love,  joy,  peace,  prayer,  and  praise:  (the 
fire  is  lighted  unthin,the  "smoke"is  seen  vith- 
out.  Acts,  4.  13:):  it  is  in  the  desert  of  trial 
(w.  1-3)  she  gets  them;  (she  is  the  "  merchant" 
buying  from  Jesu«  Clirist  without  money  or 
price.  Isa.  66. 1;  Eev.  3. 18;)  ;jnst  as  myrrh  and 
trankincense  are  got,  not  in  Egypt,  but  in  +be 
Arabian  sands,  and  the  mountains  of  Prle- 
tine.  Hereafter  she  shall  "come"  'v.  6,  li,  in 
agloritied  Viody  too  (Phil.  3. 21.).  Historically, 
Jesus  Clirist  returning  from  the  wilderness, 
full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  (Luke,  4. 1,  14.).  The 
same,  "Who  is  this."  &c.  (Isa.  63.  1,  5.).  7. 
In  w .  6,  the  ii-ildsm  ess  character  of  the  Church 
is  portrayed;  in  v.  7, 8,  its  militant  aspect.  In 
«.  9.  10,  Jesus  Christ  is  seen  dwelling  in 
believers,  who  are  His  "  chariot"  and  "  body." 
In  V.  11,  the  consummation  in  glory,  bed— pa- 
lanquin. His  body.  Mi.,  guarded  by  a  definite 
number  of  angels, "  three  score,"  or  sixty  (Mat. 
26. 63,).  from  the  wilderness  (Mat.  4. 1, 11,).  and 
continually  (Luke,  2.  13;  22.  43;  Acts,  1,  10, 
11;);  just  as  UOO.OOO  of  Israel  guarded  the 
Lord's  tabernacle  (Xum.2.17-32.).one  for  every 
10,000.  In  contrast  to  the  "  bed  of  sloth"  {v. 
1.).  valiant— i Josh.  5.  13, 14.).  Angels  guard- 
ing His  tomb  used  like  words  (Mark,  16.  6.). 
of  Israel— true  subjects,  not  mercenaries.  8. 
hold— not  actually  grasping  them,  but  having 
them  girt  on  the  thigh  ready  for  use.  like 
their  Lord  (Ps.  45.  :-:.).  So  believers  too  are 
guarded  by  angels  (Ps.  91. 11;  Heb.  1.  14,\  and 
they  themselves  need  "every  man"  (>.eh.  4. 
18:  to  be  armed  (Ps.  144.  1,  2;  2  Cor.  10.  4; 
Eph.  6.  12,  17;  1  Tim.  6.  12,),  and  "  expert" 
(2  Cor.  2.  11.).  because  of  fear  in  the  night- 
Arab  marauders  often  turn  a  wedding  into 
mourning  by  a  night  attack.  So  the  bridal 
procession  of  saints  in  the  night  of  this 
wilderness,  is  the  chief  object  of  Satan's 
assault.  9.  chariot— more  elaborately  made 
than  the  "bed"  or  travelling  litter  (v.  7,), 
from  a  Heb.  root,  to  elaborate.  [Ewald.] 
So  the  temple  of  "cedar  of  Lebanon,"  as 
comi>ared  with  the  temporary  tabernacle  of 
shittimwood  (2  Sam.  7.  2,  6,  7;  1  Ki.  5.  14;  6. 
16-18),  Jesus  Cliri.st's  body  is  the  antitype, 
••made"  by  the  Father  for  Him  (l  Cor.  1  30; 
Heb.  10.  5,).  the  wood  answering  to  His 
huiiian  nature,  the  gold.  His  divine;  the  two 
being  but  one  Christ.  10.  piliars— supporting 
the  canopy  at  the  four  corners;  curtains  at 
the  side  laotect  the  person  witliin  from  the 
Fun.  Pillars  with  silver  sockets  supported 
the  veil  that  enclosed  the  holy  of  holies;  em- 
>  lem  of  Jesus  Christ's  strev(i1h  (1  Ki.  7.  21,), 
'  Murg.,  "  silver,"  emblem  of  His  jmrity  (Ps. 
462  tlJ 


12.  6;);  SO  the  saints  hereafter  (Rev.  3.  12.). 
bottom— rather,  tJte  back  for  resting  or  reclin- 
ing on  {Vulg.  and  LXX.)  [Maur.J  f-'o  the 
floor  and  mercy-seat,  theres/w^ffplaceof  Cod 
(Ps.  132.  14)  in  the  temple  was  gold  (1  Ki.  6. 
30.).  covering— rather,  seat,  as  in  Lev.  15.  9.). 
Hereafter  the  saints  shall  share  His  seat 
(Eev.  3.  21.).  purph— the  veil  of  the  holiest 
partly  purple,  and  the  pvrple  robe  put  on 
Jesus  Christ,  accord  with  E.  V.,  "covering." 
"  Purple"  (including  scarlet  and  crimson)  is 
the  emblem  of  royalty,  and  of  His  blood; 
typified  by  the  passover-lamb's  blood,  and 
the  vine  when  the  twelve  sat  or  reclined  at 
the  Lord's  table,  paved  —  tesselaied.  like 
mosaic  pavement,  with  the  various  acts  and 
promises  of  love  of  Father.  Son,  and  Holy 
Ghost  (Zeph.  3. 17;  1  John,  4.  8, 16.),  in  contrast 
with  the  tallies  of  stone  in  the  "midst"  of  the 
ark,  covered  with  writings  of  stern  command 
(cf.  John,  19.  13;);  this  is  all  grace  and  love 
to  believers, who  answer  to  "the  daughters 
of  Jerusalem"  (John,  1.  17.).  The  exterior 
silver  and  gold,  cedar,  purple,  and  guards, 
may  deter,  but  when  the  bride  enters  ■vriihin, 
she  rests  on  a  pavement  of  Jove.  11.  go  f  rtti 
—(Mat.  25.  6.).  daughters  of  Zion— spirits  of 
saints,  and  angels  (Isa.  61,  10;  Zech.  9.  9.). 
crown— nuptial  (Ez.  16.  8-12,).  (the  Hebrews 
wore  costly  crowns,  or  chaplets  at  weddings,), 
and  kinaly  (Ps.  2.  6;  Eev.  19.  V2.).  "^I'he  crown 
of  thorns  was  once  His  nuptial  chaplet.  His 
blood  the  wedding  wine-cup  (.John,  19.  5.). 
"  His  mother."  tl^at  so  crowned  Him.  is  the 
human  race,  for  He  is  "the  Son  oiman,"  not 
merely  the  Son  of  Mary.  The  same  mother 
recorciled  to  Him  (Mat.  12.  60,),  as  the 
Church,  travails  in  birth  for  souls,  whi(  h  she 
presents  to  Him  as  a  crown  (I  hil.  4.  l ;  Pev.  4. 
10.).  Not  being  ashamed  to  call  the  children 
brethren  (Heb.  2. 11-14,),  He  calls  theirmoihex 
His  mother  (Ps.  22.  9;  Eom.  8.  29;  Eev.  12. 
1,  2.).  behold  —  (2  Thes.  1.  10.).  day  of  his 
espousals— chiefly  the  final  marriage,  when 
the  number  of  the  elect  is  complete  (Eev.  6. 
11.).  gbdneFS-(Ps.  45.  15;  Isa.  62.  5;  Eev.  19. 
7.).  ]\t.  Stuaet  observes  as  to  this  Canticle 
(ch.  3.  6—6.  1,),  the  centre  of  the  Book,  these 
peculiarities;  (DThe  Bridegroom  takes  the 
chief  part,  whereas  elsewhere  the  bride  is  the 
chief  speaker;  (2.)  Elsewhere  He  is  either 
"King  or  "Solomon;"  here  He  is  twice 
called  "king  Solomon."  The  bride  is  six 
times  here  called  the  "spouse;"  never  so  be- 
fore or  after:  also  "  sister"  four  times,  and, 
except  in  the  first  verse  of  the  next  Canticle, 
nowhere  else;  (3.)  He  and  she  are  never  sepa- 
rate, no  absence,  no  complaint,  which  abound 
elsewhere,  are  in  this  Cinticle. 
CHAPTEE  IV. 
Ver.  1-16.  1.  Contrast  with  the  bride's 
state  by  nature  (Isa.  1.  6)  her  state  by  grace 
(('.  1-7)  "perfect  through  His  comeliness  jiut 
upon  her'  (Fz.  Ki.  14:  John.  16.  3.).  The  praise 
of  Jesus  Christ,  unlike  that  of  tlie  world, 
hurts  not,  but  edifies;  as  His,  not  ours,  is  the 
glory  (John,  6.  44;  Eev.  4.  10, 11.).  ^^even  fea- 
tures of  beauty  are  specified  {<\  1-5,),  ("lips" 
and  "speech"  are  but  one  featiu'e,  i".  3)  the 
number  lor  jKr/ectiooi.  To  each  of  these  is 
attached  a  comparison  from  nature:  the  re- 
.semhlances  consi.st  not  so  much  in  cut  ward 
likeness,  as  in  the  combined  sensatiiiis  of 
deliiht  produced  f-y  contcmi)lating  these  na- 
tural ohjects.  doves'— the  large  melting  eye 
of  the  Syrian  dove  apiiears  especiaffy  beauti- 
ful amidst  the  foliage  of  its  native  groves: 


'  The  Bridegroom 

so  the  bride's  "eyes  witMn  her  locks"  (Luke 
7.  4-t.).  Maur.  for  "locks,"  has  "veil;"  Irut 
locks  suit  the  connect. on  better:  so  the 
Heb.  is  transl.  (Isa.  47.  •.'.).  The  dove  wa-  tlie 
only  bird  counted  "  clean"  for  sacrifice.  Once 
the  heart  was  '"  tlie  cage  of  every  unclean  and 
hateful  bird."  Grace  makes  the  chaujio. 
eyes— (Mat.  6.  22;  Eph.  l.  IS;  contrast  Mat.  6. 
28;  Eph.  4.  18;  iJohn,  2.  16.).  Chaste  and 
guileless  (Mat.  10.  IC,  Marp.;  John,  1.  4".). 
John  J3aptist,  historically,  was  the  "turtle 
dove"  (ch.  2.  12,),  with  eye  directed  to  the 
coming  Bridegroom :  his  Nazarite  unshorn 
hair  answers  to  "locks"  (John,  1.  29.  ;;(j.). 
hair  . . .  goats— the  hair  of  goats  in  the  E.  is 
fine  like  silk.  As  long  hair  is  her  glory,  and 
marks  her  subjection  to  man  (iCor.  11.  (i-lnj, 
so  the  Nazarite's  huir  marked  his  subjection 
and  separation  unto  God.  (Cf.  Jud.  10.  17, 
with  2  Cor.  6. 17;  Tit.  2. 14;  l  Pet.  2. 9.).  Je*us 
Christ  cares  for  the  minutest  concerns  of  His 
saints  (Mat.  10.  30.).  appear  fiom— lit..  "  Vuit 
lie  down  from,"  lying  along  the  hillside,  they 
seeiii  to  hang  from  it:  a  picture  of  thebride's 
hanging  tresses.  Gilead  —  beyond  Jordan: 
there  stood  "the  heap  of  witness"  (Gen.  31. 
48.).  2.,  even  shorn— the  Hch.  is  tmnd.  d  Ki. 
6.  ao,),  '•  of  one  size:"  so  the  point  of  compari- 
son to  teeth  is  their  symmetry  of  form;  as  in 
"come  up  from  the  washing,"  the  spotless 
whiiniess:  and  in  "  twins."  the  exact  corres- 
po7icl:vce  of  the  upper  and  under  teeth:  and 
m  "none  barren,  ')ioiie  wanting,  none  with- 
out its  fellow.  Faith  is  the  tooth  with  which 
we  eat  the  living  bread  (John,  C.  35,  54.). 
Contrast  the  teeth  of  sinners  (Ps.  67.  4;  Pro. 
30.  14;-  also  their  end  (Ps.  3.  7;  Mat.  25.  ,^0.). 
Faith  leads  the  flock  to  the  washing  (Zech 


SOLOI\IOJn'S  song.  IV. 


vrith  the  Bride, 


"0;  1  Ki.  10.  16.).  5.  bi easts— the  l(\i.st  is  left 
open  in  Eastern  dress.  The  brca.st-plate  of 
the  High  I'rie.st  was  niadt'  of  "two"  piecos, 
fnhkd  one  on  the  other,  in  vvliidi  weVc  the 
Urim  and  Thumniiin  Jiulits  and  /»  nntuiu.], 
"  Faith  and  love"  are  the  douiiJt  broastpi.ite 
(1  Tlies.  5.  8,',  answering  to  "hearing  the 
word"  and  "keeping  it,"  in  a  similar  connec- 
tion with  breasts  (Luke,  12.  27. 2s.;.  roes-  lie 
recipiocates  her  praise  ch.  2.9.1.  i:ii,l..cm 
ol  love  and  mXififactkin  (Vro.  .0.  i:(.i.  feu— 
(I's.  23.  2.).  among  the  lilies— slirink.ng  Ironi 
thorns  of  strife,  worldliness,  and  uul;()i Hi nesa 
i2.-^am.  2.i.  ti;Mat.  13. 7.).  lioes  feed  (twout/, 
not  on  the  lilies:  where  tliese^  grow,  there  is 
iMoi.-ture,  producing  green  pasturage.  The 
lilies  represent  her  white  dress  Is.  4.'..  14; 
Kev.  19.  ».).  6.  Historically,  thr  1,111  vijntnk- 
incense  is  Calvary,  where,  "  throu-h  the  eti.-r- 
nal  Spirit  He  ottered  Himselt;"  the  uiountaiu 
of  myrrh  is  His  emliainient  (John,  19.  :.9  till 
the  resurrection  "day-break."  The  3il  Can- 
ticle occupies  the  one  cloudless  day  o)  Hi.s 
presence  on  earth,  beginning  from  the  night 
(ch.  2. 17)  and  ending  with  the  night  of  His 
departure  ich.  4.  (i.).  His  promise  is  almost 
exactly  in  the  words  of  her  j.rayer  (ch.  2.  17) 
(the  same  Holy  Ghost  breathing  in  Jesus 
Christ  and  His  praying  people,,  with  the 
ditierence  that  she  then  looked  fur  His  visible 
coming.  He  now  tells  her.  tliai  when  He 
shall  have  gone  from  sight.  He  still  is  to  be 
met  with  spiritually  in  prayer  (Ps.  ti8.  lo;  Mat. 
28. 20,1,  until  the  everlasting  day  break,  when 
we  shall  see  face  to  fsice  (l  Cor.  i:;.  Hi,  12.). 
7.  Assurance  that  He  is  going  from  her  in 
lo^e,  not  in  displeasure  (John,  16.  G,  7.).  all 
fair  — still  stronger  than  ch.  l.  15;  v.  i.  no 
13.  1;  1  Cor.  6. 11:  Tit.  3.  5.).    nor.e . . .  barren—  ■  spot— our  privilege  Ei)h.  5. 27;  Col.  2. 10;);  our 


(2  Pet.  1.  8.).  .He  who  is  begotten  of  God 
begets  instrumentally  other  sons  of  God.  3. 
thread— like  a  delicate  fillet.  IS'ot  thick  and 
white  as  the  leper's  lips  aype  of  sin,),  which 
were  therefore  to  be  "  covered." as  "unclean" 
(Lev.  13.  45.).  scarlet— the  blood  of  Jesus 
Christ  (isa.  6.  6-9!  cleanses  the  leprosy,  and 
unseals  the  lips  (Isa.  67.  19;  Hos.  14.  2;  Heb. 
13.  15.).  ilahab's  scarlet  thread  was  a  type 
of  it  (Josh.  2.  18.).  sppfich- not  a  separate 
feature  from  the  lips  iZeph.  3.  9;  Col.  4.  6.). 
Contrast  "uucircuiucised  lips"  (Ex.  C.  12.). 
Maur.  and  Bur.  transl.  "  thy  mouth." 
temples— rather,  the  upper  part  of  the  cheek 
nextthe  temples:  the  seatof  shamefacedness; 
so,  "  within  thy  locks,"  no  display  (1  Cor.  11. 
5,  C,  16.  .  Mark  of  true  penitence  (Ezra,  9.  6; 
Ez.  16.  03.).  Contrast  Jer.  3.  3;  Ez.  3.  7. 
pomegranate— when  cut,  it  displays  in  rows 
seeds  pellucid,  like  crystal,  tinged  with  red. 
Her  modesty  is  not  on  the  surface,  but  within, 
whi<h  Jesus  Christ  can  see  into.  4.  neck- 
stately:  in  beautiful  contrast  to  the  blusliing 
temples  {v.  3;);  not  "stiff"  (Isa.  48.  4;  Acts, 
7.  51,  .  as  that  of  unbroken  nature;  nor 
"stretched  forth'  wantonly  Isa.  3.  16;);  nor 
burdened  with  the  legal  yoke  (Lam.  1.  14; 
Acts,  16. 10;i;  but  erect  in  gospel  freedom  Isa. 
62.  2.).  tower  of  Davio— probably  on  Zion. 
He  was  a  man  of  war,  preparatory  to  the 
reign  of  Solomon,  the  king  of  peace.  8o  war- 
fare in  the  case  of  Jesus  Christ  and  His  saints 
precedes  the  coming  rest.  Each  soul  won 
from  Satan  by  Him  is  a  trophy  gracing  the 
bride  Luke,  11.  22)  (each  hangs  on  Him,  Isa. 
22.  2  :  24:  ;  also  each  victory  of  her  faith.  As 
shields  adorn  a  temple's  wads  [Ez.  27.  il,i,  so 
necklaces  hang  on  the  bride's  neck  iJud.  5. 

45^  m 


duty  (2  Cor.  6.  17;  Jude,  23;  Jam.  1.  27.J. 
Invitation  to  her  to  leave  the  border  moun- 
tains (the  highest  worldly  elevation)  between 
the  hostile  lands  iS'.  of  Palestine,  and  the 
Promised  Land  (Ps.  45. 10;  I'hil.  3. 13.).  Amana 
— S.  of  Anti-Libanus;  the  river  Abana,  or 
Amana,  was  near  Damascus  \2  Ki.  5.  12.). 
Slie.'iir— The  whole  mountain  was  called 
Hcrmon;  the  part  held  by  the  Sidonians  was 
called  tiinon:  the  part  held  by  the  Amorites, 
Shenir  (Dent.  3.  9.).  Infested  by  the  devour- 
ing lion,  and  the  stealthy  and  swift  leojiard 
(Ps.  7G.  4;  Eph.  G.  11;  1  Pet.  5.  8.).  Contrasted 
with  tlie  mountain  of  myrrh,  &c.  {v.  u;  i.^-a.  2. 
2;) ;  the  good  land  (Isa.  35. 0.).  with  ine— twice 
repeated  emphatically.  The  presence  of  Jesus 
Christ  makes  up  for  the  absence  of  all  be.-^ide 
(Luke,  IS.  29.30;  2  Cor.  6.  10.,.  M.ses  was 
V)ermitted  to  see  Canaan  from  Pisgali:  Peter, 
James,  and  John,  iiad  a  foretaste  of  glory  on 
the  mount  of  transfiguration.  9.  sister  . . . 
spouse— this  title  is  here  first  used:  a,s  lie  is 
soon  aboutto  institute  the  Supper,  the  pleike 
of  the  nuptial  union.  Jiy  the  term  "sister," 
carnal  ideas  are  excluded;  the  .ardour  of  a 
spouse's  love  is  combined  with  the  ourity  of 
a  sister's  Isa.  54.  5;  cf.  i\iark,  3.  :u'i'.  .  one- 
even  one  look  is  enough  to  secure  His  love 
(Zech.  12.  10;  Luke.  2.3.  40-43.).  ISot  meieiy 
the  Churcii  collectively,  but  each  om'  ne  i;- 
berof  it  Mat.  18.  10,  14;  Luke,  15.  7.  ifl.  :.•>.). 
ciiain— necklace  (Isa.  62.  3;  Mai.  3. 17  an.-.wer" 
ing  to  the  "shields"  hanging  in  the  towt-r  of ' 
Oavid  l^•.  4.).  Cf.  the  "ornament"  !  Per  3 
4;);  "chains"  (Pro.  1.9;  .3.  22.).  10.  love— //t6. 
loves;  manifold  tokens  of  thv  lovt;.  much 
better— answering  to  her  "better"  ch.  1.2.), 
but  with  incvGcised  force.    An  AiutcLviiui 


The  Bridegroom _ 

pastoral  character  pervades  the  Song,  like  the 
classic  Amoebean  idylls  aud  eclogues,  wine 
— the  love  of  His  saiuts  is  a  more  reviving 
cordial  to  Him  than  wine;  ex.  gr.,  at  the  least 
in  Simon's  house  (Luke,  7.  30,  4i ;  J  ohn,  4.  32  ■ 
Cf.  Zech.  10. 7.  .  smell  of . . .  ointments  than  all 
spices— answ  ering  to  her  praise  (cli.  1. 3,),  with 
increased  force.  Fragrant,  as  being  Iruits  of 
Hi^  Spii-it  in  us  'Gal.  5. 22.) .   11.  drop— always 


SOLOMON'S  SONG.  V. 


with,  the  Bride. 


14,),  fertilising  the  gardens  of  Damascus 


Jt 


springs  upon  earth;  its  source  is  heaven.  It 
is  now  not  "sealed,"  but  open  "streams" 
iRev.  22.  17.).  16.  Awake— /ii..  Arise.  All 
beside  is  ready:  one  tlunu  alone  is  v  anted; 
the  breath  of  God.  This  follows  rigtitiy  after 
His  death  (i  h.  6. 12;  Acts,  2.  •.  It  is  Hi.s  call  to 
the  Spirit  to  come  (John,  14. 16; ;  in  John,  3. 8, 
compared  to  "  the  wind:"  quickening  John, 


ready  to  fall,  being  full  of  honey,  though  not  I C.  6.J;  Ez.  27. 9.).   Saints  ofifer  the  same  prayer 
always  (Pro.  10.  lit)  actually  dropping  ;ch.  5. ! (Ps. 8o. 6; Hab. 3.  2.;.  The N.  wind  "awake  " 


13;  Ceut.  32.  2;  Mat.  12.  bi.].    honey-comb— j or  arises  strongly,  riz.,  the  Holy  Ghost  as  a 
(Pro.  6.  3;  16.  24.1.    under  thy  tongue— not  al- 


ways on,  but  utider,  the  tongue,  ready  to  fall 
fPs.  65.  21.  .  Contrast  her  former  state  >Ps. 
140.  S;  Rum.  3.  13.).  "  Honey  and  milk"  were 
the  glory  of  the  good  land.  The  change  is 
illustrated  in  the  penitent  thief.  Contrast 
Mat.  27.  44,  with  Luke,  23.  39,  &c.  It  was 
lit.,  with  "  one"  eye,  a  sidelong  glance  of  love 
"better  than  wine"  that  he  refreshed  Jesus 
Christ  Iv.  9. 10.).  *'  To-day  shaft  thou  be  with 
me  (cf.  V.  8}  in  Paradise"  [v.  12,),  is  the  only 
joyous  sentence  of  His  seven  utterances 
on  the  cross,  smell  of ...  garments— which 
are  oiten  perfumed  in  the  E.  (Ps.  45.  8.  . 
The  neriume  comes  from  Him  on  us  (Ps.  133. 
2.).  We  draw  nigh  to  God  m  the  perfumed 
garment  of  our  elder  brother  (Gen.  27. 27;  see 
Jude,  23.).  Lebanon- abounding  in  odorifer- 
ous trees  iHos.  14.  5-7.).  12.  The  Heb.  has 
no  "is."  Here  she  is  distinct  from  the  garden 
(ch.  5.  1,),  yet  identified  with  it  {v.  ic,),  as 
being  one  with  Him  in  His  sufferings.  His- 
torically, the  Paradise,  into  which  the  soul  of 
Jesus  Christ  entered  at  death;  and  the  tomb 


reprover  (John,  16.  s-ll;);  the  S.  wind  "corned' 
gtntly.  viz.,  the  HolyGhos-t  as  the  Coaaoner 
(John,  14. 16.  .  The  W.  wind  brings  rain  Iroin 
the  sea  (1  lu.  18.  44,  45;  Luke,  12.  64.).  The 
E.  wind  is  tempestuous  (Job,  27.  2l;Isa.  27.8,', 
and  withering  (Gen.  ^l.  23.).  These,  therelore, 
are  not  wanted;  but  first  the  N.  wind,  clear- 
ing the  ail-  (Job,  37.  22;  Pro.  25.  23,',  and  then 
the  warm  S.  wind  {v.  i7;J;  so  the  Holy  Ghost 
first  clearing  away  mists  of  gloom,  error,  un- 
belief, sin,  which  intercept  the  li>.;ht  of  Jesus 
Christ,  then  inl  using  spiritual  warmth  (2  Cor. 
4.  6,),  causing  the  graces  to  exhale  their 
odour.  Let  my  beloved,  &c.—The  bridas  reply. 
Tlie  fruit  was  now  at  length  ripe;  the  last 
pas.sover,  which  He  had  so  desired,  is  come 
(Luke,  22.  7, 15, 16, 18,),  the  only  case  in  which 
He  took  charge  oi  the  preparations.  Ins— 
an-swerin^;  to  J  e.sus  Christ's  "  n  y."  She  owns 
that  the  garden  is  His,  and  the  fruits  in  her, 
which  she  does  not  in  lalse  humility  deny 
(Ps.  66.  16;  Acts,  21.  19;  1  Cor.  15.  10,).  are  His 
(John,  15.  8;  Phil.  l.li.). 

CHAPTER  V. 


of  J  oseph  in  which  His  body  was  laid  amidst     Ver.  1-16.    1.  An^  luer  to  her  prayer  (Isa.  65. 
"  myrrh,"  <fec.  {v.  6,),  situated  in  a  nicdij  kept  24;  Rev.  3.  20.).    am  come— already  (ch.  4. 10;); 


myrrL,   __.  ,    .      ,  „ 

garden  cf."gardener,"  John, 20.1.".;);'  sealed' 
with  a  stone  (Mat. 27.  GO;!;  in  which  it  resem- 
bles "  wells"  in  the  E.  i.Gen.  29.  3, 8.!.  It  was 
in  a  garden  of  light  Adam  fell;  in  a  garden 
of  darkness,  Gethsemane,  and  cliiefiy  that  of 
the  tomb,  the  second  Ad.im  retrieved  us. 
Spiritually,  the  garden  is  the  gospel  kingdom 
of  heaven.  Here  all  is  ripe:  pieviously  cli. 
2. 13,),  it  was  "the  tender  grape."  'J lie  gar- 
den i.s  His,  though  he  calls  the  plants  ner  s 
(0.13,1,  by  his  gift  (Isa.  Gl.  3,  end.!,  spring 
. . .  fountam— Jesus  Christ  (John.  4.  lo)  sealed, 
whUst  He  was  in  the  sealed  toinb:  it  poured 
forth  its  full  tide  on  Pentecost  ;J  ohn,  7. 37-39.  . 
Still  He  is  a  sealed  fountain,  until  the  Holy 
Ghost  open  it  to  one  (I  Cor.  12.  3.;.  The 
Church  also  is  "a  garden  cncio.^ed  (Ps.  4.  3; 
Isa.  5.  1,  &c.).  Contrast  Ps.  80.  9-12.  So  'a 
spring"'  (Isa.  27.  3;  68.  11;  ;  "sealed"  Eph.  4. 
30;  2  Tim.  2.  19.).  As  wives  in  the  E.  are  .se- 
cluded from  public  gaze,  so  believers  (P.s.  ^3. 
3;  Col.  3.  3.).  Contrast  the  open  stic.-ims 
which  "  pass  away"  (Job,  o.  15-18: 2 1'ei.  2. 17.;. 
13.  oro\\zxA—Hch.,aparadi.^e, ».(?.,  a  pleasure- 
ground  and  orchard.  Not  only  flowers,  but 
fruit-trees  (John.  15.  8;  i'hil.  1. 11.  .  cui\piiiie 
—not  camphor  (ch.  1. 14.!,  Iicnnah,  or  cyr-ress 
blooms.    14.  calamus— '"sweet  i-ane"  ;h.x 


"'come"  (Gen.  28.  16.;.  sister  ...  Si.ouse— as 
Adam's  was  created  of  his  flesh,  out  of  his 
opened  side,  there  being  none  on  earth  on 
a  level  with  him;  so  the  bride,  out  of  the 
pierced  Saviour  (Eph.  5. 30-32.).  have  gathered 
. . .  niyrrn— His  course  was  already  complete: 
the  myrrh.  &c.  (Mat.  2.  U;  26.  7-12;  John,  19. 
;J9,),  emblems  of  the  indwelling  of  the  anoint- 
ing 11  oly  (.ihost,  were  already  gathered,  spice 
—lit.,  balsam,  have  eaten— answering  to  her 
"  eat"  ch.  4. 16.).  honey-comb— distinguished 
here  from  liquid  "honey"  dropping  from 
trees.  TJie  last  supper,  here  set  forth,  is  one 
ort'.s;io?(sa7,  apledge  of  the  iutnve  marriage 
ch.  8. 14;  Rev.  19. 9.  .  Feasts  often  took  place 
in  ::ar(lens.  In  the  absence  of  sugar,  then 
unknown,  honey  was  more  widely  used  than 
with  us.  His  eating  honey  with  milk  indi- 
cate His  true,  yet  spotless,  human  nature, 
from  infancN  (Isa.  7.  15;);  and  after  His  resur- 
rection (Luke.  24.  42.).  my  wme— (John,  18. 
II,;,  a  cup  of  wrath  to  Him,  of  mercy  to  us, 
whereby  God's  word  and  promises  become 
to  us  '-milk"  (Ps.  19. 10;  1  Pet.  2.  2.).  "  My" 
answers  to  "His"  (ch.  4.  16..  Ihe  "myrrh 
(emblem  by  its  bitterness,  of  repentance,), 
lioney.  milk  {incipient  faith,,,  wine"  {drong 
tadh,.,  in  reference  to  believers,  imply  that 


23;  Jer.'o.  20.1.    myrrh  and  aloes-ointnicnts!. Me  accepts  all  their  graces,  however  various 


are  associated  with  His  death,  as  well  as 
with  feasts  John.  12.  7.).  The  bride's  minis- 
try of  "  myrrh  and  aloe.s"  i»s  recorded  (John, 
19.  39.).  15.  of— this  pleasure-ground  is  not 
dependent  on  mere  reservoirs,  it  has  a  foun- 
tain sufficient  to  water  many  "  gardens" 
iplur.).  living— (Jer.  17.  8;  John,  4.  13. 14;  7. 
38. 39.;.  from  Lebanon— though  the  fountain  is 
lowly,  the  source  is  lofty;  fed  by  the  perpetual 
BDOWS  of  Lebanon,  refreshingly  cool  iJ  er.  18. 
452  [3] 


.n  decree,  eat— He  desires  to  make  us  par- 
takers in  His  joy  (Isa.  55.  1,  :^;  John,  6.  53-57; 
1  John,  1.  3.).  drink  abundantly— so  as  to  be 
filled  (Eph.  5.  18;  as  Hag.  1.  6.).  Mends- 
John.  15.  15.). 

Canticle  IV.— Ch.  v.  2— viii.  5.— From 
THE  Agony  of  Gethsemane,  to  the  Con- 
VEKSJON  OF  Samaria.  2.  Sudden  change 
of  scene  from  evening'  to  midnight,  Irom  a 
betrothal  feast  to  cold  repulse.    He  has  gone 


From  GeiTisemane  to  ffie 


SOLOr^TO'X'S  SOTs^C?,  T. 


Conversf/m  ofSamana. 


from  the  feast  alone:  night  is  come;  He  shonld  speak,  no  answer— (Job.  23.  3-9;  30.  20; 
knocks  at  the  door  of  His  espoused;  she  hears,  i  34.  2i);  Lam.  3.  44.).  Weak  faith  receives  im- 
but  m  sloth  does  not  shake  off  half-conscious  I  inediate  comfort  (Luke,  8.  44,  47,  4s;);  strong 
drowsiness:  viz.,  the  disciples'  torpor  (Mat.  |  faith  is  tried  with  delay  (Mat.  1.5.  :'2,  •i3.).  7. 
26.  40-43,),  "the  spirit  williuu,  the  flesh  weak"  I  watchmen  —  historically,  the  Jewish  )iriests, 
(cf.  Kom.  7.;  Gal.  .5.).  Not  total  sleep.  The  I  Arc.  (see  note  on  v.  2;);  spiritually,  ministers 
lamp  was  burning  beside  the  s^wmbemtgr  wise  :  (Isa.  02.  6;  Heb.  13.  17,), faithful  in  "smiting" 
virgin,  but  wanted  trimming  (Mat.  lio.  5-7. i.  j  (I's.  141.  5.),  but  (as  she  leaves  them,  v.  8,), 
It  is  His  voice  that  rouses  her  (Jon.  1.  6;  |  too  harsh;  or,  perhaps,  unfaithful;  di-;liking 
Eph.  5.  14;  Eev.  3.  20.).  Instead  of  bitter  re-  j  her  zeal  wherewitli  she  KOU'.;ht  Jesus  Christ, 
proaches.  He  addresses  her  by  the  most  en-  first,  with  sinrilual  prayer,  "open;n/'  her 
dearing  titles,  "  my  sister,  my  love,"  *c.  Cf.  heart  to  Him,  and  then  in  charitable  works 
His  thought  of  Peicr  after  the  denial  (Mark,  "about  the  city;"  miscalling  it  fanaticism 
le.  7.'.  d-^w— which  falls  heavily  in  summer  i  (IsH.m^  5,),  and  taking  away  her  veil  (the  great- 
ni.;hts  in  the  E.  (see  Luke,  9.  68.).  drops  of  tie  I  est  indignity  to  an  Jiastern  lady.),  as  though 
iii^iit— (I's.  22.  2;  Luke,  22.  44.).  His  death  is  she  were  positively  immodest,  hhe  had  be- 
not  expressed,  as  unsuitable  to  tlie  allegory,  fore  sought  Him  by  ni^ht  in  the  streets, 
a  song  of  loveand  joy;  V.  4.  refers  to  the  scone  under  strong  ati'ection  (cli.  3.  2-4,),  and  so 
in  the  jud.'meut  hall  of  Caiaphas,  when  |  without  rebuff  from  "  the  wathmen,"  found 
Jesus  Christ  employed  the  cock-crowmg  and  I  Him   immediately;   but   now    after   sinful 


look  of  love  to  awaken  Petei-'s  sleeping  con 
science,  so  that  his  "bowels  were  moved" 
(Luke,  22.  01,62;);  v.  .5,6,  the  disciples  with 
"  myrrh,"  &c.  (Luke,  24.  1,  .5,),  seeking  Jesus 
Christ  in  the  tomb,  but  tindmg  Him  not,  for 
He  has  "  withdrawn  Himself  (John,  7.  34; 
13.  33;);  V.  7,  t!ie  trials  by  watchmen  extend 
througii  the  whole  night  of  His  withdrawal 
from  Gethsemane  to  the  resurrection;  they 
took  off  the  "veil"  of  Peter's  disguise;  also 
lit.,  the  linen  cloth  from  the  young  man 
(Mark,  14.  51;);  d.  8,  the  sympathy  of  friends 
(Luke,  23.  -SI.),  undefiled  —  not  polluted  by 
spiritual  adultery  (Rev.  14.  4;  Jam.  4.  4.).  3. 
Trivial  excuses  (Luke,  14.  18.).  coat— rather, 
the  inmost  vest,  next  the  skin,  taken  olf  be- 
fore going  to  bed.  wasl'.ed  .  .  .  feet— before 
foing  to  rest  for  they  had  been  soiled,  from  the 
lastern custom  ofwearing  sandals,  not  shoes. 
Sloth  (Luke,  11.  7,),  and  despondency  (Deut.  7. 
17-19.).  4.  A  key  in  the  E.  is  usually  a  piece 
of  wood  with  pegs  in  it,  corresponding  to 
small  holes  in  a  wooden  bolt  within,  and  is 
put  through  a  hole  in  the  door,  and  thus 
draws  the  holt.  So  J  esus  Christ  "  puts  forth 
His  hand  (viz.,  His  Spirit,  Ez.  3. 14,),  by  [Heh. 
/ro?r?,,  so  in  ch.  2.  9)  the  hole;"  in  "chasten- 
ing," (Ps.  .38.  2;  Rev.  3. 14-22,  singularly  simi- 
lar to  this  passage,),  and  other  unexpected 
■ways  letting  Himself  in  (Luke,  22.  61,  62.). 
bowels  .  .  .  moved  for  him-j-it  is  His,  which 
are  first  troubled  for  us,  and  which  cause 
ours  to  be  troubled  for  Him  (Jer.  31.  20;  Hos. 
11.  8.).  5.  dropped  with  myrrh— the, best  proof 
a  bride  could  give  her  lover  of  welcome  was 
to  anoint  herself  (the  back  of  the  hands 
especially,  as  being  the  coolest  part  of  t" 


neglect,  she  encounters  pain  and  delay.  God 
forgives  believers,  but  it  is  a  serious  thing 
to  draw  on  His  forgiveness;  so  tlie  groving 
reserve  of  God  towards  Israel  observable  in 
Judges,  as  His  people  repeat  their  demands 
on  His  grace.  8.  She  turns  from  the  un- 
sympathising  watchmi  )i  to  humbler  persons, 
not  yet  themselves  knowing  Him,  but  in  the 
way  towards  it.  Historii;ally,  His  secret 
friends  in  the  night  of  His  witlulrawal  (Luke, 
23.  27,  28.).  Enquirers  may  find  :"  ?/ye  find') 
Jesus  Christ  before  she  who  has  grieved  His 
Spirit  finds  Him  again,  tell  — m  prayer 
(Jam.  5.  16.).  sick  of  iove— from  an  oi)posite 
cause  (ch.  2.  5)  than  through  excess  of  delight 
at  His  'presence;  now  excess  of  pain  at  His 
absence.  9.  Her  own  beauty  (Ez.  16.  14,), 
and  love  sickness  for  Hmi,  elicit  now  their 
enquiry 'Mat.  5.  16:):  heretofore  "other lords 
beside  Etim  had  dominion  over  them;"  thus 
they  had  seen  "no  beauty  in  Him"  (isa.  26. 
13;  53.  2.).  10,  (1  Pet.  3.  16.).  white  and  ruddy 
—health  and  beauty.  So  i  )avid  (equivalent 
to  beloved,).  His  forefather  after  the  flesh, 
and  type  (I  Sam.  17.  42.).  "  The  Lamb"  is  at 
once  His  nuptial  and  sacrificial  name  1  Pet. 
1. 19;  Kev.  19.  7,),  characterised  by  white  and 
red;  white.  His  spotless  manhood  Rev.  1. 14.). 
The  Heh.  lor  vchite,  is  properly  iihimhtatcd 
btjthesun,  "white  as  the  hght"  (cf.  Mat.  17. 
2;];  red,  in  His  blood-dyed  garment,  as  slain 
(Isa.  63.  1-3;  Rev.  5.  6;  19.  13.).  Angels  are 
white,  not  red;  the  blood  of  martyrs  does  not 
enter  heaven,  His  alone  is  seen  there. 
cliiefest— //{.(.,  a  standard  bearer;  i.e.,  as  con- 
spicuous above  all  others,  as  a  standard 
bearer  is  among  hosts  (Cs.  45.  7;  f-9.  6;  Isa.  11, 


body,),  profusely  with  the  best  perfumes  1 10;  55.  4;  Heb.  2. 10;  cf. 2  Sam.  18. 3;  Job.  33.  23; 
(Ex.  30.  23;  Esth.  2.  12;  Pro.  7.  17;);  "  sweet- i  Phil.  2.  9-11;  Rev.  1.  6.).  nie  chief  of  sinners 
smelling"  is  in  the  Heb.  rather,  "spontan-  needs  the  "chiefest"  of  Saviours.  11.  head 
eously  exuding"  from  the  tree,  and  therefore  ...  gold— i/ie  Godhead  of  Jesus  Chnst,  as 
the  best.  She  designed  also  to  anoint  Him,  I  distinguished  from  His  heel,  i.e..  His  n.an- 
whose"head  was  filled  with  the  drops  of  I  hood,  which  was  "bruised"  by  S;Uan;  both 
night"  ;Luke,  24.  l.).  The  myrrh  typifies  together  being  one  Christ  (l  Cor.  U.  3.'. 
bitter  repencance,  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit's  i  Also  His  sovereignty,  as  ^ebuchadiiezzar  the 
unction  (2  Coi-.  1.  21,  22.).  handles  of  tie  lock  supreme  king  was  "the  head  of  gold  (Dan.  a. 
—sins  which  closed  the  heart  against  Him.  32-38;  Col.  1.  I8,i, the highestcreature.compar- 
6.  withdrawn— He  fcnoc^TfL  when  she  was  ed  with  Him,  is  brass,  iron,  and  cay.  "  Fre- 
sleeping;  for  to  have  left  her  the7i,  would  ciousness."  (Gr.,  1  Pet.  2.7.).  bnshy-mri,d, 
have  endeil  in  the  death  sleep;  Hewithdraws  token  of  Headship.  In  contrast  with  her  rfotc- 


__  she  is  roused,  as  she  needs  correc- 1  ing  locks  (ch.  4.  1.),  the  token  of  her  sul  jec- 

tion  (Jer.  2.  17,  19.),  and  can  appreciate  and  I  tion  to  Him  (Ps.  8.  4-8;  l  Cor.  11.  3, 6-16.1.    Tjig 


now  that ; 


safely  bear  it  now,  which  she  could  not  then.  I  Heb.  is  (pendulous  as)  the  hranchis  oj  a  j.nhn, 
"The  strong  He'll  strongly  try"  (iCor.lO.  13.).  whicii,  when  in  leaf,  resemble  wavinji  plumes 
when  he  spaks- rather,  because  of  His  speak-  of  feathers,  black-implyinu'  youth ;  no  -.  rey 
irw;  at  the  remembrance  of  His  tender  words  hairs"  (Ps.  102.  27;  110.  3, 4;  Hos.  7.  9.).  Jesus 
(Job,  29.  2,  3;  Ps.  27.  13-  112.  7.).  or.  till  jfe  I  Christ  was  crucihed  in  the  prime  of  vigour 
452  [4] 


Coviplaint  ofJrAnli's  corruption. 


ISAIAH.  I. 


Exhortation  to  reprntanee. 


ClfAPTEU  viri. 

I  Law  of  the  ctiv-rch  to  Christ.  6  Vehemrnet  of 
love  tf  Calling  of  the  Gentiles.  14  Christ  s 
eomiiig  pnxijed  f<<r. 

f\\l  that  thou  wert  as  tny  brother,  that 
^  su'.kod  the  l)ieAsts  ofmyniothfr:  ivlien 
I  should  tiiid  thee  without,  I  would  kiss 
tiiee;  yea,  i  1  should  uot  be  ilcspised. 

2  1  would  lead  thee,  and  bring  thee  into 
tny  mother's  house,  who  would  instruct 
me:  I  would  cause  thee  to  drink  of  "spiced 
wiiieol'the  juiceof  my  poiiiei.'t;iiiate. 

3  liisftleft  hand  should  Im  under  my 
head,  and  his  ri^ht  hand  should  embrace 
me. 

4  I  charge  you,  O  daughters  of  Jerusalem, 
s  that  ye  stir  not  up,  nor  awake  my  love, 
until  he  please. 

5  1i  VVho  is  tliis  that  cometh  up  from  "  the 
wilderness,  leaning  upon  her  helfived?  I 
raised  tliee  up  under  the  apple  tree:  there 
thy  mother  brought  thee  forth ;  there  she 
brought  thee  forth  that  bare  thee. 

6  Set  <*  me  as  a  seal  upon  thine  heart,  as 
a  seal  upon  thine  arm:  for  *  love  is  strong 
as  death;  jealousy  is  <*  cruel  as  the  grave: 
the  coals  thereof  are  coals  of  fire,  which 
hutti  a  most  vehement  flame. 


CHAP    8. 

1  tliey  fllmnlJ 

a  HroT.  9.  2. 
6  2  (^or.l'^.S. 

2  nliyslioulJ 
ye  stir  up, 

e  John  17.14. 
<i  U  •W.  16. 

Jer.  2a.  M. 

H»«.  2.  2, 
«  r„il.  3.  8. 
S  Iiitrd. 
/Pn 
9  Ps 

Enh.  2.12. 
A  hor.  i.  20. 
»  Cul.  2.  7. 
}  Ezek.  16. 7. 

I  k  .M«t  2)  .33. 
I  ch.  2.  14. 
5  Kloeaway. 

Lu.  19  12. 

Rc»  22.17, 


7  Many  waters  cannot  quench  love,  nei- 
ther can  the  floods  drown  it:/ if  a  inaa 
would  give  all  the  substance  of  his  house 
for  love,  it  v,'ouid  utterl.v  be  conteiiuied. 

8  H  We  "  have  a  little  sister,  and  she  hath 
no  breasts:  what  shall  we  do  for  our  sis- 
ter in  the  day  when  she  shall  be  spoken 
for? 

9  If  she  be  a  wall,  we  wll  build  upon  her 
a  palace  of  silver;  and  if  she  be  "  a  door, 
w^e  will  inclose  her  with  boards  of  cedar. 

10  1  <  am  a  wall,  and  >  my  breasts  like 
towers:  then  was  I  in  his  eyes  as  one  that 

.^  found  ♦  favour. 

*  j   llSolomon  had  a  vineyard  at  Haal-hamon; 
I  he*  let  out  the  vineyard  unto  keepers; 
B.38.  every  one  for  the  fruit  thereof  was  to  bring 
a  thousand  pieces  of  silver. 

12  My  vineyard,  whicn  is  mine,  is  before 
nie:  thou.  O  Solomon,  must  haoe  a  thou- 
sand, and  those  that  keep  the  fruit  thereof 
two  hundred. 

13  'I'hou  that  dwellest  in  the  gardens,  the 
companions  hearken  to  thy  voice: '  cause 
me  to  hear  it. 

14  li  5  Make  haste,  my  beloved,  and  "be 
thou  like  to  a  roe  or  to  a  young  hart  upoa 
the  mountains  of  spices. 


TUB    BOOK    OF    THE    PROPHET 

ISAIAH. 


CHAPTER  I.  j 

1  Isaiah's  complaint  of  Judtih:  5  their  universnl 
eorrufitioH:  !6  he  exhorts  to  repentance,  with 
promi>es  and  threateninga  i  21  the  prophet  i>e- 
viails  their  wickedness. 

npilE  ■*  vision  of  Isaiah  the  son  of  Amoz, 
■*■  which  lie  saw  concerinn2  Ju  iah  -nvA 
Jerusalem,  in  the  *  days  ofUzziah,  Jothara, 
Ahaz.  and  Hezekiali.  kings  of  Judah. 

2  ^  Hear,  O  heavens,  and  give  ear,  O 
earth:  for  the  Loro  hath  spoken,  I  have 
nourished  and  brought  up  children,  and 
they  have  rebelled  ai:ainst  me. 

3  The  ox  knoweth  his  owner,  and  the  ass 
his  master's  crib:5itf  Israel "  doth  uot  know, 
my  people  doth  not  consider. 

4  Ah  sinful  nation,  a  people  ^  laden  with 
iniquity,  a  <*  seed  of  evil-doers,  children 
thar  are  corrupters!  They  have  fors.iken 
the  Loud,  they  have  provoked  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel  unto  anger,  they  aie  2  gone 
awav  backward. 

5  \<'^hy  •  should  ye  he  stricken  any  more? 
ye  will  3  revolt  more  and  more.  The  whole 
head  is  sick,  and  the  whole  heart  faint. 

6  From  the  sole  of  the  foot  even  unto  the 
head  there  is  no  soundness  in  it;  hut 
wounds,  and  bruises,  and  pntrifying  sores: 
they/  have  not  been  closed,  neither  bound 
Up,  neither  mollified  with  *  ointment. 

7  Your"  country  is  desolate,  your  cities 
are  burnt  with  fire:  your  land,  strangers 
de\  ooi-  it  in  your  presence,  and  it  is  deso- 
LiOe,  5  as  overthrown  by  strangers. 

6  And  the  daughter  of  Zion  is  lefl  as  a 
cottage  in  a  vineyard,  as  a  lod>'e  in  a  gar- 
don  of  encumbers,  as  a  besieged  city. 

S  Except  "  the  I.obd  of  hosts  had  left  unto 
us  H  verv  sm.ill  remnant,  we  should  have 
been  as  Sodom,  and  we  slioulU  have  been 
like  Uiito  Gomorrah. 


h  Kr,m.9 
i  ErWi.lu 

5  greut  h 
gn«t». 


H  Or.  grief 


;  1  Ti  2.  8. 

0  nmUiiily 

iravor. 

10  bloods. 
«».Ier  4  14. 
»  Kom.  12.9. 

1  Pet.  3.U. 
«  Mi*.  C.  8. 

11  Or, 
rightao. 

P  Mic.  li.  2. 
4  Rnr.  7  11. 
r  Deut  2S.1. 
<  I'itiu  i.  8. 


10  H  Hear  the  word  of  the  Lord,  ye  rnlen 
of 'Sodom;  give  ear  unto  the  law  of  our 
God,  ye  neojile  of  Gomorrah: 

11  To  what  piivp(»se  is  the  multitude  of 
yourJ  s.-u-.iifices  unto  me?  saith  the  Lord: 
I  am  fidl  of  the  burnt  oUerines  of  rams, 
and  the  fat  of  fed  beasts;  and  I  delight  not 
hi  the  blood  of  bullocks,  or  of  lambs,  or  of 
''  he-go.it.s. 

r.'  When  ye  come  1  to  appear  before  me, 
who  hath  required  this  at  your  hand,  to 
tread  my  c-ourts? 

lo  Mringno  more  vain  oblations;  incense 
is  an  abomination  unto  me;  the  new  moons 
and  sabbaths,  the  callin«  of  assemblies,  I 
cannot  away  with;  it  is  8  miquity,  even  the 
solemn  meeting. 

14  Your  new  moons  and  your  appointed 
feasts  my  soul  hateth:  they  are  a  trouble 
unto  me-  I  am  weary  to  liear  them. 

15  And  *  when  ye  spread  forth  your  hands, 
I  will  hide  mine  eyes  from  you  •'  yea,  whea 
ye »  make  many  iiia\ ers.  I  will  not  hear: 
your  liands  are  full  of  i*J  blood. 

16  Wash  ""you,  make  vou  clean;  nut 
away  the  evil  of  yiuu  doings  from  betore 
mine  eyes;  "cease  to  do  evil; 

17  Learn  to  do  well;  "  seek  judgment,"  re- 
heve  the  <Mn>ie8Sed,  judge  the  fatherless, 
plea(l  for  the  widow. 

18  li  Come  now,  and'' let  us  reason  Xfu 
gether,  saith  the  Lord;  Though  youi  siiis 
be  as  scarlet,  '  they  shall  be  as  white  as 
snow ;  though  they  be  red  like  cjimson,they 
shall  be  as  wool. 

W  If  ye  be  willing  and  obedient,  ye  shall 
eat  the  good  of  the  land: 

20  But  if  ye  reiuse  and  rebel,  ye  shall  be 
devoured  with  the  sword:  *  for  the  niouih 
of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  it. 

21  ^  How  ia  tiui  faithful  city  become  an 


From  Gethsemane  to  the 


SOLOMON'S  SONG.  VL 


Conversion  of  Samaria, 


and  manliness.     In  heaven,  on   the  other  hiide  and  bridek'room   are   in   jmhiic,  the 
hand,  His  hair  is  "white,'    He  beinK  the  |  usual  robes  on  the  person,  richly  ornaiufnted. 


Ancient  of  days  (]  )an.  7.  9.).  Ihese  contrasts 
often  concur  in  Hiia  (v.  10,),  "white  and 
ruddy;"  here  the  "  raven"  {n.  12.),  the  "  dove," 
as  both  with  Noah  in  the  ark  (Gen,  8.;); 
emblems  of  judgment  and  mercy.  12.  as  tlie 
eyes  oi  doves— rather,  as  doves  (Ps.  68.  13;); 


are  iire.<ui)posed  J.sa.  11.  o.j.  Nipiilaies  in- 
dicate HiM  JirdUi'nb.i  nat'.ire  so  Julin.,  .',.  13, 
"(s  in  heaven,"/,  even  in  Mis  li'inniiation, 
ovvrlav'umax  cast  "over"liis  ivory  liuman 
body  (Ex.  24.  lo.).     Sky-blue  in  colour,  the 

,.    ,.  ---   -.  -^  --.  — „,  /t','/j/W  and  dc2)//«.  of  the  love  of  Jesus  Christ 

bathing  in  "the  rivers;"  so  combining  in  (Eiih.  n,  l.-,).     15.  pillars— strength  and  sted- 
tlieir  "  silver   feathers  the  whiteness  of  milk  |  fastness.    Contrast  man's  "less"  Eccl.  vi.  3.). 
th  itie  sparkling  brightness  oMhe  water  |  Allusion  to  the  temple  (l  Ki.  5.  8.  0;  7.  21.), 

j.j^g  "cedars"  of   "Lebanon"    Ps.    147.  10.). 


trickiinu  over  them  (Mat.  3.  16.).  Tlie"miik" 
ni;iy  allude  to  the  white  around  the  pupil  of 
the  eye.  The  "  waters"  refer  to  the  eye  as  the 
fountain  of  tears  of  sympathy  (Ez.  16.  6,  6; 
Luke,  19.  41.).  Vivacity,  purity,  and  love, 
are  the  three  features  tynitied.  fitly  set- 
a  cem  in  a  ring;  as  the  precious  stones  in  the 
High  Priest's  breastplate.  Rather,  transl.  as 
Vulg.,  the  doves)  sitting  at  the  fulness  of  the 
stream;  by  the  full  stream;  or  as  Maur.  (the 
eveS'  set  in  fulness,  not  sunk  in  their  sockets 
(Rev.  5.  6,i,  ("seven,"  expressing  full  per 
lection)  Zech.  3.  9;  4.  10.).  13.  cheeks  —  the 
seat  of  beauty,  according  to  the  Heb.  mean 
ing.  [(tKs.J  Yet  men  smote  and  spat  on 
them  (Isa.  60.  6.J.  bed— full,  like  the  raised 
surface  of  the  garden  bed;  fragrant  with 
ointments,  as  beds  with  aromatic  plants 
int.,  baUam.].  sweet  flowers— rather,  "terraces 
of  aromatic  herbs,"— "/(;>//*  raised  parterres 
of  sweet  plants,"  in  parallelism  to  "  bed,' 
which  comes  from  a  Hcb.  root,  meaning 
elevation,  lips— (Ps.  45.  2;  John,  7.  46.).  hliei 
—red  lilies.  Soft  and  gentle  (l  Pet.  2.  22,  23.) 
How  different  lips  were  nan's  IPs.  2J.  7!) 
droppi'.  g  .  .  .  iiiyrrh— V)2..  His  lips,  justas  the 
sweet  (lew-drops  which  hang  in  the  calix  of 
the  liiy.  14.  rings  set  with  .  .  .  hevyl— Heb. 
Tarshish, so  called  from  the  city.  Theancient 
chrysolite,  gold  in  colour  (LXX.),  our  topaz, 
one  of  the  stones  on  the  High  Priest's  breast- 
plate, also  in  the  foundation  of  New  Jeru- 
salem liJev.  21.;  also  Dan.  10.  6.J.  "Are  as," 
is  pi  inly  to  be  supplied,  see  in  v.  13  a  simi- 
lar ellipsis;  not  as  M.  Stuart:  "have  gold 
rings."  The  hands  bent  in  are  compared  to 
beautiful  rings,  in  which  beryl  is  set,  as  the 
nails  are  in  the  fingers.  Bur.  explains  the 
rings  as  cylinders  used  as  signets,  such  as 
are  found  in  Nineveh,  and  which  resemble 
fingers.  A  ring  is  the  token  of  sonship 
(Luke,  15.  22.).  A  slave  w.as  not  allowed  to 
wear  a  aold  ring.  He  imparts  His  sonship 
and  freedom  to  us  (Gal.  4.  7;);  also  of  author- 
ity (Gen.  41.  42;  cf.  John,  6.  27.).  He  seals  us 
in  the  name  of  God  with  His  signet  (Rev.  7. 
2-4,).  cf.  below,  ch.  8.  6,  where  she  desires  to 
be  herself  a  signet-ring  on  His  arm;  so 
"graven  on  the  palms,'  &c.,  i.e.,  on  the 
signet-ring  in  His  hand  (Tsa.  49.  16;  contrast 
Hag.  2.  23,  with  Jer.  22.  24.).  belly— Bub.  and 
M.  Htv ART  transl.  "body."  Newton,  as  it 
is  elsewhere,  "bowels;"  viz..  His  compassion 
(Ps.  22.  14;  Isa.  63.  15;  Jer.  31. 20;  Hos.  11.  8.i. 
bright  —  lit.,  elaborately  wrought,  so  as  to 
shine,  so  His  "  prepared"  body  (Heb.  10.  5;j; 
the  "ivory  palace"  of  the  king  (Ps.  4.5.  8;) ;  spot- 
less, pure,  so  the  bride's  "neck  is  as  a  tower 
Oi  ivory"  c\\.  7.  4.i.  sapphires  —  spangling  in 
the  girwe  round  Him  Dan.  10.  5.;.  "  'J'o  the 
pure  aii  things  are  pure."  As  in  statuary  to 
the  artist  the  partly  undraped  figure  is  sug- 
gestive only  of  beauty,  free  from  indelicacy, 
so  to  the  saint,  the  personal  excellencies  of 
Jesus  Christ,  typified  under  the  ideal  of  the 
noblest  human  form.  As,  however,  the 
163 


Jesus  Christ's  "legs"  were  not  broken  on  the 
cross,  though  the  thieves' were;on  iheni  rests 
the  weight  of  our  salvation  (Ps.  75.  :',.). 
sockets  ot  gold— His  sandals,  answering  to  the 
bases  of  the  pilhirs;".se^  up  Irom  everlast- 
ing" (Pro.  8.  22.  23.  .  From  the  head  a".  U) 
to  the  feet,  "  of  fine  gold."  He  was  u  ieil  in 
the  fire  and  found  without  alloy,  couiii'  ijjiice 
—rather,  Hi^  r(A7/ec^  including  both  miemmd 
statxire  (cf.  Marg.  2.  Sam.  23.  21;  with  1  Chr. 
11.  2.i.).  From  the  several  parfs,  she  proceeds 
to  the  general  ettect  of  the  v:}«ile  person  of 
Jesus  (;hrist.  Lebtnon  —  so  called  fmiu  its 
white  limestone  rocks,  excellent— /''.,  rlmire 
i.e.,  fair  and  tall  as  the  cedars  on  Libanon 
(Ez.  31.  3,  i'c).  Majesty  is  the  prominent 
tliought  (Ps.  21.  5.).  Also  the  cedar  sii  tt/a^ion. 
(Heb.  1.  11;);  greenness  (Luke,  2.;.  31,  ,  and 
refuge  afforded  by  it  (Ez.  17.  22.  23.).  16. 
ii(.,  "His  palate  is  s^veetness, yea,,  a,\l  over 
loveliness,"  i.e..  He  is  the  issence  of  these 
Qualicies.  "Mouth;''  so  oh.  1.  2.  nut  the 
same  as  "lips"  (".  13,),  His  breath  (l>a. 
11.  4;  John,  20.  22.).  "All  over,"  all  the 
beauties  scattered  among  creatures  are  trans- 
cendentiy  concentrated  in  Him  (Col.  1.  19; 

2.  9.;.  my  beloved  — for  I  love  Him.  n.y 
friend— for  He  loves  n.e  (Pro.  18.  24.).  Holy 
boasting  (Ps.  34.  2;  l  Cor.  1.  31. i. 

( HAl  TER  VL 
Ver.  1-13.  1.  Historically,  at  Jesus  Christ's 
crucifixion  and  burial,  Jo.seph  of  Arimnthea 
and  Nicodemus,  and  others,  joined  witli  His 
professed  disciples.  By  speaking  of  Je>u3 
Christ,  the  bride  does  good  not  only  U>  her 
own  soul,  but  to  others   note,  ch.  l.  4;  Mai. 

3.  16;  Mat.  5. 14-16.).  Cf.  the  hypocritical  u^e 
of  similar  words  Mat.  2.  8.).  2.  gone  down 
—  Jerusalem  was  on  a  hill  /answering  to 
its  moral  elevation,),  and  the  gardens  were 
at  a  little  distance  in  the  valleys  below, 
beds  of  spices— (balsam)  which  He  Himself 
calls  the  "'  mountain  of  myrrh,"  etc.  ch.  4.  6.), 
and  again  (ch.  8. 14,),  the  resting-place  of  His 
body  amidst  spices,  and  of  His  soul  in  para- 
dise, and  now  in  heaven,  where  He  stamis  an 
High  Priest  for  ever.  Nowhere  else  in  the 
Song  is  there  mention  of  mountains  of  slices, 
feed  in...  gardens  —  i.e.,  in  the  churches, 
though  He  may  have  withdrawn  for  a  tin  e 
from  the  individual  believer:  she  inn>lies  an 
invitation  to  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem  to 
enter  His  spiritual  Church,  and  become  lilies, 
made  ^^  hite  by  His  blood.  He  is  gathering 
.some  lilies  now  to  plant  on  earth,  others  to 
transplant  into  heaven  (ch.  5.  1;  Gen.  .'..  24: 
Mark,  4. 28, -9;  Acts,  7.  60.'.  3.  In  speaking  of 
Jesus  Christ  to  others,  she  regains  her  ow  n 
assurance.  Lit.,  "1  am  for  my  beloved  ... 
for  me."  Reverse  order  from  <:h.  2.  I6.  She 
now,  after  the  season  of  darkness,  groumis  her 
conviction  on  His  love  towards  her,  more 
than  on  her's  towards  Him  (Deut.  :.:■>.  .i.;. 
There,  it  was  the  young  believer  conclnding 
that  she  was  His.  from  the  sensible  assurance 


From  Geihssmans  to  the 


SOLOMON'S  SONG,  VII. 


Contersion  oj  Samaria. 


that  He  was  her's.  Tivzah— meaning  2>l^a- 
sant  (Heb.  13.  21;);  "well-pleasing"  (Mat.  6.  ; 
14;; ;  the  royal  city  of  one  of  i  he  old  Canaanite 
kings  (Josh.  12.  24;);  and  after  the  revolt  of 
Israel,  the  royal  city  of  its  kings,  before  Omri 
founded  Samaria  (l  Ki.  Ifi.  8, 15.).  No  gromid 
for  assigning  a  later  date  than  the  time  of 
Solomon  to  the  Song,  as  Tirzah  was  even  in  i 
his  time  the  capital  of  the  N.  (Israel,:, 
as  Jerusalem  was  of  the  S.  (Judah.j.  Jem-! 
salem— residence  of  the  kings  of  Juclah,  as  \ 
TirzalK  of  I>rad  (Ps.  48.  1.  (fee;  122.  1-3;  125.  | 
1. 2.  .  Loveliness,  security,  unity,  and  loyalty; , 
also  the  union  of  Israel  and  Judah  in  the; 
Caurch  (Isa.  11.  13;  Jer.  3.  18;  Ez.  37. 16, 17.  22; 
cf.  Heb.  12.  21;  Hev.  21. 2, 12.).  terrible— awe- 
ini^piring.  JSot  only  armed  as  a  city  on  the 
defensive,  but  as  an  army  on  the  offensive, 
banners — note,  ch.  5.  10;  Ps.  CO.  4;);  Jehovah- 
Mssi  (2  Cor.  10. 4.).  5.  (L'h.  4. 9;  Gk;n.  32.  28; Ex. 
32.  9-14;  Kos.  12.  4.).  This  is  tiie  way  "the 
army"  (t\  4)  "  overcomes"  not  only  enemies, 
but  Je-sus  Christ  Himself,  with  eyes  fixed  on 
Him  (Ps.  25.  15;  Mat.  11.  12.).  Historically, 
v.  3,  4,  5.  represent  the  restoration  of  Jesus 
Christ  to  llis  Church  at  the  resurrection; 
His  sending  her  forth  as  an  army,  with  new 
powers  (Mark.  lu.  1.5-18,  20;);  His  rehearsing 
the  same  instructions  (ci.v.  6,  note,),  as  when 
with  them  (Luke,  24. 44.).  overcome— Ki.,  have 
taken  me  by  storm.  6.  Not  vain  repetition 
of  ch.  4.  1,  2.  The  use  of  the  same  words 
shows  his  love  unchanged,  after  her  tempor- 
ary unfaithfulness  (Mai.  3.  6.).  8.  threescore 
—indefinite  number,  as  ch.  3.  7.  Not  queens, 
&c.  of  Solomoiu  but  witnesses  of  the  espou- 
sals, rulers  of  the  earth  contrasted  with  the 
saints,  who,  though  many,  are  but  "  one" 
bride  (Isa.  52.  16;  Luke,  22.  25,  26;  John,  17. 
21;  1  Cor.  10. 17.).  The  one  bride  is  contrasted 
with  the  many  wives  whom  Eastern  kings 
had  in  violation  of  the  marriage  law  l  Ki. 
11.  1-3.).  9.  Hollow  professors,  like  half- 
wives,  have  no  part  in  the  one  bride, 
only  one  of  her  motlier  — m.,  "Jerusalem 
above"  (Gal.  4.  26.).  The  "little  sister"  (ch. 
8.  8)  is  not  inconsistent  with  her  being  "the 
only  one;"  for  that  sister  is  one  with  herself 
(John,  10.  16.).  choice— (Eph.  1.  4;  2  Thes.  2. 
13.).  As  she  exalted  Him  above  all  others 
(ch.  5.  10.;,  so  He  now  her.  daughters .  .  . 
blessed  her— (Isa.  8. 18;  61.  9;  Ez.  16. 14;  2  Thes. 
1.  10.).  So  at  her  appearance  after  Pentecost 
(Acts,  4. 13;  6. 15;  24.  25;  26.  28.).  10.  The  words 
expressing  the  admiration  of  the  daughters. 
Historically  (Acts,  5.  24-39.}.  as  the  morning 
—as  yet  she  is  not  come  to  the  fulness  of  her 
light  (Pro.  4, 18.1.  moon— shining  in  the  night, 
by  light  borrowed  from  the  sun:  so  the  bride, 
in  the  darki.ess  of  this  world,  reflects  the 
li^it  of  the  Sun  of  righteousness  (2  Cor.  3. 18.  ■. 
sr.ii— her  light  of  jusiiftcation  is  perfect,  for 
it  is  His  (2  Cor.  6.  21;  1  John,  4.  17.>.  The 
moon  has  less  light,  and  has  only  one  half 
illuminated;  so  the  bride's  sanctitication  is 
as  yet  imperfect.  Her  future  glory  (Mat. 
l:i  43.).  army— (».  4.  .  The  climax  requires 
this  to  be  applied  to  the  starry  and  angelic 
hosts,  from  which  God  is  called  Lord  of  Sa- 
baoth.  Her  final  glory  (Gen.  15.  5;  Dan.  12.  3; 
E,ev.  12.  1.).  The  Church  Patriarchal,  "the 
morning;"  Levitical,  "the  moon;"  Evangeli- 
cal, ••the  sun;"  Triumphant,  "the  bannered 
army'  (Kev.  19.  14.!.  11.  The  bride's  words; 
for  she  everywhere  is  the  narrator,  and  often 
soliloquises,  which  He  never  does.  The  first 
garden  ich.  2. 11-13]  was  that  of  spring,  full  of 
463  UJ 


flowers  and  grapes  not  yet  ripe:  the  second, 
autuivin,  with  spices  (which  are  always  con- 
nected with  the  person  of  Jesus  Christ,], 
and  nothing  unripe  {ch.  4.  13.  &c.).  The 
third  here,  of  "nuts,"  from  the  previous 
autumn;  the  end  of  winter,  and  verge  of 
spring:  the  Chiuxh  in  the  uiper  room  (Acts, 
1.  13,  (fee.,),  when  one  dispensation  was  just 
closed,  the  other  not  yet  begun;  the  hard 
shell  of  the  old  needing  to  be  broken,  and  its 
inner  sweet  kernel  extracted  [Origen J  iLuke, 
24.27,  32;);  waiting  for  the  Holy  Ghost  to 
usher  in  spiritual  spring.  The  walnut  is 
meant  with  a  bitter  outer  husk,  a  hard 
shell,  and  sweet  kernel.  So  the  Word  is  dis- 
tasteful to  the  careless;  when  awakened,  the 
sinner  finds  the  letter  hard,  until  the  Holy 
Ghost  reveals  the  sweet  inner  stdrit.  fruits 
of  the  v.alley— Maur.  transL,  "  the  blooming 
products  of  the  river"  i.e.,  the  plants  growing 
on  the  margin  of  the  river  flowing  through 
the  garden.  She  goes  to  watch  the  Jirst 
sproutings  of  the  various  plants.  12.  Sudden 
outpouring  of  the  Spirit  on  Pentecost  Acts, 
2.,),  whilst  the  Church  was  using  the  means 
(answering  to  "the  garden,"  v.  11;  John,  3. 
8.).  Ammi-nadib— supposed  to  be  one  pro- 
verbial for  swift-driving.  Similarly  (ch.  1. 9.). 
Eather,  my  willing  people  (Ps.  110.  3.).  A 
willing  chariot  bore  a  "willing  people;"  or 
Nadib  is  the  Prince,  Jesus  Chri>t  (Ps.  68. 17.). 
She  is  borne  in  a  moment  into  His  presence 
'Eph.  2.  6.).  13.  Entreaty  of  the  daughters 
of  Jerusalem  to  her,  in  her  chariot-like  flight 
from  them  cf.  2  Ki.  2.  12;  2  Sam.  19.  14.). 
Shularoite— new  name  applied  to  her  now 
first.  Fern,  of  Solomon,  Prince  of  Peace:  His 
bride,  daughter  of  peace,  accepting  and  pro- 
claiming it  (Isa.  52.  7;  John.  14.  27;  Rom.  5.  1; 
Eph.  2.  17.).  Historically,  this  name  answers 
to  the  time  when,  not  without  a  divine  design 
in  it,  the  young  Church  met  iu  Solomon's 
porch  (Acts,  ;".  11;  5.  12.).  The  entreaty, 
"Return,  O  Shulamite,"  answers  to  the  peo- 
ple's desire  to  keep  Peter  and  John,  after  the 
lame  man  was  healed,  when  they  were  about 
to  enter  the  temple.  Their  reply  attributing 
the  glory  not  to  themselves,  but  to  Jesus 
Christ,  answers  to  the  bride's  reply  here, 
"What  will  ye  see"  in  me?  "As  it  were, 
(fee  She  accepts  the  name  Shulamite,  as 
truly  describing  her.  But  adds,  that  though 
"one"  [V.  9,1,  she  is  nevertheless  "  two."  Her 
glories  are  her  Lord's,  beaming  through  her 
(Eph.  5.  31,  32.1.  The  two  armies  are  the 
family  of  Jesus  Christ  in  heaven,  and  that 
on  earth,  .joined  and  one  with  Him;  the  one 
militant,  the  other  triumphant.  Or  Jesus 
Christ  and  His  ministering  angels  are  one 
army,  the  Church  the  other,  both  being  one 
(John,  17.  21,  22.).  Allusion  is  made  to  Ma- 
hanaim  'meaning,  two  hosts,),  the  scene  of 
Jacob's  victorious  conflict  by  prayer  (Gen. 
32.  2,  9,  22-30.).  Though  she  is  peace,  yet 
she  has  warfare  here,  between  flesh  and 
spirit  within  and  foes  without:  her  strength, 
as  Jacob's  at  Mahanaim,  is  Jesus  Christ 
and  His  host  enlisted  on  her  side  by  prayer: 
whence  she  obtains  those  graces,  which 
raise  the  admiration  of  the  daughters  of 
J  erusalem, 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Ver.  1-13.  thy  feet— rather,  thy  goings  (Ps. 
17.  5.;.  Evident  allusion  to  Isa.  52.  7:  "  Hoiv 
beautiful . . .  are  the  feet  of  him  . . .  that  pub- 
lisheth  veace'  (Shulamite,  ch.  6.  13.).  shoes 
—sandals  are  richly-jewelled  in  the  E.  (Luke, 


^tVomGethsemanetoihe  SOLOMOK'S  SONG.  VIT.  Converdono/Smmria, 

16.  22;  Eph  6.  15.)  She  is  evidently  "on  the  headdress  or  crown  (2  Tim  4  J^- 1  Pet  -i  4  ) 
mountains  '  whither  she  vva_^5  wafted  (ch.  6.  Also  the  souls  won  hy  her  1  Thes  2  i o %o  ) 
12.).  above  the  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  who  a  token  ot  her  fruHJvhlfss  pur,  ie- rm-^tv 
therefore  portray  her  Jert  first,  daughter-  Kev.  l,  6.).  As  applied  to  hairteJ,rlssea 
of  God  the  Father,  with  whom  Jesus  Christ  the  j-'lo«sy  splendour  of  h  ack  luiir  f/«  »rn^ 
IS  one  (Mat.  6  !).).  ••children  of  (the)  CJod"  of  duhvxhair  so  much  adn  ired  n  the  ji'^ch 
peace,  equivalent  to  Shulamite)  Ps.  46.  10-1,0;  4.  l.  .  WliiM  the  Kiii<'  rr  n  i  •m.<  Lri  «?; 
?.^«r-  «-,i^;,;.  as  well  as  bride  of  Jesus  Christ.'  to  tlic  flowi.'u  la'  ->  K-^at  1  e  [ok  J,  of  h« 
!:n°«=.^l'  J^l.«FA9fe  Prm         herself,  freely  ,  ««/,^V,;?,„7,,  .  the  dau;;hters  ..f  Jeru^akm  com- 


givins  the  word  of  life  to  others,  not  sparing 
er  "leet,"  as  in  ch.  6.  3;  Ex.  12.  ii.  'Jo  act 
on  the  oHensive  is  defensive  to  ourselves, 
joints— rather,  the  roundino;  the  full  graceful 
curve  of  tlie  hips  in  the  female  figure;  hke 
the  roundhia  of  a  necklace  (an  the  Heb.  for 
"jewels"  means.).  Cf.  with  the  £.  F.,£ph. 
4.  i:i-i6;  Col.  2.  19.  Or,  applying  it  to  the 
girdle  hindiug  together  the  robes  round  the 
hips  (Eph.  6.  14.).  cunning  workman— (Ps. 
139.  14-16;  Eph.  2.  10,22;  6.  2'J.i!0.;^2.).  2.  navel 
—rather,  girdle-clasp,  called  irom  the  part 
of  the  person  underneath.  The  "shoes"  {v.  l) 
prove  that  dress  is  throughout  presupposed 
on  all  parts  where  it  is  usually  worn,  l?he 
is  "a  bride  adorned  for  her  husViand;"  the 
"uncomely parts"  being  most  adorned  l Cor. 
12.  23.).  The  girdle-clasp  was  adorned  with 
red  rubies  resembling  the  "  round  goblet" 
(crater  or  mixer)  of  spice-mixed  wine  (not 
"liquor")  (ch.  8.  2;  Jsa.  5.  22.).  The  Avine  of 
the  "  2n .  T,  in  His  blood"  (Luke,  22. 20.).  The 
spiritual  exhilaration  by  it  was  mistaken  for 
that  cau.sed  by  new  wine  (Acts,  2.  l."-!?;  Eph. 
5. 18.).  belly— i.e..  the  vesture  f>n  it.  As  in 
Ps.  45. 13,  14,  gold  and  needlework  compose 
the  bride  s  attire,  so  golden-coloured  "wheat'' 
and  white  "  lilies"  here.  The  ripe  grain,  in 
token  of  harvest  joy,  used  to  be  decorated 
with  lilies;  so  the  accumulated  spiritual  lood 
(John,  6.  35;  12.  24,),  free  from  cliatf,  not  fenc- 
ed with  thorns,  but  made  attractive  by  lilies 
(believers,  ch.  2.  2;  Acts.  2.  46,  47;  5.  13, 14,  in 
common  partaking  of  it.).  A  ssociated  with  the 
exhilarating  wine-cup  iZech.  9.  17,),  as  here. 
3.  The  daughters  of  Jerusalem  describe  hei- 
in  the  same  terms  as  Jesus  Christ  in  ch.  4.  6. 
The  testimonies  of  heaven  and  earth  coin- 
cide, twins— faith  and  love.  4.  lower  of  ivori 
-in  ch.  4.  4,  Jesus  Christ  saith,  "a  tower  of 
David  builded  for  an  armoury."  Strength 
and  conquest  are  the  main  thought  in  His 
description:  here,  beauty  and  pohshed  white 
ness:  contrast  ch.  l.  6.  fish-pools  —  seen  by 
BuKCKHAEDT,  clcar  (Eev.  22. 1.;,  deep,  quiet, 
and  full  .1  Cor.  2.  lO,  15.).  Heshbon- E.  ol 
Jordan,  residence  of  the  Amorite  king,  teihou 
(Num.  21.  25,  &c.,),  afterwards  held  by  Gad. 
Bath-rabbim— Da-wg/ffer  of  a  multitude;  a 
crowded  thoroughfare.  Her  eyes  (ch.  4.  i; 
are  called  by  Jesus  Christ,  "  doves'  eyes," 
waiting  on  Him.  But  here,  looked  on  by  the 
daughters  of  Jerusalem,  they  are  compared 
to  a  placid  lake.  She  is  calm  even  amidst 
the  crowd  Pro.  8.  2;  John.  10.  33.).  nose— or. 
face,  tower  of  Lebanon— a  border  fortress, 
watching  the  hostile  Damascus.  Towards 
Jesus  Christ,  her  face  was  full  of  holy  shame 
(ch.  4.  1,  3,  notes;);  towards  spiritual  foes. 
like  a  v.atchtower  (Hab.  2.  1;  jViark.  13.  :,7; 
Acts,  4.  13,),  elevated,  so  that  she  looks  not 
up  from  earth  to  heaven,  but  down  from 
heaven  to  earih.  If  we  retain  "nose,"  dis- 
cernment of  spiritual  fragrance  is  meant.  6 
upon  ihee— the  head-dress  "  upon"  her.  Carmel 
—signifying  a  ivelt-cultivat-cd  nelcl  (Isa.  35.  2.). 
In  ch.o.  1.".,  He  is  compared  to  rtuijesticLi: 
banon;  she  here,  to  Jruiijul  Carmel.  Mei 
4i>3  L21 


pare  it  to  royai  purple,  galleries— (so  ch.  1, 
17,  Mtm/.;  Pev.  21.  3.  .  But  Mavk.  travd. 
here,  tlov  mg  ringletn:"  with  these,  as  with 
thonos  (so  Lkk,  from  the  Arabic,  trun.d  it) 
the  King  is  liiM"  bound  ch.  6. 5;  Pro.  0.  25. . 
Her  purple  cn.wn  of  martyrdom  especially 
captivated  the  King,  appearing  from  ni.g 
gaiJenes  (Acts,  7.  55,  5(i.J.  As  Sau^sou'.? 
strength  was  in  his  locks  (Jud.  10.  17.).  Here 
farst  the  daughiers  see  the  King  themselves. 
6  Nearer  advance  of  the  daugliters  to  the 
Church  Acts,  2.  47;  5.  13,  end.).  Love  to  her 
is  the  first  token  of  love  to  Him  .1  John.  5. 1, 
end.),  dfbgnis— fascinating  charms  to  thera 
and  to  the  King  {v.  5;  Isa.  62.4,Hephzi-Kah.;, 
Hereafter,  too  (Zeph.  3.  17;  Mai.  3.  12-  Pcv 
21.9.  .  7.  palm-tree— >Ps.  92. 12.).  The  sure  sign 
ot  iccdernea  r  {Ex.  U.  27;  John.  7. 3K).  ciusi^a 
--not  of  dates,  as  M.  Stiiakt  thinks.  The  par- 
allelism i;.  8, ,  •'  clusters  of  the  vire,"  shows 
it  IS  here  clusters  of  graj'es.  Vines  were 
often  trained  (termed  "wedded")  on  other 
trees.  8.  The  daugliters  are  no  longer  con- 
tent to  admire,  but  resolve  to  lay  hold  of  her 
tiuits.  high  though  these  be.  The  palm  stem 
IS  bare  lor  a  great  height,  and  has  its  crown 
vf  Iruit-laden  boughs  at  the  summit.  It  is 
the  symbol  of  triumphant  joy  (John,  12.  13;); 
so  hereafter  Eev.  7.  9.).  breasts- (Isa.  66  li  ). 
le  vine— Jesus  Christ  iHos.  14.  7.  end;  John, 
15.  1.!.  nose-?.c.,  breath:  the  Holy  Ghost 
breathed  into  her  nostrils  by  Him,  whose 
"  mouth  is  most  sweet"  (ch.  5.  16.).  spp!es— 
citrons,  off  the  tree  to  which  He  is  likened 
ch.  2.  3.1.  9.  roof  of  thy  mouth— thy  vo  ce 
Pro.  15.  23.).  best  wine— the  neiv  wii.e  of  the 
gospel  kingdom  Mark,  14.  25,),  poured  out 
at  Pentecost  lActs,  2.  4, 13, 17.).  lor  niv  beloved 
— (ch.  4.  10. .  Here  first  the  daughters  call 
Him  theirs,  and  become  one  with  the  bride. 
The  steps  successively  are  ,ch.  l.  5)  where 
they  misjudge  her  ch.  3.  ii;);  ch.  .5.  8,  where 
ihepossibiJityof  their  finding  Him,  beforeshe 
regained  Him,  is  expressed;  ch.  5. 9  jch.  6.  l;  7. 
6,  9;);  (John.  4.  42.).  causing  .  .  .  asleep  to 
^peak— (Isa.  :s5.  6;  JNlark,  5.  19,  20;  Acts,  2.  47; 
Eph.  5. 14.)  Jesus  Christ's  first  miracle  turned 
water  into  "  good  wine  kept  until  new"  (John, 
•2. ;);  just  as  the  gospel  revives  those  asleep 
and  dying  under  the  law  (Pro.  31.  O:  Eom.  7. 
9. 10. 24, 25;  8. 1.).  10.  Words  of  the  daughters 
of  Jerusalem  and  the  bride,  now  united  into 
one  (Acts,  4.  32  i.  They  are  mentioned  again 
(iistinctly  ch.  8.  4,  ,  as  fresh  converts  were 
!)eing  added  from  among  inquirers,  an<l  these 
i.eeded  to  be  charged  not  to  grieve  thoSpirit. 
ni?  aesire  is  towara  me— strong  assurance.  He 
so  desires  us,  as  to  give  us  sense  or  li  is  desire 
towards  us  (Ps.  139.  17, 18;  Luke,  22.  l.'>;  Cal  2. 
20;  1  John,  4. 16.).  11.  field-the country,  "'ihe 
tender  giape  iMaitr.  fransL,  flowt-rs  and 
vines"  occurred  before  (ch.  2.  13.  .  But  here 
she  prepares  for  Plim  all  kinds  of  fruit  oid 
and  new;  ahso,  she  anticipates,  in  going  forth 
to  seek  them,  communion  with  ll.m  in 
"loves."  "P.'arly"  imphes  immtdiate  ear- 
nestness. *'Jhe  vjlia;.es."  imi'Jy  (iistaiice 
Uom  Jerusalem.    At  biepheu's  death  the 


From  the  Call  of  the.  GentiUs       SOLOMON'S  SONG,  Till.         to  the  Close  oy  ReveMioyj. 

disciples  were  scattered  from  it  through  Arabia  ("  the  wilderness."  ,  whither  he  had 
Judea  and  Samaria,  preaching  the  word  gone  after  conversion  (Gal.  1.15'24.).  I  raided 
(Acts.  8.).  Jesus  Christ  was  with  them,  con- ,  thee  . .  .  she  .  . .  bare  tliee  —  (Acts,  26.  14-16.'. 
firming  the  word  with  miracles.  They  .  The  first  words  of  Jesus  Christ  to  the  bride, 
gathered  the  old  fruits,  of  which  Jesus  Christ  since  her  going  to  the  garden  of  nuts  ich.  6. 
had  sowed  the  seed  (John,4.,>,  as  well  as  new  9, 10;);  so  His  appearance  to  Paul  is  the  only 
fruits,  lodge  —  forsaking  home  for  Jesus  one  since  His  ascension;  i;.  13  is  not  an  ad- 
Christ's  sake  (Mat.  19.  20.).  12.  (Mark,  1. ;  dress  of  Him  as  iu.si'Wf,- her  renly  implies  He 
3-5;  John,  9.  4;  Gal.  6. 10.).  Assurance  fosters  :  is  not  visible  (I  Cor.  15.  8.).  Spiritually,  she 
diligence,  not  indolence.  13.  mandrakes  — j  was  found  in  the  moral  wilderness  (£z.  16.  5: 
Hcb.  dudaim,  from  a  root,  meaning  to  love;  Hos.  13.5;);  but  now  she  is  "coming  up  from"* 
love-apples,  supposed  to  exhilarate  the  spirits  it  (Jer.  2.  2;  Hos.  2.  14,),  especially  in  the  last 
and  excite  love.  Only  here  and  Gen.  30.  14- :  stage  of  her  journey,  her  conscious  weakness 
16.).  Atropa  mandragora  of  Linnaius:  its  casting  itself  the  more  wholly  on  Jesus  ChrisT; 
leaves  like  lettuce,  bat  dark  green,  flowers '(2  Cor.  12.9.).  '"Eaised"  (Kph.  2. 1-7.).  Found 
purple,  root  forked,  fruit  of  the  size  of  an  ruined  under  the  forbidden  tree  (Gen.  3.;; 
apple,  ruddy  and  sweet-smelling,  gatliered  i  restored  under  the  shadow  of  Jesus  ChrisC 
in  wheat-harvest,  i.e.,  in  May.  (JVfaW^i,  ii.  I  crucified,  "the  green  tree"  jLuke,  23.  .'^1,' 
195, 

summer _^  .      . 

everv  thing  for  the  person  beloved  .1  Cor, 
_  _  _  _  3.  8;  1  Pet.  A.  11,'.  thereby  really 
though  unconsciously,  laying  up  for  itself  potence  to  s^imort  Iter,  are  brought  out  Bewt. 

'  CHAPTEK  VTll 


gates— the  entrance  to  the  kiosk  or  i  fruit-"  bearing"  by  the  cross  (Lsa.  53.  il:, 7  olin, 
er-house.    Lovo  "  lays  up"  the  best  of  j  12.24.).  Born  again  by  the  Holy  Ghost  "there 

thing  for  the  person  beloved  ,1  Cor.  ;  Ez.  16.3-6.).    In  this  veriie,herdt'vende)ice, 

10.  31;  Phil.  3.  8;  1  Pet.  A.  11,'.  thereby  really,  i  in  the  similar  verse,  ch.  :<.  6,  &c.,  His  omni- 


Ver.  1-14.  1.  He  had  been  a  brother  already 
Why,  then,  this  prayer  here  '*   It  refers  to  the 


33.  26.).  6.  Implying  approaching  absence  of 
the  Bridegroom,  seal— having  her  name  or 
likeness  engraven  on  it.  His  Holy  Priesthood 
also  in  heaven  [Ex.  28.  6-i2.  l.s-30;  Heb.  4. 14:): 


time  after  His  resurrection,  when  the  previ-  "  his  heart"  there  answering  to  "  thine  heart" 
ous  oidward  intimacy  with  Him  was  no  here,  and  "two  shoulder.-"  to  "arm."  (Cf. 
longer  allowed,  but  it  was  implied,  it  should  Jer.  22.  24.  with  Hag.  2.  23.).  By  the  Holy 
be  renewed  at  the  second  coming  (John,  20.  i  Ghost  (Kph.  1.  13,  14.  .  As  in  v.  5.  she  was 
17;);  for  this  the  Church  here  prays:  mean-  j  "leaning  on  Him,  i.e..  her  arm  on  His  arm^ 
while  she  enjoys  iitv:ard  spiritual  commu-  her  head  on  His  bosom;  so  she  prays  now 
nion  with  Him.  The  last  who  ever  "kissed"  that  before  they  part,  her  impression  may  be 
Jesus  Christ  on  ear  .h  was  the  traitor  Judas.  ,  engraven  both  on  His  heart,  and  His  arm,  an- 
The  bride's  return  with  the  King  to  her  swering  to  His /ove  and  Hispoirer  (P.s.  77.  15; 
mother's  house  answers  to  Acts.  8.  25.  after  see  Gen.  38. 18;  Isa.  62.  3.).  love  is  strong  as 
the  mission  to  Samaria.  The  rest  spoken  of  death— (Acts.  21. 13;  Rom.  8.  35-39;  Rev.  12.  Jl.). 
{V.  4)  answers  to  Acts.  9.  31.  that  sucked  ...  This  their  love  unto  death  fiows  from  His 
inotlier— a  brother  born  of  the  same  mother; '  (John,  10.  15;  15.  13.).  jealousy  ...  the  grave— 
the  closest  tie.  2.  Her  desire  to  bring  Him  Zealous  love,  jealous  of  all  that  would  come 
into  her  home  circle  (John.  ].4i.  .  who  would  between  the  soul  and  Jesus  Christ  (1  Ki.  19. 
instruct  uie— rather,  "thou  wouldest  instruct  10;  Ps.  106.  30,  31;  Luke.  9.  60;  14.  26;  1  Cor.  16. 
me."  viz.,  how  I  might  best  please  thee  (Isa.  22.).  cruel— rather,  uhyielding,  hard:  as  the 
11.  2,3;  50.  4;  Luke.  12.  12;  John.  14.  20;  16. 13.).  grave  will  not  let  go  those  whom  it  once  holds 
spiced  wine  — seasoned  with  aromatic  per-  (John,  10.  28.).  a  most  vehement  flame— ^i^., 
fumes.  Jesus  Clirist  ought  to  have  o\ir  the  Jin:-Jtame  of  Jehovah  (i's.  SO.  W;lsn..  G.  ti.}, 
choicest  gifts.  Sfices  are  never  introduced  Nowhere  else  is  GodJs  name  found  in  the 
in  tlie  Sung  in  His  absence:  therefore  the  Song.  The  zeal  that  burnt  in  Jesus  Christ 
time  of  His  return  from  "  the  mountain  of  P.s.  69.  9;  Luke,  12.  4t<,  60)  kindled  in  His 
spices"  (V.  14)  is  contemplated.  The  cup  followers  (Acts,  2.  3;  Rom.  16.  30;  Phil.  2. 17.). 
of  betrothal  was  given  by  Him  at  the  last ,  7.  waters— in  contrast  with  the  "coals  of  fire" 
supper:  the  cup  of  marriage  shall  be  present- i  (0.  6;  1  Eli.  18.  33-.38.'.  Persecutions  (Acts, 
ed  by  her  at  His  return  (Mat.  26.  29.).    Till ;  S.  1)  cannot  quench  love  iHeb.  10.  34;  Rev. 

'  -^.---li -T-     12.15,16.).    Our  many  provocations  have  not 

quenched  His  love  Rom.  8. 33-39.).    if. . .  give 


then  the  I'eliever  often  cannot  feel  towards, 

or  spe;ik  of.  Him,  as  he  would  wish.    3,  4,  .                                                                  _ 

The  "  left  and  right  hand."  <fcc..  occurred  only  a.11  tne  su'ostance  . . .  ccntemued— nothing  short 
once  actually  (ch.  2.  6,),  and  here  optatively. !  of  Jesus  Christ  Himself,  not  even  heaven 

Only  at   His   first    manifestation   did   the  without  Him,  can  s.atisfyf'je  saint  (Piiil.  3. 8.). 

CnurchpalpablyemhraceHim;  at  His  second  Satan  offers  the  world,  as  to  Jesus  Christ 

comuig  there  shall  be  again  sensible  com     --  


munion  with  Him.    The  rest  in  ».  4.  which 

is  a  .^idrifnal  realisation  of  the  wish  in  v.  3  can  satisfy  Him  (1  Cor.  13. 1-3. 1.    8.  The 

(1  Pet.  1. 8,),  and  llie  charge  not  to  disturb  it,   tile   Church  (Ez.  16.  4?^.'.     "  WeJ 


(Mat.  4.  8,),  so  to  the  saint,  in  vain  (l  John, 
2.  15-17;  5.  iX    Nothing  but  our  love  in  turn 

en- 
tha 


close  the  1st,  2d,  and  4th  canticles;  not  the  3d,  Hebrew  Church,  which  heretofore  admitted 

as  the  Bridegroom  there  takes  charge  Him-  Gentiles  to  communion,  only  by  becomii  g 

seK;  nor  the  5th,  as,  if  repose  formed  its  close,  Judaic  proselytes.    Now  first  idolatrous  Gen- 

wemii:ht  mistake  the  present  state  for  our  tiles  are  admitted  cfi reef /y  (Acts,  11.  17-26.  . 

rest     The  broken,  longing  close,  like  that  of  Generally,  the  saint's  anxiety  for  other  souls 

the  whole  Bible  (Rev.  22.  20, ,  reminds  us  we  iMaik,  5.  19;  John.  4.  28,  29.).    no  breasts-~ 

are  to  i)e  waiting  for  a  .Saviour  to  come.    On  neither  faith  or  love  as  yet  (note,  ch.  4.  5,), 

"  daughters  of  Jerusalem,"  see  note,  ch.  7. 10.  which  "come  by  hearing"  of  Him  who  first 

Gamticle  v.— Ch.  vili.  5-14.— Fkom  the  loved  us.    Not  yet  fit  to  be  His  biide,  and 

Call  i'F  the  Gextiles  to  the  Clo.sk  of  mother  of  a  spiritual  offspring,    wnat  sjiail 

Revel.vtion.    5.  Who  is  this— Words  of  the  we  do— the  chief  question  in  the  early  Cliurch 

daughters  of  Jeru.salem,  i.e.,  the  churches  of  at  the  first  council   Acts,  lo.i.    How  shall 

Judea;  referring  to  Paul,  on  his  return  from  "  the  elder  brother"  treat  the  "  younger, 
453  L3j 


From  the  CaU  of  fhe  Gentiks       SOLOMOITS  SONG.  Vm.        to  the  Close  of  Revrfation.^ 

already  received  by  the  Father?  (Luke,  15.1  under  constraint  of  "keeping;"  the  law  as  a 
25-32.!.  Generally  2  Sam.  16.  16;  John,  9.  4;  mere  letter  and  covenant  nf  work.s.  love  to 
Acts.  9.  6;  dal.  6.  10.).  in  the  day  ...  spoken' J esu.s  Clirist  will  constrain  her  the  more 
iov— i.e.,  when  she  hhallhe  souoht  innxarrUiae  freely  to  render  all  to  .Solomon  Kom.  s.  '2-4: 
<Jud.  14.  7,).  viz.,  by  Jesus  Christ,  the  hea-  1  Cor.  6.  20;  Gal.  6.  13;  I  Pel.  2.  16, .  after 
venly  bridegroom.  9.  wall ...  door— the  very  having  paid  what  .ju.stice  and  His  will  re- 
terms  employed  as  to  the  Gentile  question  quire  should  be  itaid  to  others  (l  Cor.  7.  '.^9  31; 
(Acts,  14.  27:  Eph.  2.  14.).  If  she  be  a  wall  in  9.  14.).  "  Before  me"  may  also  mean  •'  I  will 
Zlon,  founded  on  Jesus  Christ  'l  Cor.  3.  11,).  never  lose  sight  of  it"  fcontr.ist  ch.  1.  «.). 
we  will  not  '■  withstand  God"  Acts,  11. 17;  16.  [M.  Stuakt.1  She  will  not  keep  it  for  her^plf, 
8-11.).    But  if  so,  we  must  not  "build"  (Acts,  though  so  freely  civen  to  her,  but  for  His 

15.  14-17  on  her  "wood, hay,  stubble,"(l  Cor.  use  and  glory  (Luke,  19.  13;  Eom.  0.  l.'i;  14. 
3.  12,),  i.e., Jewish  rites,  (fee,  hut  "a  palace  7-9;  l  Cor.  12.  7.i.  Or  the  "two  huniired" 
of  silver,"  i.e.,  all  the  highest  privileges  of  may  mean  a  dorihle  tithe  (two-tenths  of  the 
church  communion  (Gal.  2.  ll-lS;  Eph.  2.  whole  paid  back  by  Jesus  Christ,  as  the  le- 
11-22.).  IniMKe  from  the  splendid  turrets  ward  of  grace  for  our  surrender  of  nil  (the 
"built"  on  t  lie  "walls"  of  Jerusalem,  and  thou.sand)  to  Him  Gal.  6.  7;  Heb.  6. 10:):  then 
flanking  the  "door,"  or  gateway.  The  Gen-  she  and  "those  that  kee]/' are  the  same.  [A. 
tileCi.iirchis  the  "door,"  the  type  of  catholic  Newton.]  But  Jesus  Christ  pays  back  not 
accessibleness  (1  Cor.  16.  9;);  Viut  it  must  be  merely  two  tithes,  but  His  all  for  our  all  (1 
not  a  mere  thoroughfare,  but  furnished  Cor.  3.  21-23.).  13.  Jesus  Christ's  address  to 
with  a  wooden  frame  work,  so  as  not  merely  her;  now  no  longer  visibly  present.  Once  she 
to  admit,  but  also  to  safely  enclo.se:  cedar  is  "had  not  kept"  her  vineyard  (ch.  l.  6;  ;  now 
(fragrant,  beautiful,  .and  enduring.  10.  The  she  "dwells"  in  it,  not  as  its  owner.- but 
Gentile  Cinircli's  joy  at  its  free  admission  to  its  superintendent  under  Jesus  Christ,  with 
gospel  i)rivileges  lActs,  15.  30,  31.).  She  is  vinedressers  ("companions")  ex.  yr.,  Paul, 
one  wall  In  the  spiritual  temple  of  the  Holy  &c.,  (Acts,  15.25,20)  under  her  [v.  ii,  12:):  these 
(i  host,  the  He  I  rew  Church  is  the  other:  Jesus  ought  to  obey  her,  when  she  obeys  Jesiia 
Christ,  the  common  foundation,  joins  them  Christ.  Her  voice  m  prayer  and  praise  is  to 
(Eph.  2.  11-22.).  breasts ...  towers— alluding  be  heard  continually  by  Jesus  Christ,  if  her 
io  the  silver  palace,  which  the  bridal  virgins  voice  before  men  is  to  be  etTective  (ch.  2.  14, 
proposed  to  build  on  her  (i\  9.).  "  Breasts"  end;  Acts,  6.  4;  I3.  2.  3.i.  14.  (See  notp,  ch.  2. 
of  consolation  (Isa.  66.  11;);  faith  and  love  J  17.'.  As  she  began  witk  longing  for  His  first 
Thes.  6.  8:):  opposed  to  her  previous  state,  coming  ich.  1.  2.-.  so  she  ends  witli  praying 
"no  breasts"  {v.  &;  2  Thes.  1.  3.  .    Thus  Ez.  for  His  second  coming  (Ps.  130.  6:  Phil.  3.  -.iO, 

16.  4fi,  61,  was  fulfilled,  both  Samaria  and  the  21;  Kev.  22,  20.).  M.  Stuaet  makes  the  roe- 
Gentiles  being  joined  to  the  Jewish  gospel  upon-spices  to  be  the  musk-deer.  As  there 
Church,  favour— rather,  peace.  The  Gentile  are  four  gardens,  so  four  mountains,  which 
Church  too  is  become  the  Shulamite  (ch,  6.  form  not  mere  images,  as  Gilead.  Carniel, 


13  ),  or  peace-enjoying  bride  of  Solomon,  i.e.,  &c.,  but  part  of  the  structure  of  tlie  Song. 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Prince  of  Peace  Kom.  5.  1;  (l.)  Bether,  or  division  ch.  2.  17.),  (iod's 
Epli.  2.  14.).    Reject  not  those  whom  God  justice  rfaidmg  us  from  God;   2.)  Those  "of 


accepts  (Num.  11.  28;  Luke,  9.  49;  Acts,  16.  8.  leopards"  (ch.  4. 8. ,  sin,  the  world,  and  Satan; 

8.1.     Piather.  superadd   to   such   every  aid  (3.)  That  "of  myrrh  ar.d  aloes"  (ch.  4.  6,  14,), 

and  privilege  {v.  9.).    11.  Tlie  joint-Church  the   sepulchre   of  Calvary:    4.)  1'hose   "of 

speaks  of  Jesus  Christ's  vineyard.    Trans-  spices,"  here  answering  to  '  thehillof  Irank- 

ference  of  it  from  the  Jews,  who  rendered  incense"  (ch.  4.  6.!,  wliere  His  soul  was  for 

not  the  fruits,  as  is  implied  by  the  silence  re-  the  three  days  of  His  death,  and   heaven, 

specting  any,  to  the  Gentiles  (Mat,  21.  3o-43.).  where  He  is  a  High  Priest  now,  ofTering  in- 

Baal-hamon— equivalent   to   the  oivner  of  a  cense  for  us  on  the  fragrant  mountain  of  His 
multitude:  so  Israel  in  Solomon's  days  (1  Ki. ,  own  finished  work  (Heb.  4.  14;  7.  25;  Kev.  8. 

4    20:):  so  Isa.  6.  1,  "a  very  fruttjul  hill:"  3,4;);  thus  He  .surmounts  the  other  three 

abounding  in    privileges,   as    in    numbers,  mountains,  (iod's  justice,  our  sin,  death, 

thousand  pieces- I'iz,,  silverlings.  or  shekels.  The  mountain  of  slices  is  as  much  greater 

The  vineyard  had  lOOO vines  probably:  a  vine  than  our  sins,  as  heaven  is  higher  than  earth 

at  a  silverling  (Isa.  7.  23.).  referring  to  this  (Ps.  103.  11.;.    The  abrupt  unsatisfied  close 

passage.    12.  "Mine,"  by  grant  of  the  true  with  the  yearning  prayer  for  His  r?.<(/''<;com- 

Solomon.    IS ot  merely  "let  out  to  keepers,"  ing  shews  that  the  marnajfe  is  future,  ana 

as  in  the  Jewish  dispensation  of  works,  hut  that  to  wait  eagerly  tor  It  is  our  true  atti- 

-n.ine"  by  urace.    This  is  "  before  me  "  i.e.,  tude  (lCor.l.?j  I  Thes.  1. 10;  Tit.  2. 13;  2 Pet, 
inmyvowt'r.  [Maur.]  But  though  no  longer;  3. 12.). 
4W  UJ 


Date  Due 

1 

f) 

f 


